The hottest topic in town: Menopausal Hotties...

‘B’ is for boll*cks, oops sorry, I mean ‘blokes’!

Now I’m no expert, especially on matters concerning ‘blokes’ - that’s guys, men, fellas, lads, chaps, if you’re not familiar with this particular English colloquialism - but I have had a little experience, and have noticed an all too common a thread discussed over many a G&T with men and women about the significant male in their life.

Can you guess what that common thread is? Hold onto your G&T and allow me to spill...

Male midlife crisis phenomenon or aka ‘male menopause’.

Does it really exist, or is it a convenient excuse to go buy that motorbike he’s always dreamt of? Taken up a sport you never knew he even liked, like cycling? Have you seen those ‘MAMILs’!? Middle aged men in lycra!

Has he perhaps started a hobby, or become a grumpier sod, dressing differently, perhaps tempted by some exotic forbidden fruit, or less interested in getting close and personal?

Hmmmm, these changes, and more, need some further investigation.

C’mon now hotties, stop the unsympathetic eye rolling, no nudging your fellow hotties. We can tell what you’re thinking!

We can confirm that it’s not all hype, smoke and mirrors; there are many articles, studies and reports which confirm it’s just as real for men, as the menopause is for women. However, it doesn’t necessarily affect all men. So it’s not a cock and bull story after all. How nuts is that?

Be completely honest now. How many of you gorgeous hotties were/are sceptical? Perhaps on occasion being guilty of thinking he’s overreacting, being selfish or exaggerating. I take it we are already familiar with the ‘man flu’ scenario, right? Yet at other times, retreating silently into his shell, being too proud to admit to anything being ‘wrong’?

What causes male menopause, otherwise known as andropause, and what are the potential symptoms?

Male menopause has been linked with a drop in testosterone - the hormone in men which fuels changes during puberty, mental and physical energy, maintains muscle mass, regulates that fight-or-flight response, and other, key evolutionary features.

We can safely assume that a decline could have a potentially life-changing or detrimental impact whilst in the midst of it, affecting not only the person going through the change, but also those around them. The average age for the decline in testosterone is said to be around 50 years old. Aka ‘midlife’.

Just as the female menopause has multi-layered symptoms, so too does the male menopause/andropause, which can cause physical, sexual, and psychological problems. They generally worsen as men get older.

These can include:

• low energy
• depression or sadness
• decreased motivation
• lowered self-confidence
• difficulty concentrating
• insomnia or difficulty sleeping
• increased body fat
• reduced muscle mass and feelings of physical weakness
• gynecomastia, or development of breasts
• decreased bone density
• erectile dysfunction
• reduced libido
• infertility

Wow! typically affecting men at the same age as women enter the menopause. Could life get any more complicated? Mother Nature you sure have one messed up sense of humour!!

As fellow hotties we women may need to lead the way. Not one to generalise, but men are notorious for not talking or seeking help, especially about their feelings, fears, physical and/or mental concerns.

Can you imagine NOT being able to talk through our hotness issues?!

As us hotties know well, and appreciate the importance and benefits of being able to talk openly; the power and support that gives us as a community is totally priceless. A true life saver. Sharing really is caring (but don’t tell Emma that if there’s some cake involved!)

C’mon guys and gals - we know it’s good to talk. Buckle up, brace yourself and harness those superpowers to get the conversation started.

It’s time to get the ball rolling - knowledge is power. We hotties are the super sleuths, investigation is in our DNA! There are so many articles out there now on this subject. Men don’t need to take our word for it. Just Google it or ask him to Google on behalf of ‘a friend of yours’ (that old chestnut!)

The name of the game is to spread awareness. Open up discussion, and sharing info is our aim.

Boy oh boy, life and ageing is a total mind trip! A journey we’re all on and no one knows where the path will lead us, but we do know that together, maybe on the back of a Harley D?! That we can work through these changes, explore undiscovered destinations, and have fun while we embrace new unchartered territories.

Together, we can help put the life back into the man in your life!

Hotties we salute you. ‘B’ isn’t for ball breaker - that’s boll*cks!! It’s for being beautifully ballsy, and in control. Take a bow you bodacious beauty!

Julie x