🌿 Folk Prescriptions

Menopause is a normal physiological change occurring after middle age. Male menopause comes slightly later than female menopause, generally between ages 50–60. Mild cases require no treatment; severe cases need hormone or other medication under medical supervision. Combining food adjustment with medication often produces excellent results. For mild symptoms, dietary regulation alone can achieve good outcomes.
TCM holds that menopause results from declining kidney qi. Proper dietary planning not only alleviates menopausal symptoms but also facilitates a smoother transition through this phase.
Below are dietary guidelines for male menopause:
1. Weight gain stems from disrupted metabolism. Therefore, increase intake of protein-rich, calcium-rich, and vitamin-rich foods, and reduce high-sugar foods. Mainly consume fresh vegetables, supplemented by chicken, fish, rabbit meat. Milk and soy products provide both calcium and protein needed during menopause, along with essential trace elements; they can be consumed regularly.
2. Maintain a low-salt, light, and balanced diet with moderate proportions of animal and plant-based foods.
3. Avoid overeating at dinner. Daily meal distribution can follow a ratio of 35% calories for breakfast, 35% for lunch, and 30% for dinner. Avoid binge eating.
4. Honey contains various nutrients and lubricates intestines. Although it contains considerable sugar, moderate honey water can reduce intake of high-calorie foods and offers benefits of "moistening, soothing, detoxification." Its advantages outweigh disadvantages. Drinking about one tablespoon of honey water daily is a good choice for bodily regulation.
5. Avoid spicy, dry, and pungent foods.
6. Shrimp, mutton, beef, walnuts, etc., strengthen tendons and bones and nourish blood. For males experiencing sexual function decline and reduced libido during menopause, increased consumption of these foods can effectively improve and enhance sexual function. When cooking, consider adding kidney-tonifying herbs such as Cistanche stewed with mutton, Eucommia stir-fried with lamb kidneys, Cordyceps steamed chicken, etc. Moderate consumption of ginseng wine or "Two Seeds Wine" (recipe: 100g dodder seeds, 50g schisandra berries, 100ml low-alcohol wine) is also beneficial. These help address decreased libido, frequent nocturnal urination, insomnia, and palpitations due to kidney yang deficiency.
7. For men with symptoms such as irritability, insomnia, headaches, memory decline, tension, fatigue, and poor cardiovascular function during menopause, focus on foods that improve headache, dizziness, fatigue, palpitations, and shortness of breath. Examples include jujubes, walnuts, oats, yam, longan. Dishes like Longan-Jujube Congee or Goji Berry Stewed Softshell Turtle effectively calm the spirit and enhance memory. Avoid coffee, tea, and other stimulants. Best to drink lingzhi tea before bedtime, which boosts menopausal resistance and promotes better sleep.