As men and women age, both will experience changes in their hormone levels. While female menopause is underscored by a dramatic shift in reproductive hormone levels, signs of male menopause are more subtle because their hormone levels change more gradually.
Male menopause is also known as andropause. And the symptoms that accompany it can be referred to as androgen deficiency, testosterone deficiency, and late-onset hypogonadism.
The male menopause age is generally 50 or older. Testosterone in men is produced in the testes. And not only does it propel the male sex drive, but it is also instrumental during puberty, in providing mental and physical energy, and helping maintain a man’s muscle mass.
Unlike women, not every man will experience male menopause. During female menopause, women stop ovulating, and the sudden drop in hormone production manifests itself in a set of obvious symptoms. But male menopause symptoms are not so apparent.
Male Menopause Symptoms
Levels of low testosterone in older men can easily go unnoticed. Testosterone levels can be easily checked by running a blood test, but men usually don’t get their blood checked for this.
Physical, sexual, and psychological issues can arise during male menopause and sometimes become worse as you age.
Male Menopause symptoms can include:
- Decreased Motivation
- Depression
- Low Energy
- Cognitive Impairment
- Difficulty Sleeping
- Reduced Muscle Mass
- Increased Body Fat
- Development of Breast Tissue aka Gynecomastia
- Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
- Infertility
- Reduced Libido
- Decreased Bone Density
The Mayo Clinic reports that “a man’s testosterone levels decline on average about 1% a year after age 40.” It’s important to note that other conditions may cause testosterone levels to decline in younger men as well.
Treatment for Men With Low Testosterone
Treating men with symptoms of male menopause will vary from person to person.
Some doctors and health professionals recommend testosterone treatment for men who are having sexual difficulties so that it might improve their sexual function. And some suggest that testosterone therapy be administered to those who are showing signs of male menopause.
In addition, other experts recommend that testosterone treatment be given to older men who are going through male menopause even though there are no symptoms of male menopause. With any kind of therapy or treatment, it is always best to discuss your symptoms with your doctor beforehand.
If you want to know more about male menopause symptoms, hormone replacement therapy, or are suffering from symptoms you believe are different from life’s natural course, then let’s talk.