Women going through menopause often experience symptoms of mood swings, hot flashes, irritability, and insomnia. But as men age will they experience similar symptoms? Is male menopause actually a real thing?
Male menopause, otherwise known as andropause or late-onset hypogonadism, is a real health condition.
Older men undergoing male menopause will experience a set of symptoms linked to declining levels of testosterone as well as the hormone androgen, thus the reason it is called andropause.
Not every man will experience male menopause but, for those that do, the symptoms, many of which are the same as female menopause can have a significant effect.
While male menopause and andropause are characterized by low levels of testosterone and androgen, some of the other common symptoms include:
● Weight gain
● Irritability
● Mood swings
● Fat redistribution (including accumulated belly fat and “man boobs”)
● Lack of energy
● Lack of enthusiasm
● Insomnia
● Extreme exhaustion
● Poor concentration
● Memory lapses
● Erectile dysfunction
● Infertility
An important thing to note is that many of these symptoms may have nothing to do with low testosterone. These symptoms might also be an indication of high blood pressure, heart disease, or diabetes. Certain tests can be taken in order to rule out these possibilities. Other conditions related to aging often display the same symptoms. It is imperative that you consult your doctor if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.
Compared to what women experience during menopause, a sudden nosedive of hormones, symptoms of declining testosterone are much more gradual.
Why Do Levels of Testosterone Decline?
The hormone testosterone is central to the development of male sexual characteristics in young men; body hair, a deeper voice, and muscle mass. So it’s normal for older men to experience a decline in levels as they age.
“Male menopause” can be a misleading term because it suggests that there is a sudden drop in hormone levels as with female menopause, but this is simply not the case.
Around the age of 30 or 40, testosterone levels generally decline about 1 to 2% every year. These levels can drop off more quickly if the individual is affected by diabetes, obesity, chronic disease, or medication abuse.
Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle
Lifestyle choices such as exercise and diet, and psychological issues such as stress and depression can also be a major contributing factor to hormone decline.
Although male testosterone levels begin dropping gradually between the ages 30 and 40, some symptoms may be the result of normal lifestyle changes. Psychological changes could be the result of more work stress, aging family members, children, divorce, or money issues. Often psychological issues work in tandem with lifestyle choices and create a brutal unhealthy cycle.
It is imperative to physical health to be mentally healthy as well.
Lack of sleep, poor diet, drinking too much alcohol, indulging in drug behaviors, and smoking are all risky health behaviors that could lead to low testosterone.
Hypogonadism
In rare cases, late-onset hypogonadism is responsible for symptoms that present themselves as “male menopause.” Hypogonadism is sometimes present from birth. It can cause delayed puberty and smaller testes development.
Occasionally, hypogonadism presents itself later in life but is usually the result of Type-2 Diabetes or obesity. It is not very common and only a consult with your doctor and then blood tests can accurately determine if this is the cause of low testosterone levels.
Treatment for Low Testosterone
Some health professionals believe testosterone therapy can help men experiencing erectile dysfunction, and others suggest hormone replacement therapy can help men who are showing symptoms of male menopause. Exercise, relaxation, and cognitive behavioral therapy could all aid in restoring hormone levels.
Still, others believe that testosterone treatment should be administered to older men even when no signs of male menopause are present. If it is determined that you would benefit from testosterone treatment, you will likely be directed to an endocrinologist. Treatment options include pills, patches, and gels… It’s always best to discuss your options with your doctor before proceeding with any kind of treatment.
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.