Does male menopause exist?

Do men really go through menopause as women do? Some doctors believe they do. Others do not and this has led to an ongoing debate. While female menopause has been recognized by medical professionals for years, male menopause has only recently been recognized by some medical professionals.

Key Takeaways

Male menopause, or andropause, involves declining testosterone:

As men age (typically between 35 and 65), testosterone levels gradually decrease, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, depression, and sexual health issues like erectile dysfunction and low libido.

Symptoms can be managed with lifestyle changes and testosterone therapy:

Men experiencing male menopause can improve symptoms through a healthy diet, regular exercise, and stress management. Testosterone replacement therapy is also an option, offered in forms like gels or injections, to restore hormone levels.

Regular medical monitoring is essential:

If undergoing testosterone therapy, men need periodic blood tests to ensure safe hormone levels. Although this therapy can provide symptom relief, it carries risks, including potentially worsening prostate cancer and increasing the risk of blood clots.

Lower testosterone levels

Male menopause, if it should be called that, happens when a man’s testosterone hormone levels go down. Testosterone is the hormone that is responsible for sexual development in males and controls the sex drive in males. Menopause can occur in men between the ages of 35 to 65. Male menopause produces symptoms that can be treated with testosterone therapy.

Fatigue, weight gain, depression, sexual health issues

Male Menopause symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, depression, sexual health problems, and mood changes. Sexual problems can include infertility, lowered sexual desire and erectile dysfunction. The majority of men who are in male menopause will experience low libido and may not be able to maintain a strong erection.

If you are suffering from erectile dysfunction, there is a medication that can help. It's called Viagra, and it can help a man achieve and maintain an erection long enough to have sex. You may want to apply for a sildenafil UK prescription at UK Meds if you are suffering from erectile dysfunction.

Lack of sex drive, poor sleep habits

For some men, sex may be less pleasurable. It may also cause changes in sleeping habits. Men may also notice more body fat and less muscle tone. They may also notice a decrease in physical endurance and strength. A man may also experience psychological symptoms such as forgetfulness or trouble concentrating. In addition, they may experience night sweats, joint pain, and hot flashes.

Causes for male menopause

Several things can cause a man to enter male menopause. These include low testosterone deficiencies, excessive drinking of alcohol, being overweight, smoking tobacco, high blood pressure, certain medications, and poor circulation. Other causes can include an unhealthy diet, not enough exercise and depression.

Difference between male and female menopause

Men’s and women’s menopause symptoms differ significantly. In female menopause, estrogen production stops completely. In male menopause, there is a slower, more gradual decline of testosterone hormone. While a woman’s ovaries will completely stop making eggs, a man can produce sperm well into old age.

Treatment for male menopause

Many men may feel embarrassed and do not seek treatment for their symptoms. They need not worry. Most doctors are now aware of this problem and will be able to help treat their bothersome symptoms. The doctor will perform a physical exam to diagnose male menopause. In addition, they will ask the patient what symptoms they are experiencing. The doctor will also do a series of lab tests to measure hormone levels. Additional blood work will be performed to rule out any underlying illnesses such as hypothyroidism and clinical depression.

Testosterone replacement therapy

If a doctor determines that the patient does have low testosterone levels, they may order testosterone hormone replacement therapy for them. Testosterone can be given in many forms including injections, patches, creams, gels or pills. If you are prescribed testosterone gel then this will need to be applied to the skin - once absorbed, it will successfully increase your testosterone levels and decrease any symptoms of low testosterone.

Blood tests

Periodic blood tests must be performed to make sure the level of testosterone in the blood stays at a safe level. Testosterone therapy offers relief of male menopause symptoms is many men. However, it does have some risks and side effects. One side effect is that prostate cancer may worse with testosterone therapy. Testosterone therapy can also increase the chances that a person will get a blood clot.

Easing symptoms of male menopause

There are many other things that can be done to help ease the symptoms of male menopause. To reduce symptoms, try to live a healthy lifestyle. A healthy diet and daily physical exercise will help to ease male menopause symptoms. Strength training can help reduce body fat and keep muscles from losing muscle tone.

Try to find ways to lessen and manage stress. It is important to get seven to eight hours of sleep a night. Avoid excessive alcohol consumption and make sure high blood pressure is kept under control.

Age of men affected

Male menopause can affect many men over the age of 40 and can cause various troubling symptoms. Most doctors now recognize male menopause and can offer significant relief from these symptoms. Read more on improving your sex life and overcoming your sexual fears.

Medically Reviewed by:
Dr. Alexis Missick MBChB. MRCGP
GMC reference no: 7151419
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