When you hear the word “menopause,” what comes to mind?
Well, for me, it definitely evokes thoughts of middle-aged women coping with hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and many other age shifts.
However, is it only women who meet menopause in midlife? Do men go through menopause?
Men don’t go through menopause like women, but they can experience symptoms related to declining testosterone levels and aging. This condition is commonly referred to as “male menopause” or “andropause.” It can cause various symptoms like low libido, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, mood swings, anxiety, etc.
This blog post will explore the complexities of male menopause, shedding light on its symptoms, causes, and potential treatments.
Do Men Go Through Menopause?
Men do not experience menopause like women – a sudden decrease in hormones, leading to the cessation of menstrual cycles and the reproductive years. However, men also experience gradual changes in hormones later in life. This male equivalent of menopause is known as “andropause” or “male climacteric.”
However, there is a debate in the medical community regarding the existence of male menopause. Some believe that the term “menopause” may not be fully accurate for men, as they do not experience a complete stoppage of reproductive ability as women do.
On the other hand, some suggest that the symptoms associated with male menopause may be related to lifestyle factors or psychological problems rather than hormonal changes.
However, while the term “male menopause” may be controversial, the symptoms associated with this condition are very real and can significantly impact a man’s quality of life. Therefore, understanding and addressing this issue is crucial in men’s lives.
Understanding Male Menopause or Andropause
Male menopause, or andropause, is a condition that older men may experience as they age. Unlike female menopause, it doesn’t halt the ability to reproduce but represents a gradual decline in testosterone levels.
Age-related decline in testosterone levels in men usually starts after the age of 30, dropping at a rate of 1-2% per year. It is not as rapid as female menopause, but by the age of 70, the average man’s testosterone levels decrease to about 20% of their peak levels in youth. Up to 30% of men over 50 may experience below-normal testosterone levels.
Low testosterone levels can cause several issues in men, such as decreased muscle mass, bone density, erectile dysfunction, infertility, and mood change. The severity may vary.
What Causes Male Menopause?
Various factors can contribute to male menopause and andropause. Let’s explore them.
Aging
As men age, their testosterone levels decrease naturally. This can affect their overall health and well-being. The decrease usually begins around the age of 30 and continues throughout their lives. By the time they reach age 70, some men may experience up to a 50% reduction in their testosterone levels.
Thus aging can cause hormonal changes that disrupt the body’s balance of hormones and lead to andropause.
Hypogonadism
Hypogonadism is a medical condition where the gonads have reduced functional activity. It can lead to male menopause symptoms and low testosterone levels in men.
Low testosterone levels can cause hypogonadism due to testicular issues or abnormalities in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) regulatory axis. There are two types: primary, caused by testicular failure, and secondary, caused by issues in the hypothalamus or pituitary gland.
Factors that can cause hypogonadism include-
- abnormalities in the testicles, hypothalamus, or pituitary gland
- Stress
- problems with the pituitary gland
- congenital infections
- treatments like radiation or chemotherapy
- Medical conditions
- genetic issues that affect the hypothalamus or pituitary gland.
Hypogonadism can cause a variety of symptoms such as erectile dysfunction, infertility, decreased muscle mass, mental and emotional changes, and certain symptoms similar to those of menopause in women.
Medical Condition
Several medical conditions can contribute to male menopause by affecting the rate of decline in testosterone levels.
Around 25-50% of men with type 2 diabetes have low testosterone levels, which is a key factor in male menopause. Diabetes can lead to male menopause, or andropause, due to its impact on androgen levels and insulin resistance.
Overweight men are more likely to suffer from low testosterone due to an age-associated decline in growth hormone concentrations. This results in an increase in SHBG and a reduction in bioavailable testosterone.
Other chronic medical conditions like obesity, depression, HIV/AIDS, kidney disease, and liver disease can also play a role
Lifestyle Factors
Experts suggest that your lifestyle plays a big role in maintaining hormonal balance. So, your way of living can lead to male menopause. These may include-
- Lack of sleep
- Unhealthy eating habits
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Excessive alcohol intake
- Smoking
- Lack of exercise.
What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Male Menopause?
Andropause causes symptoms in men, but it’s not the same as menopause in women. Andropause involves a gradual decline in testosterone levels and the associated symptoms.
The signs and symptoms of male menopause may include-
- Reduced muscle mass and strength
- Increased body fat build-up
- Loss of bone density
- Fatigue
- Hot flushes
- Night sweats
- Mood swings and irritability
- Anxiety and depression
- Difficulty sleeping
- Reduced libido and sexual function
- Erectile dysfunction
- Low motivation
- Difficulty concentrating
- Poor memory
- Gynaecomastia
- Loss of body hair
- Infertility
- Weakness
How Long Does The Male Menopause Last?
The duration of male menopause is a topic of debate. It may last for up to 15 to 20 years as the body adjusts to lower testosterone levels. However, if left untreated, it can continue indefinitely since testosterone levels decrease throughout a man’s life.
However, not all men experience andropause symptoms. If you experience symptoms associated with male menopause, consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.
Male Menopause Diagnosis
To rule out male menopause, your doctor may perform a physical exam to assess your overall health. He will check for any signs of underlying medical conditions that may be contributing to the symptoms.
Besides, the doctor also evaluates your symptoms and their duration, severity, and impact on daily life. He may prescribe blood tests to measure your testosterone levels and other hormones and markers that can help determine the cause of the symptoms.
Male Menopause Treatment
If declining testosterone is significantly impacting quality of life, a variety of treatment options are available.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy
Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) is a treatment for men with low testosterone levels. It can relieve symptoms of andropause by restoring hormonal balance. There are several forms of TRT for male menopause-
- Injections
- Patches
- Gel or cream
- pellets
- Oral medication
Choosing the form of TRT usually depends on your health needs and preferences. However, medical supervision is crucial to adjust dosages and monitor side effects like acne, sleep apnea, blood clots, and increased risk of heart disease.
Medication
In some cases, your doctor may prescribe medications to help manage symptoms. For example, you may have to take antidepressants if you have depression.
Sometimes, doctors may prescribe supplements, herbal supplements, or acupuncture to manage your symptoms.
Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle changes can help manage symptoms associated with male menopause. These may include-
- Regular exercise – helps balance hormones, reduce body fat, and build muscle. A mix of resistance training and cardio is ideal.
- Healthy diet – good fats, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats. Avoid sugar, excess carbs, and carbonated beverages.
- Stress reduction – chronic stress raises cortisol which inhibits testosterone.
- Quality sleep – aim for 7-9 hours per night. Lack of sleep disrupts hormones.
- Achieve/maintain a healthy weight – obesity converts testosterone to estrogen.
- Avoiding unhealthy habits – limit alcohol consumption, smoking, and caffeine intake.
Male Menopause vs. Female Menopause
For decades, menopause has been viewed as an exclusively female experience—and certainly, far more attention and awareness surrounds its impact on women. However, men go through gradual hormonal changes later in life as well.
However, there are definitely significant differences between the two. Let’s explore how-
| Aspect | Male Menopause (Andropause) | Female Menopause |
| Definition | A gradual decline in testosterone levels in some men as they age. | A natural aging process in women where the menstrual cycle completely stops permanently for the depletion of ovarian oocytes. |
| Onset | Starts around the age of 30 with a slow and gradual decrease of approximately 1-2% per year | Typically diagnosed after a period of 12 months when a woman has missed menstruation for all 12 consecutive months. |
| Symptoms | Fatigue, insomnia, sexual problems, baldness, hot flashes, depression, anxiety, mood swings, low energy, loss of muscle mass, and increase in body fat. | The end of menstruation, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, low sex drive, depression, anxiety, insomnia, weight gain, hair loss, mood swings, etc |
| Diagnosis | physical exam, symptom assessment, and blood tests. | blood tests to measure levels of estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). |
| Treatment | Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT), lifestyle changes | Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), lifestyle changes, and medications. |
FAQ
Do men get hot flashes?
Yes, Men may experience hot flashes due to low testosterone levels, which disrupt their body’s temperature regulation. It can lead to a sudden feeling of warmth or flushing, followed by a cold, clammy sweat.
Can men get early menopause?
Men do not experience early menopause in the same way as women. Male menopause or andropause usually occurs after the age of 30, and the decrease in testosterone levels is less severe, happening more slowly and subtly.
Bottom Line
Menopause is indeed a term we always connect to women. However, what about men? Do men go through menopause?
Well, Men may experience a decrease in testosterone levels after 30, known as andropause. It can impact their lives severely, so understanding and treating the symptoms is crucial.
Hormone Replacement Therapy in Los Angeles successfully treats hormonal imbalances to provide optimal care.
