You may have heard the term ‘male menopause’ in the media, and wonder if it really exists.
Do men experience a drop in male hormones in middle life, the same way women experience a sudden drop of female hormones when they stop ovulating?
Can men experience hot flushes, weight gain, mood swings and other similar symptoms to the female menopause?
The answer is that testosterone levels do indeed fall as men age, but the decline is generally slow and steady. It does not match the sudden drop in hormone levels that women experience.
So what does this mean for the supposed ‘male menopause‘?
Is the male menopause real?
According to the NHS website, the decline in testosterone for men is steady at about 1% a year from the age of around 30 to 40.
Because of the slow, steady nature of the decline, it is unlikely to cause any significant problems in itself.
So you’d be right in thinking that there is no major physical event affecting all men the way menopause is experienced by women.
But it would not be correct to say that men never experience testosterone deficiency in later years, nor that some men don’t experience symptoms that look like menopause.
Both things do happen, but they don’t happen to all men. And ‘male menopause’ symptoms are not always hormone related the way they are for women. Let’s take a closer look.
Common ‘male menopause’ symptoms
Lifestyle factors or psychological problems can be responsible for many of the symptoms common in people’s conception of the ‘male menopause’.
For example, erectile dysfunction, low sex drive and mood swings can occur during midlife for men, and might be incorrectly attributed to the natural decline in male hormones.
However, these symptoms could just as likely be the result of:
- Stress: Particularly work related stress which is not uncommon as people progress in their careers.
- Depression: Marital issues, ageing parents and children leaving home can all be triggers for depression at middle age.
- Anxiety: Men who mask their emotions may be prone to suffering from anxiety in later life.
A ‘midlife crisis’ can be responsible for all of the above. It’s not uncommon to reevaluate life at the halfway stage and experience enthusiasm or energy difficulty as a result.
Anxieties over what they have accomplished so far, either in their job or personal life, can lead men to a period of depression at this stage of life.
Often, a midlife crisis is something that people can emerge from with new priorities and perspectives. But while it’s happening it can give rise to unwelcome emotions and symptoms.
Men’s health in middle age
Specific psychological problems can also be the underlying cause of perceived ‘male menopause’ symptoms. These can be work or relationship issues, money problems or worrying about elderly relatives. Low self-esteem can have an effect too.
There may also be physical causes of erectile dysfunction, such as smoking or heart problems, which may happen alongside psychological causes.
Other causes of ‘male menopause’
There are other possible physical causes of ‘male menopause’ symptoms. If a man of middle age is experiencing irritability, loss of sexual desire and low energy levels, it could be down to these physical causes:
- Lack of sleep
- Diet
- Insufficient exercise or sedentary lifestyle
- Over use of alcohol or drugs
- Smoking.
‘Male menopause’ treatments
If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms related to what’s called ‘male menopause’, you can arrange to see your GP. They will know your medical history, and they will ask about your work and personal life to see if your symptoms may be caused by a mental health issue, such as stress or anxiety or by a significant life event like grief or job loss.
You can also find out more about Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) at our clinic by booking a consultation with us to discuss concerns about low testosterone levels.
Testosterone treatment
Lifestyle changes such as weight loss, a healthy diet, and regular exercise are often the first recommended steps, as they can naturally boost testosterone in men affected by obesity.
If lifestyle changes are insufficient and testosterone levels are clinically low, you may be prescribed or recommended Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT).
Testosterone Therapy is administered via topical gels, patches or injections.
Late onset hypogonadism
The condition called late onset hypogonadism is a testosterone deficiency that sometimes develops in men in later life.
It’s defined by a drop in testosterone levels, and is typically accompanied by physical, psychological and sexual symptoms.
Some of these health problems do look like symptoms of menopause. They include weight gain, sexual dysfunction, increased tiredness, poor concentration and low mood.
Here is what the symptoms look like in more detail:
Physical symptoms common to low testosterone:
- Decreased muscle mass and physical strength.
- Increased tiredness and fatigue
- Poor concentration, low energy, difficulty sleeping.
- Weight gain or increased body fat (ie man boobs)
- Lower bone density (osteoporosis)
Psychological or emotional symptoms:
- Depressed mood or mood swings
- Irritability
- Brain fog, reduced motivation or mental sharpness
Sexual symptoms:
- Reduced libido (decreased sex drive)
- Erectile dysfunction and a decrease in morning erections.
What causes androgen deficiency?
Androgen deficiency (another name for male hypogonadism or andropause) occurs when the male body produces insufficient levels of male sex hormones, primarily testosterone.
Testosterone naturally declines in men by about 1% to 2% per year around middle age. It’s an age-related fact of life. But a true diagnosis of male hypogonadism requires more than just this gradual change that happens naturally when men have reached life’s halfway stage.
Androgen deficiency is highly associated with underlying health conditions that can suppress the body’s natural hormone production. Obesity and metabolic syndrome are two significant culprits.
Hypogonadism diagnosis
Hypogonadism is sometimes present from birth, which can cause symptoms like delayed puberty and small testes.
It can also occasionally develop later in life, particularly in men who are obese or have type 2 diabetes.
A diagnosis of late-onset hypogonadism can usually be made based on your symptoms and the results of blood tests used to measure testosterone levels.
Do I need hormone replacement therapy?
Your GP may order a blood test to measure your testosterone levels.
If the results suggest you have a testosterone deficiency, you may be referred to an endocrinologist, a specialist in hormone problems.
If the specialist confirms this diagnosis, you may be offered testosterone treatment, also known as testosterone replacement, to correct the hormone deficiency.
Men’s Health / TRT at The Menopause Clinic
For many years, The Menopause Clinic has led the way in prescribing tailored solutions for women experiencing the effects of hormone changes as they get older.
Now, we have extended our expertise to support male patients. While hormonal imbalances are often associated with women, men can also suffer from significant shifts in hormone levels, particularly testosterone, as we’ve outlined above.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) is a medically supervised treatment designed to restore healthy testosterone levels.
TRT can help alleviate symptoms by improving energy levels, mental clarity, strength, and overall well-being. At The Menopause Clinic, our expert team provides thorough assessments, including blood tests and consultations, to develop a tailored plan suited to your needs.
If you are experiencing symptoms of low testosterone, book a consultation today to explore how TRT can support your health and vitality.
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