The female menopause is widely understood, but do you know that men also undergo hormonal changes in middle age?
These changes may be natural, but they can also challenge our enjoyment of life as we live longer and want to remain active into older age.
Medically supervised male testosterone replacement therapy can help when changes in hormone levels are causing health problems.
Read on to learn more about male menopause and the tailored solutions we can offer our male patients.
Male menopause vs female menopause
It is really a misnomer to call the male experience of hormonal changes in middle age a menopause.
Although the age-related changes occur at a similar time in both men and women, they are quite different experiences.
In women, ovulation ends and periods (menses) stop within a period of a few years, leading to a sudden drop in hormone levels after the menopause.
Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone. The ageing male experiences a much slower, more gradual decline in testosterone levels, losing 1% on average each year after age 40. This is referred to as late-onset hypogonadism, and while some men experience symptoms related to hormone problems, others do not.
Common symptoms of low testosterone
Although their hormone levels decline over time, some men’s testosterone levels remain within normal parameters.
However, this is not always the cause, and men often seek help because they are experiencing symptoms suggestive of low testosterone levels that interfere with their everyday life.
The range of possible male menopause symptoms is wide and includes:
- depression, loss of confidence and mental health issues
increased tiredness, poor concentration
hot flushes or night sweats
reduced libido and erectile dysfunction
weight gain
breast tenderness or swelling
mood swings
brain fog
loss of muscle mass and increased body fat
height loss due to reduced bone density
sleep disturbances, including sleep apnea
How can hormone replacement therapy for men help?
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) helps by boosting testosterone levels, bringing them back within normal parameters.
When male hormone levels return to normal, many men find their symptoms associated with testosterone deficiency are relieved, and their overall health improves.
Male menopause treatment options
Hormone replacement therapy for men can be administered in several ways.
- Topical creams
- Lozenges
- injections
- gels
The choice of delivery method may depend on clinical decisions, patient preferences and lifestyle factors.
How is testosterone deficiency diagnosed in men?
Testosterone levels can be checked with a simple blood test, preferably with blood drawn in the morning, when hormone levels peak.
Other hormones will also be checked to understand your body’s functioning.
- Sex hormone-binding globulin
- Luteinising hormone and prolactin
Your blood will be analysed, and in the absence of any other underlying cause or serious illness, problems with the pituitary gland or obesity that can cause similar issues, you may be a good candidate for hormone replacement therapy.
Male hormone replacement therapy at the Menopause Clinic
We provide a holistic and personalised approach to our male patients/
A diagnostic evaluation
When you come to the clinic, we conduct a thorough evaluation of your health to ensure that replacement therapy is right for you.
We will discuss your current symptoms, your medical history, and lifestyle to create a picture of how you are feeling and your overall health.
You will have a range of blood tests to measure your hormone levels, including testosterone, and we will screen your cardiovascular health.
If your test results indicate that therapy to address hormone problems will relieve symptoms for you, we will start to discuss treatment options.
Your Personal Treatment Plan
We create a tailored treatment plan for each patient.
Your plan may include;
Compounded medication
This is mixed by specialist pharmacies according to our instructions and is designed to suit your individual requirements. This type of hormone therapy may be in the form of bioidentical creams or lozenges.
Licensed options
This type of medication comes in standardised doses approved by regulatory authorities such as the MHRA to ensure safety and effectiveness. Licensed options are available as injections delivered in the clinic or testosterone gels.
Ongoing Care
You will be monitored at regular intervals, with the effectiveness of your treatment being closely observed. If necessary, your dosage may be altered to ensure your testosterone levels are in the normal range.
What results can I expect from male menopause treatment?
The benefits of treatment are numerous, and our male patients frequently report the following:
- Higher energy levels, more stamina and improved zest for life
- Increased muscle mass and reduction in excess body fat
- Improved libido and sexual function
- A more positive outlook and fewer mood swings
- Improved concentration, focus and mental energy
- Better bone density and improved cardiovascular health
How soon will I see the benefits of treatment?
Testosterone replacement therapy is a long-term process and not a quick fix so that you will notice a gradual improvement in your symptoms.
Most patients notice an improvement in their mood and energy levels after about a month. Issues with sexual dysfunction may start to improve after about six weeks. Lean muscle mass will begin to replace body fat, and your strength will improve if you keep exercising.
After 6 months, many patients feel much improved and are much happier in their everyday lives.
Does male hormone replacement therapy carry any risks?
All medical treatments carry potential risks, and testosterone replacement therapy is no different.
Potential risks include acne, increased red blood count and fluid retention.
However, our patients are closely monitored through regular blood tests and cardiovascular health screenings. We will adjust your treatment if we identify any issues.
What else can I do to improve my health and well-being in middle age?
As part of our holistic approach to your health, we also advise on lifestyle changes that can boost testosterone levels and make you feel healthier, stronger and happier.
- Maintaining a healthy weight with a balanced diet – obesity can affect testosterone levels.
- Prioritising sleep – 7 to 9 hours is optimal
- Reducing alcohol intake – alcohol seems to exacerbate the common symptoms of testosterone deficiency.
- Controlling stress levels – high levels of stress can depress testosterone levels.
- Regular exercise with a focus on strength can boost testosterone naturally
Next steps
If you would like more advice about male menopause treatment, contact our friendly team to book a consultation.
Our private HRT clinic is CQC registered. To book an appointment, please call 01706 691683, email info@themenopauseclinic.com, or book online here.
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