What Is Male Menopause?
Male menopause is the more common term for andropause. It describes age-related changes in male hormone levels. The same group of symptoms is also known as testosterone deficiency, androgen deficiency, and late-onset hypogonadism.
Male menopause involves a drop in testosterone production in men who are age 50 or older. It’s often affiliated with hypogonadism. Both conditions involve lowered testosterone levels and similar symptoms.
Symptoms of Male Menopause
Male menopause can cause physical, sexual, and psychological problems. They typically worsen as you get older. They can include:
- low energy
- depression or sadness
- decreased motivation
- lowered self-confidence
- difficulty concentrating
- insomnia or difficulty sleeping
- increased body fat
- reduced muscle mass and feelings of physical weakness
- gynecomastia, or development of breasts
- decreased bone density
- erectile dysfunction
- reduced libido
- infertility
Changes in Testosterone Over the Years
Before you hit puberty, your testosterone levels are low. Then they increase as you sexually mature. Testosterone is the hormone that fuels typical changes involved in male puberty, such as:
- growth of your muscle mass
- growth of your body hair
- lowering of your voice
- changes in your sexual functioning.
Recognizing low testosterone levels
Low testosterone levels in older men often go unnoticed. Testosterone levels can be checked by a blood test, but tests aren’t routinely done. And many men who have low testosterone levels experience no symptoms. In addition, the signs and symptoms associated with low testosterone aren’t specific to low testosterone.
- Reduced sexual desire and activity
- Decreased spontaneous erections or erectile dysfunction
- Breast discomfort or swelling
- Infertility
- Height loss, low trauma fracture or low bone mineral density
- Hot flushes or sweats
Do I need hormone replacement therapy (HRT)?
Your GP may also 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.
This treatment may be either:
- tablets
- patches
- gels
- implants
- injections
At Amrita Medical Center, our staff is happy to answer any of your questions and help you decide the right fit for you. We even offer same day appointments for your convenience. Contact us here!