Think of the word ‘menopause’ and you may think of a woman in her late 40s or 50s experiencing hot flashes or night sweats. But, what if we told you that it’s not only women who experience a change in hormone levels as they age? While men don’t experience a significant shift - they experience a shift, all the same. This change in hormone levels, particularly the male hormone testosterone, is sometimes referred to as ‘male menopause’ (or andropause).
Remember, the hormone changes in women during menopause are considerable, and nearly every woman is guaranteed to experience it. However, ‘male menopause’ is a term that essentially refers to the gradual decline of testosterone levels in men as they age, and not every man will experience This shift is typically referred to as age-related low testosterone [1].
Some of the ‘male menopause’ symptoms include:
- Mood swings
- Loss of muscle mass, reduced muscle, or increased body fat
- Lack of energy or enthusiasm
- Insomnia
- Poor short-term memory
- Weight gain - particularly around the stomach or the chest area
- Erectile dysfunction and/or loss of libido
See also: Low Testosterone Symptoms in Men: Your Quick Guide to Low Testosterone
What are the symptoms of male menopause?
It’s estimated that after the age of 40, a man’s testosterone levels begin to decrease around 1% per year [2]. Remember, this shift in testosterone level is completely natural with age, and not every man will experience it. Again, ‘male menopause’, or a shift in hormone levels in older men is unlikely to cause any major symptoms or signs - in contrast to female menopause.
If symptoms or signs do occur, not including the symptoms mentioned above, they typically mirror the symptoms of low testosterone or testosterone deficiency.
Symptoms of ‘male menopause’ may include:
- Reduced sexual desire pr sex drive
- Sexual problems
- Erectile dysfunction
- Height loss
- Hot flushes
These symptoms and signs can have an effect on your everyday life and self-confidence so if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, it’s important to reach out to your doctor for advice. And, if you are curious about your testosterone levels, you can check in on them with a blood test - either from home or with your medical provider.
See also: Low Testosterone Levels and Bodybuilding: What you Should Know
What causes hot flushes in a man?
Contrary to popular belief - hot flushes aren’t just an issue women experience, in fact - at times, men experience hot flushes too, and they can be just as bothersome.
For both men and women, hot flushes are associated with a shift in hormone levels. With that said, because testosterone declines at such a small percentage, men can usually maintain healthy testosterone levels - helping to prevent hot flushes. According to Harvard Health, men who undergo androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer are more likely to experience hot flushes; around 70-80% of these men to be exact! [3]
Experienced hot flushes? Then you probably don’t need a reminder of the feelings that come along with them. If not, some of the common symptoms tend to include:
- Reddening of the skin
- Sweating
- Heart palpitations
- Irritability
See also: Does Low Testostosterone Equal Low Mood?
Can you treat male menopause?
Although a number of men may not even realize they are experiencing age-related low testosterone, in others - the shift, and the symptoms that come along with it, can be unfavorable.
Testosterone replacement therapy, also known as hormone replacement therapy, is sometimes considered by healthcare professionals in order to help reverse any troublesome symptoms and side effects of hypogonadism [4]. There are a number of forms of testosterone therapy, these include:
- Gel solutions
- Testosterone injections
- Patch
- Implantable pellets
Don’t forget, testosterone therapy or hormone replacement therapy may not be the right option for everyone and it’s important to discuss your testosterone treatment options with your healthcare provider.
See also: What is Testosterone Replacement Therapy?
How long does male menopause last?
Male menopause refers to the decline of testosterone levels in men around the age of 30 or 40. This gradual decline is typically pretty steady and with this in mind, it’s difficult to answer how long it lasts. But, it’s important to remember that a gradual decline in testosterone is completely natural in men as they get older.
In some cases, symptoms sometimes associated with ‘male menopause’ such as reduced muscle mass, sexual problems, or feeling tired and weak might be a result of late-onset hypogonadism which occurs when the testes produce very little to no hormones. It’s also important to note that at times, it can be a result of something as simple as lifestyle factors such as stress or worry which can be managed with small lifestyle changes.
If you’re concerned about your symptoms, make sure to reach out to your healthcare provider.
One of the best ways to know more about your testosterone levels and male hormone levels is through a simple blood test. This can be done with your doctor or from home with LetsGetChecked’s at-home Male Hormone Test.
LetsGetChecked’s Male Hormone Complete Test offers a comprehensive insight into your hormone levels and hormonal health, the test can help identify any imbalances in your hormones that may be affecting your everyday life. Online results will be available within 2-5 days on your personalized dashboard and our dedicated medical team will be available to answer any questions you may have about your results or the next steps you should take.
You should consider taking a test if:
- You are undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy
- You suffer from Klinefelter syndrome
- You suffer from type 1 and type 2 diabetes
- You suffer from hemochromatosis
- You have a pituitary gland disorder
- You are obese
- You suffer from chronic stress
- You take anabolic steroids
- You have a family history of low testosterone
- You suffer from thyroid issues
- You have kidney or liver disease
- You have anorexia nervosa
See also: How do you Check Testosterone Levels From Home?
References
- Mayo Clinic. Male menopause: Myth or reality? Online: Mayoclinic.org
- Harvard Health Publishing. Hot flashes in men: An update. Online: Harvard.health.edu
- Harvard Health Publishing. Hot flashes in men: An update. Online: Harvard.health.edu
- Mayo Clinic. Male menopause: Myth or reality? Online: Mayoclinic.org
