Menopause in men

While some claim that men go through menopause, others assert that this is not the case for men. Which is accurate? Men can experience this type of menopausal period under certain circumstances, but it would be inaccurate to refer to it as menopause since the process is different from what women go through (6).

 

The pathway by which men's testosterone levels decline is when older men's testosterone levels fall as a result of declining Leydig cell mass in the testicles or a malfunction in hypothalamic-luteinizing hormone, which in turn results in low testosterone production (6).

 

In men who are 50 or older, andropause causes a decrease in testosterone production. The term andropause is frequently used by doctors to refer to male hormone changes brought on by ageing. While testosterone production does decrease as men get older, it also does so when they have diseases like diabetes, among others.

 

Hormone changes occur naturally as we get older. There are several ways in which male menopause differs from female menopause, and not all men go through it. Your reproductive system won't completely shut down as a result. However, because of your lower hormone levels, there might be sexual issues. The decline of testosterone in men happens more gradually than it does in women during menopause, when hormone production completely stops. In contrast to the ovaries, the testes never run out of the substance required to produce testosterone. A healthy male may continue to produce sperm well into his 80s or beyond. Men's testosterone levels vary greatly. The testosterone levels of older men are typically lower than those of younger men. Throughout adulthood, testosterone levels gradually decrease (1, 2).

 

 

What are the signs and symptoms of andropause?

Recognizable signs and symptoms of low testosterone levels may include:

  • Changes in sexual function.

Testosterone plays a key role in libido in men. However, someone with low testosterone will likely experience a more drastic drop in their desire to have sex. This might include reduced sexual desire, erectile dysfunction, and fewer spontaneous erections. Your testes might become smaller as well.

  • Changes in sleep patterns.

Sometimes low testosterone causes sleep disturbances, such as insomnia or increased sleepiness.

  • Physical changes. 

Various physical changes are possible, including increased body fat, reduced muscle bulk and strength, and decreased bone density. Swollen or tender breasts (gynecomastia) and loss of body hair are possible. Rarely, you might experience hot flashes and have less energy. Low testosterone levels in the body can also contribute to smaller-than-average-sized testicles.

  • Emotional changes. 

Low testosterone might contribute to a decrease in motivation or self-confidence. You might feel sad or depressed or have trouble concentrating or remembering things.

 

 

How do men stay healthy?

The most common type of treatment for symptoms of male menopause is making healthier lifestyle choices. For example, your doctor might advise you to:

  • Eat a healthy diet.

What you eat has a major impact on testosterone as well as other hormone levels. Therefore, you must pay attention to your long-term calorie intake and diet strategy. Constant dieting or overeating may disrupt your testosterone levels. Eating enough protein can help maintain healthy levels and aid in fat loss, which is also associated with testosterone.

  • Get regular exercise.

Exercise is one of the most effective ways to prevent many lifestyle-related diseases. Interestingly, it can also boost your testosterone.

  • Get enough sleep.

  • Reduce your stress.

What are the andropause treatments?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), men who experience a drop in testosterone level should be offered treatment with testosterone replacement therapy in addition to leading a healthy lifestyle to prevent or reduce the risk of andropause happening.

It is therefore best to seek medical advice if you ever experience any of these symptoms. If a lifestyle or psychological factor is the root of the issue, the appropriate action will be taken to deal with it. It might be brought on by stress, depression, low self-esteem, obesity, being overweight, smoking, or consuming excessive amounts of alcohol.

 

References

  1. WebMD (n.d). Male Menopause https://www.webmd.com/men/guide/male-menopause
  2. Healthline (n.d). What Is Male Menopause? https://www.healthline.com/health/menopause/male#diagnosis-and-treatment
  3. Adam Fellman. (2018). Is The Male Menopause Real? https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/266749
  4. Mayoclinic (n.d). Male Menopause: Myth or Reality? Https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/mens-health/in-depth/male-menopause/art-20048056
  5. NHS. (2019). The ‘male menopause’ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/male-menopause/
  6. Duncan, C.G. & Richard, P. (2000). The Male Menopause: Does it exist? For some men need investigation and testosterone treatment. West J. Med. 173(2): 76–78. DOI: 10.1136/ewjm.173.2.76