Women aren’t the only ones who struggle with hormone changes in midlife as they enter perimenopause, the lead-up to menopause (the end of fertility), which typically starts in a woman’s early- to mid-40s. Men also go through hormone changes, but andropause, as “male menopause” is officially known, differs from menopause in a number of significant ways.

 

Primary care and family physician Dr. Richard Pedroza provides men’s health services at AGP Family Health Clinic in Tomball, Texas. If you’re experiencing symptoms from a drop in hormone levels due to andropause, here’s what you need to know about the condition and how it’s treated.

 

Specifics of male menopause

 

Male menopause” is the colloquial term for andropause, which describes the age-related reduction of the hormone testosterone (low T) in cisgender males and males assigned at birth (MAAB) aged 50 or older. It’s often affiliated with hypogonadism, or a reduction in the size of the sexual organs.

 

In MAAB, testosterone is produced in the testes, but it’s responsible for more than just fueling sex drive. It’s also behind the changes during puberty, is responsible for mental and physical energy, maintains muscle mass, and regulates the fight-or-flight response, among other key processes.

 

Before puberty, testosterone levels are low, but as the body grows and becomes sexually mature, the levels rise significantly, typically causing changes such as:

  • Growth of muscle mass
  • Growth of body and facial hair
  • Lowering the pitch of the voice
  • Changes in sexual functioning

After age 30, though, testosterone levels in MAAB typically begin to drop. According to the Mayo Clinic, the levels decline an average of 1% per year, which is a fairly slow rate. Some health conditions cause earlier or more drastic declines in testosterone levels.

 

It’s important to understand that, although the term “menopause” is used for both men and women, menopause in cisgender males significantly differs from menopause in cisgender females. It’s not related to the menstrual cycle, it doesn’t involve a complete shutdown of your reproductive organs, and not all MAABs experience it. However, the altered hormone levels can lead to sexual complications that you may want to have treated.

 

Male menopause symptoms

 

Male menopause can lead to a variety of physical, sexual, and psychological problems that typically worsen as you age. They can include:

  • Low energy
  • Depression
  • Decreased motivation
  • Lowered self-confidence
  • Problems focusing
  • Insomnia or difficulty sleeping
  • Increased body fat
  • Reduced muscle mass
  • Feelings of physical weakness
  • Gynecomastia (enlargement of breasts)
  • Decreased bone density (osteoporosis)
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Decreased libido
  • Infertility

Other symptoms include swollen or tender breasts, decreased testicle size, loss of body hair, and even hot flashes. Low T associated with male menopause has also been linked to osteoporosis (loss of bone density), in much the same way as menopausal women are at risk for osteoporosis due to the drop they experience in the female hormone estrogen. These symptoms typically affect MAABs at the same age as FAABs entering menopause.

 

Treating male menopause

 

The most common treatment for the symptoms of male menopause is making healthy lifestyle choices, such as eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise and enough sleep, and reducing your stress levels. These changes can benefit all men, not just those with low T, and they can dramatically improve your overall health.

 

If depression is one of your symptoms, Dr. Pedroza may prescribe antidepressants and some form of  psychotherapy, as well as lifestyle changes.

 

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is another treatment option, but it’s a controversial one. Synthetic testosterone, like performance-enhancing steroids, can have damaging side effects, such as fueling the growth of cancer cells. You and Dr. Pedroza need to weigh all of the positives and negatives of the treatment before deciding whether to go ahead with it.

 

If you’re a MAAB in your early 40s or older experiencing the symptoms we’ve discussed here, it’s possible you’re dealing with the uncomfortable effects of male menopause. AGP Family Clinic can help. Call the office at 832-861-0393 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Pedroza, or book online with us today.

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