Most people are familiar with the concept of menopause, but it’s mostly associated with “the change” that women go through later in life. Of course, many people have also joked about men going through “manopause” or male menopause, too. But, is it real? Do men go through menopause?
Not exactly, but they may experience a decline in testosterone levels that could cause troubling symptoms. Then again, low testosterone may not be to blame. It’s a fine line, so we’re going to break it all down for you.
What Is Male Menopause?
Falling hormone levels are a natural part of aging. However, men and women experience this drop differently.
Every woman will eventually go through menopause, usually between the ages of 45 and 55. Her hormone levels (primarily estrogen, but also progesterone and testosterone) rapidly decline, causing a number of symptoms, like skipped periods, hot flashes, and a decline in libido.
However, some men experience a gradual decline in their testosterone levels as they age. It’s called andropause, and beginning in their mid-30s, a man’s testosterone levels may begin dropping between 1% to 2% per year.
Why Male Menopause Can Be Difficult to Recognize
As men age, they may experience a number of symptoms that might be caused by low testosterone. But “may” and “might” are critical here. Many of the symptoms overlap with the normal aging process, making it difficult to pinpoint the cause based strictly on the reported symptoms, and some men with low testosterone don’t have any symptoms.
Below is a list of common symptoms associated with andropause. If any of them sound familiar, it may be worth getting your testosterone levels checked. However, testosterone levels fluctuate throughout the day, so hormone tests are usually done in the morning when levels are highest. If your first test shows low testosterone levels, you may need to do a repeat blood test to confirm the results.
- Low or no libido
- Erectile dysfunction (ED)
- Mood swings and irritability
- Infertility
- Loss of height
- Osteoporosis or loss of bone mineral density
- Hot flashes or night sweats
- Anemia
- Lower muscle mass and strength
- Increased body fat or weight gain
- Hair loss
- Fatigue
It’s also important to rule out other possible causes of your male menopause symptoms. For example, some medications can cause ED, while sleep apnea can lead to daytime fatigue and irritability. Other possible causes of your male menopause symptoms could be:
- Thyroid disorders
- Mental health issues
- Diabetes
- Obesity or other metabolic issues
What Is the Treatment for Male Menopause?
If you have low testosterone or andropause and the symptoms are problematic for you, there are treatment options that can help you lessen their impact.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is one option to ease the symptoms of male menopause. It may be delivered via pills, gel, cream, patches, or injections. Most men feel relief in four to six weeks, but some changes, like in your muscles and fat, take as long as six months.
Lifestyle Changes
If low testosterone isn’t the cause or TRT isn’t an option for you due to medical reasons, lifestyle changes may help control your male menopause symptoms:
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Exercise regularly
- Practice good sleep hygiene
- Eat a balanced diet
- Limit alcohol
- Mange chronic health conditions
Optimal Wellness for Everyone
Low testosterone or male menopause isn’t a condition that requires treatment. For many, it’s a natural part of the aging process, and some men with low-t never develop any symptoms. But if you suspect or know you have low-t and it’s impacting your quality of life, the caring, compassionate staff at Complete Wellness & Aesthetics can help.
We offer men’s HRT, thyroid management, and more to help you get your male menopause symptoms under control. Take the first step toward optimal health and schedule a free consultation today.