Key Takeaways About Andropause

• Male menopause, also known as andropause, is a topic of ongoing debate in the medical community.
• Some experts believe the decline in testosterone levels men experience as they age can lead to symptoms similar to female menopause.
• However, others argue that male menopause is not scientifically sound.
• In the article below, we will explore the current understanding of andropause, its associated symptoms, and the available treatment options.

Related: What Are The Top 5 Men’s Health Concerns?

Is Male Menopause Real?

Proponents of male menopause argue that a decline in testosterone levels can lead to symptoms like a decreased sex drive, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, depression, cognitive decline, and even hot flashes.

They argue that these symptoms are similar to those experienced by women during menopause, and testosterone replacement therapy can be an effective treatment.

Critics of the concept of male menopause argue that the symptoms associated with andropause, like a decrease in hormone levels, are not unique to men and can be caused by various other factors.

They also argue that the decline in testosterone levels is a normal part of aging and is not a medical condition that always requires treatment.

The science on male menopause isn’t clear-cut.

Testosterone levels decrease with age, but it is referred to as “age-related testosterone decline” or “late-onset hypogonadism,” It is a natural part of the aging process.

There’s an ongoing debate about whether the symptoms associated with this decline are clinically significant and whether testosterone replacement therapy is appropriate.

Studies have shown that testosterone replacement therapy can improve symptoms such as sexual function and reverse the loss of muscle mass.

However, whether it significantly impacts the overall quality of life or cognitive function is unclear.

More research is needed to fully understand the relationship between testosterone levels and symptoms in aging men. 

At What Age Do Symptoms Occur?

Symptoms of andropause can occur gradually as men age.

The symptoms can also present differently in each individual.

Men typically start experiencing a testosterone deficiency in their late 30s or 40s.

However, some men may not experience symptoms until their 50s or 60s. 

Symptoms

The symptoms of andropause can vary widely from person to person, and not all men will experience the same symptoms or to the same degree.

The most common symptoms associated with andropause include:

• Low libido or sexual dysfunction: Testosterone plays a crucial role in sexual function. A decline in testosterone levels can lead to reduced sexual desire and difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection.
• Fatigue and decreased energy levels: Testosterone helps regulate energy levels and muscle mass, and a decline in testosterone levels can lead to feelings of fatigue and weakness.
• Depression and mood changes: Testosterone plays a role in regulating mood, and a decline in testosterone levels can lead to feelings of depression, irritability, and mood swings.
• Difficulty in maintaining muscle mass: A decline in testosterone levels can lead to muscle loss and weakness.
• Difficulty in maintaining a healthy body weight: Testosterone plays a role in regulating body weight, and a decline in testosterone levels can lead to increased body fat and weight gain.
• Difficulty sleeping: Since testosterone helps regulate sleep, a decline can lead to insomnia, difficulty sleeping, and an overall lack of sleep.
• Reduced cognitive function: A testosterone level decline can lead to memory problems, poor concentration, and altered decision-making.

Remember that other factors, such as stress, illness, or medications, can also cause these symptoms.

You should consult a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying medical conditions and to determine if testosterone replacement therapy is appropriate.

Causes Of Andropause

The potential causes of andropause include:

Low Testosterone: The most common cause of andropause is a decline in testosterone levels. Testosterone levels naturally decrease as men age, and low hormone levels can lead to andropause symptoms.

Lifestyle Issues: Certain lifestyle factors can also contribute to developing andropause. These include a poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption.

Health Conditions: Certain health conditions can also contribute to developing andropause. Things like obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease can lead to andropause.

Medications: Medications like antidepressants, opioids, and corticosteroids can also impact testosterone levels, leading to andropause symptoms.

Testicular injury or infection: Damage or infection to the testicles can affect testosterone production.

Male Menopause Treatment

The treatment options for andropause depend on the underlying cause of the symptoms. The goal of treatment is to restore testosterone levels to within the normal range and alleviate symptoms.

Testosterone replacement therapy: The most common treatment for andropause is testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). TRT can help alleviate low libido, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, and depression. However, it could increase the risks of a blockage in the urinary tract and prostate cancer.

Lifestyle changes: Making lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and quitting smoking can help alleviate symptoms of andropause.

Medications: Medications like phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5 inhibitors) can treat erectile dysfunction.

Hormone replacement therapy: Sometimes, hormones like human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) can boost testosterone levels.

Surgery: Although rare, surgery may be needed to treat underlying conditions causing andropause symptoms, such as tumors on the pituitary gland or testicles.

Visit Choice Men’s Health

If you think you may be experiencing andropause symptoms, and it’s causing friction between you and your spouse, you must visit a men’s health clinic for an evaluation.

A healthcare professional can help determine the underlying cause of your symptoms and recommend the best treatment.

With years of experience treating sexual conditions, Choice Men’s Health can help you get back in the bedroom and feel like your old self again.

Schedule an appointment with our Atlanta Men’s Health Clinic by calling (404) 400-3717 or filling out a form here.