What about Male Menopause?

Can you answer this question? Male Menopause – Does it Exist?

What about male menopause? You may have heard of men having a mid-life crisis, but have you ever heard of male menopause?  You may also hear it referred to as "andropause," "hypogonadism," or "low T."There is still much debate among the medical community as to whether it exists, but most would agree that testosterone (androgen) does decrease gradually in men as they age.

What is the difference between female menopause & male menopause?

In female menopause, there is a more pronounced decline and cessation in the production of the female hormone, estrogen.  This results in specific symptoms such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and irregular or missed periods with eventual complete cessation of periods and the inability to reproduce.

In men, however, this decrease in testosterone is less dramatic, and therefore they do not experience a fast onset of symptoms.  In fact, men can continue to produce sperm and reproduce into old age.  Levels of testosterone can begin to decline gradually as early as age 30 in some men.

In men undergoing andropause, their testosterone can also be converted to estrogen and DHT (dihydrotestosterone), the latter of which is also associated with male-pattern baldness and increased hair growth on a man's torso.

What are the signs and symptoms of male menopause?

In addition to reduced testosterone levels, men may notice the following:

• Increased fatigue
• Weakness
• Decreased libido
• Erectile dysfunction
• Loss of muscle mass
• Depression
• Weight gain
• Decreased concentration

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If you feel these symptoms describe you, the next step is to speak to your physician.  You want to find a doctor who will listen to you, and tell you that it is not all in your head.  After all, you know what is normal for you, and what is not.

 What should your doctor do?

• Gather a list of your symptoms
•  Do a physical exam, as necessary
• Rule out any other possible causes for what you are describing.  For example, statin drugs used to lower cholesterol can cause lowered testosterone levels.
• Do blood tests to test your testosterone levels (some doctors will also measure free testosterone (not just total), as free levels indicate how much hormone is actually biologically active in the body).  He/she may also include tests of your Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) and Free Androgen Index.

What if your blood testosterone levels come back low?

Testosterone replacement therapy can be used to help many of the symptoms you are experiencing.  Like hormone replacement therapy in women, however, there can be long-term potential side effects.  Recent reports indicate that there could be an increased risk of heart attack and stroke when testosterone replacement is implemented; however, this is also being debated.  So be sure to do your homework.  Review the latest research, weigh the pros and cons, and determine what is best for you.

To conclude, male menopause is still debated by many health professionals.  Although it is different from the menopause that females experience, there are definitely similarities in that there are physical and emotional consequences.  You do not need to suffer in silence, as there are things that can be done.

Can you answer this question? -  Does Male Menopause Exist?

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To your prosperity!