Symptoms, Causes and Treatment for andropause in aging men.
If you are reading this article, chances are you have experienced one or more of the symptoms of what is commonly called “Male Menopause.” Depression, anxiety, loss of libido, lack of energy, loss of muscle mass, erectile dysfunction and sometimes hot flashes can occur in men as they age.
While it’s a catchy term, it’s not an accurate clinical diagnosis. Coined in 1944, the term “male menopause” was an attempt by researchers Carl Heller and Gordon Myers to describe a range of aging-related hormone-driven symptoms that resembled those found in menopausal women.
What is Male Menopause?
“Male menopause” is a common term used to describe a variety of natural conditions that related to the change in the hormonal, physical, psychological, social, and sexual aspects of a man’s life as they age. Clinically referred to as “Andropause,” it generally occurs in men between the ages of 40 and 55, although it can begin as early as 35 or as late as 65.
What are the Symptoms of Male Menopause?
Symptoms of male menopause may include loss of libido and potency, nervousness, depression, impaired memory, the inability to concentrate, fatigue, insomnia, reduction in muscle mass, erectile dysfunction, hot flushes, and sweating. These symptoms can have physical, sexual and psychological impact on a man’s life resulting in:
- Low energy
- Depression and sadness
- Decrease/lack in motivation
- Difficulty in focus/concentrating
- Lowered self-confidence
- Difficulty sleeping or insomnia
- An Increase in body fat
- Reduced muscle mass and feelings of physical weakness
- Gynecomastia, or development of breasts or “man boobs”
- Decreased bone density
- Erectile dysfunction and infertility
>> Take a quick online screening for symptoms of Male Menopause.
What Causes Male Menopause?
As you age, your body’s testosterone levels will typically begin to drop. This drop in testosterone levels is a natural occurrence and according to the Mayo Clinic, the average decline is about one percent per year after men turn 30. Even though it is “natural” there is an increase in testosterone loss recently that is unexplained. Men in the United States are losing more testosterone than they used to. Environmental factors including air quality, types of food and their production and other conditions may be responsible for this but research hasn’t been conclusive on why.
Treating Male Menopause
Many men go to their doctors complaining of the symptoms listed above. In the past, these conditions might have been dismissed as normal signs of aging, but today doctors can do a simple blood test to determine if lower testosterone levels are the root cause of these problems.
If testosterone levels are low, doctors may make several recommendations, including lifestyle and dietary changes. For many, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) may also be used to help address several symptoms, such as loss of interest in sex (decreased libido), depression, and fatigue. Testosterone replacement therapy comes in a variety of forms including skin patches, gels, injections and implanted pellets.
In 2015, the journal The Ageing Male published a study by The Centre for Men’s Health and University College Hospital in London called Evolution of testosterone treatment over 25 years. The researchers studied 2000 men who exhibited symptoms of male menopause, including loss of libido and depression. The study found that symptoms improved after the men had testosterone replacement therapy, and that “many men who could benefit from symptom relief, improvement in related clinical conditions and given preventive medical benefits remain untreated.”
Male Menopause Treatment in Massachusetts
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above or feel that male menopause may be impacting your lifestyle, please call our office at 781-399-LowT to schedule a consultation at our convenient location in Stoneham, MA. We are eager to get you the help you may need to get back to feeling like yourself again. Boston Vitality is an office of Dr. Michael Zachareas, a board certified urologist. Dr. Zachareas has treated thousands of men who suffer from Low T or andropause and is very familiar with the symptoms, causes and treatments needed to treat low testosterone. Boston Vitality is a private and discreet option for men who are looking to treat the symptoms of low testosterone in the Boston area. We try and make your experience quick and easy! Why not call and get your blood work done to see if you have low testosterone and see if Boston Vitality can help?
