Is There Medical Evidence For Male Menopause?

Is it possible to compare the decline of testosterone and other hormones in men with menopause?

It is natural for hormone levels to change as we age. When women go through menopause, their levels of oestrogen drop dramatically - do men experience the same thing?

A term commonly used by the media, 'male menopause', describes a decline in testosterone caused by ageing and associated symptoms- including fatigue, poor concentration, weight gain, and erectile dysfunction.

There's something wrong with the term "male menopause" since men's declining fertility differs significantly from women's menopause. As men age, their hormone levels decrease gradually. Men with testosterone deficiency, often called hypogonadism and androgen deficiency, cannot make enough testosterone.

In Other Words, What Exactly Is Testosterone, And How Does It Change With Age?

In both emotional and physical well-being, testosterone - often referred to as the male sex hormone - plays an important role. A man's testicles, also known as the testes, are the primary source of testosterone. Red blood cells and sperm are produced by testosterone. It also increases sex drive, maintains muscle and bone strength, and regulates body fat distribution.

In men, testosterone production begins during puberty and peaks around 20 years old. Around 1% to 2% of testosterone is usually lost each year after age 30. A condition known as andropause occurs more gradually than female menopause and shouldn't be a cause for concern.

Certain lifestyle Factors Can Trigger Menopause-Like Symptoms.

When you reach middle age, you may have to adjust your life. It is common for people to experience changes in their health, loss of relationships, or financial problems. A 'midlife crisis' can also occur if you think your life as halfway through. Menopause-like symptoms may appear in such situations, including self-doubt, energy changes, mood shifts, low motivation, low self-esteem, and altered sexual drive.

Among the other things that can cause menopause-like symptoms are:

• Dietary deficiencies
  
  
• Lack of exercise
  
  
• Sleep deprivation
  
  
• Overindulging in alcohol

Is Testosterone Deficiency A Problem?

A lack of testosterone - or hypogonadism - may be one of the causes of symptoms of 'male menopause.' Testes produce fewer or no hormones when they work less efficiently. According to a large European study, approximately 2% of males aged 40-79 and 5% of men aged 70-79 suffer from testosterone deficiency.

Men are more likely to develop hypogonadism as they age, although it can occur at any age. Around 2% to 6% in older men suffer from late-onset hypogonadism. Symptoms of this disorder include:

• Decreased muscle mass and strength
  
  
• An increased risk of breaking a bone
  
  
• Increased body fat
  
  
• A decreased libido
  
  
• Infertility
  
  
• Hot flushes and sweats
  
  
• Decreased growth of body hair
  
  
• Erectile dysfunction
  
  
• Changes in mood, e.g. anger, depression, irritability and sadness
  
  
• Fatigue
  
  
• Poor concentration and memory
  
  
• Trouble sleeping
  
  
• Low self-esteem

How Does Testosterone Deficiency Occur?

It is possible for normal ageing to cause hypogonadism. Testicular injury, obesity, alcohol abuse, sedentary lifestyles, certain medical conditions, such as cancer, HIV, lupus, mumps, and organ failure, and some medicines can also affect testosterone levels.

It's also more common among men with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, prostate disease, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Is There Anything I Can Do To Increase My Testosterone?

Confident lifestyle choices can accelerate the decline in testosterone. To naturally increase testosterone levels, follow these lifestyle changes:

1. Maintaining a healthy weight is imperative, as an increase in body mass index (BMI) can directly and negatively affect testosterone levels. Male overweight is the most significant risk factor for testosterone deficiency.

2. Don't drink too much alcohol. Alcohol affects male reproductive health by affecting the endocrine system. One of the main hormones responsible for controlling the reproductive system in the body is the luteinising hormone (LH), which is reduced by this drug. Pituitary hormones stimulate testosterone production in the body.

3. Regular exercise is one of the healthiest things you can do for your body, improving muscle strength and reducing disease risk. According to a study, resistance strength training may also boost testosterone levels.

4. Please make sure your body gets enough sleep. Sleep is essential for proper functioning. Sleep can also help maintain testosterone levels and lower the risk of depression and heart disease. Sleeping five hours a night for one week can lower as much as 15% of testosterone.

5. What is the best time to see a doctor? If you are experiencing symptoms in your late forties or older, discuss them with your doctor. Your symptoms may also be caused by other conditions that cannot be ruled out by low testosterone levels alone.

Your doctor may ask some questions from the screening questionnaire for androgen deficiency in ageing males (ADAM).

Your doctor may ask some questions from the screening questionnaire for ageing males with androgen deficiency (ADAM). Your doctor may ask some questions from the screening questionnaire for ageing males with androgen deficiency (ADAM). The following questions are included:

• Have you noticed a decrease in libido?
  
  
• Are you feeling tired?
  
  
• Are you experiencing a decrease in strength and endurance?
  
  
• Is your height decreasing?
  
  
• Do you feel that your quality of life has decreased?
  
  
• Is your mood gloomy?
  
  
• Does your erection strength seem to be waning?
  
  
• Playing sports has recently become more difficult for you.
  
  
• After dinner, do you fall asleep?
  
  
• Has there been a recent deterioration in your work performance?

If you want to learn more about male menopause or andropause, you may benefit from speaking with a healthcare provider.

A doctor at Mobi Doctor can provide information about the condition and discuss potential treatment options. Male menopause can affect older men and may cause symptoms such as decreased energy levels, mood changes, and reduced sex drive. If you are experiencing male menopause, you must consult a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.