Male Menopause - An Overview

Introduction

Hormone shifts are a typical aspect of getting older. However, sex hormone alterations in males occur gradually, as opposed to the more pronounced decline in reproductive hormones that happens in women following menopause. People other than women may experience the impacts of fluctuating hormones.

Some medical professionals have noticed that men are experiencing some of the same perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms as women. Hypogonadism (low testosterone levels), which can be inherited or acquired, can result from either primary or secondary hypogonadism, which can be caused by either testicular dysfunction (primary hypogonadism) or hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction (secondary hypogonadism).

What Are the Effects of Aging on Male Sexual Activity?

A drop in Leydig cell mass in the testicles, a problem with hypothalamic-pituitary homeostatic regulation, or both are the major causes of a decrease in testosterone concentration in aging men. These issues result in abnormally low luteinizing hormone secretion and low testosterone synthesis. Good knowledge means plasma testosterone concentrations decrease as men age normally. Age-related disruption of the hypothalamic-pituitary circadian rhythm might cause excessive drops in plasma testosterone levels by evening.

What Is Male Menopause?

The more frequent name for andropause is "male menopause." It refers to the testosterone levels in cisgender males declining with age. Insomnia, mood swings, and exhaustion are just a few symptoms. It could also impact fertility. When a man reaches the age of 50 or beyond, he experiences male menopause, characterized by a decline in testosterone production. Hypogonadism is frequently linked to it.

Similar symptoms are seen in both disorders, which have low testosterone levels. Also known as late-onset hypogonadism, androgen deficiency, and testosterone deficiency, these symptoms are all grouped.

Low testosterone symptoms and indications include:

• Decreased lust and activity.

• Less spontaneous erections or erectile problems.

• Breast ache or swelling.

• Infertility.

• Loss of height, a low trauma fracture, or poor bone mineral density.

• Sweating or hot flushes.

What Is Testosterone?

The ovaries and testicles produce testosterone. Producing too little or too much testosterone may impact physical and mental health. A hormone called testosterone is present in both humans and other animals. In males, testosterone is predominantly produced in the testicles. Though at much lower levels, testosterone is also produced by women's ovaries.

During puberty, testosterone production begins to rise considerably, and it then starts to decline around 30. Testosterone is frequently linked to sex drive and is essential for the synthesis of sperm. Additionally, it impacts red blood cell synthesis, bone and muscle mass, and how men store fat in their bodies.

What Are the Symptoms of Male Menopause?

Physical, sexual, and mental issues might arise with male menopause. As people become older, they frequently get worse.

They may incorporate the following:

• Low vitality.

• Sorrow or melancholy.

• Decline in motivation.

• Poor self-esteem.

• Difficulties in focusing.

• Problems in sleeping or insomnia.

• Elevated body fat.

• Diminished muscular mass and a sense of weakness.

• Breast growth, also known as gynecomastia.

• A reduction in bone density.

• Erection problem.

• Diminished libido and infertility.

How to Diagnose Male Menopause?

The following are ways to diagnose male menopause:

• A doctor might draw a blood sample to check the testosterone levels in males.

• A physical exam could be done by the doctor.

• A doctor might order blood testing, which may reveal the testosterone level.

• Women will likely manage their symptoms without medication unless male menopause severely affects them or disturbs their lives. The most difficult part of managing male menopause may be discussing their symptoms with the doctor.

What Are the Lifestyle Factors That Lead to Male Menopause?

1. Lifestyle choices or psychological issues may also bring on numerous of these symptoms:

• Erectile dysfunction.

• Poor sex desire.

• Mood swings.

• Stress.

• Depression.

• Anxiety.

2. Along with any psychological cause, there are also physical causes of erectile dysfunction, such as:

• Smoking.

• Heart issues.

3. The following are additional potential reasons for "male menopause":

• Insufficient sleep.

• A poor diet.

• Inadequate exercise.

• Overindulging in booze.

• Smoking.

• Lack of confidence.

What Are the Treatment Modalities That Are Used to Treat Male Menopause?

Making healthy lifestyle changes is the most popular therapy for symptoms of male menopause. As an illustration, the doctor may encourage the patient to:

• Consume a balanced diet.

• Regular exercise.

• Sleep enough.

• Decrease the level of tension.

These lifestyle choices are advantageous for all males. Males suffering from the effects of male menopause may see a significant improvement in their general health after adopting these routines. A doctor could recommend medicines, counseling, and lifestyle modifications if men are depressed. Another option for treatment is hormone replacement therapy. It is, however, highly debatable. The negative side effects of synthetic testosterone are similar to those of performance-enhancing drugs.

What Is Testosterone Replacement Therapy?

Treatment is not usually necessary for hypogonadism, a disorder marked by decreased testosterone production. Women could be candidates for testosterone replacement therapy if low T affects health and quality of life. Artificial testosterone can be injected subcutaneously, applied topically, or taken orally. Increased muscular growth and an increased sex drive are two outcomes that replacement treatment may bring about. However, there are some adverse consequences to the therapy. These comprise:

• Shrunken testicles.

• Oily skin.

• Fluid retention.

• Decrease sperm production.

Conclusion

Sexual desire and potency typically drop as men get older. Most frequently, testosterone is connected to men's sexual desire. It also impacts red blood cell synthesis, bone and muscle mass, mental wellness, and fat storage. Abnormally low or high levels might impact a man's mental and physical health. Hypotestosteronemia has long been linked to affective symptoms. Low bioavailable testosterone levels are substantially associated with depression in elderly men.

According to the most recent recommendations from the World Health Organization, men with hypotestosteronemia who have clear signs and symptoms of androgen deficiency and have ruled out reversible causes and contraindications should be offered testosterone replacement therapy. To alleviate any male menopausal symptoms, the doctor could suggest making some lifestyle or other adjustments. Diet, an exercise regimen, and medications, such as an antidepressant, are some. To learn more about the condition, consult the doctor online.