Male Menopause: Symptoms and Treatment

What is Male Menopause?

“Male Menopause” or sometimes called the “andropause” is actually considered a symptom of male aging or more clinically referred to as testosterone deficiency syndrome or androgen deficiency of the aging male, and late-onset hypogonadism. As men age, it is normal that they experience a decline in the production of the male hormone testosterone.

Along with the decline in testosterone, some men experience symptoms that include:

• Mood swings and irritability.
• Loss of muscle mass and reduced ability to exercise.
• Fat redistribution, such as developing a large belly or “man boobs” (gynecomastia)
• General lack of enthusiasm or energy.
• Decrease in libido and sexual desire .
• Difficulty sleeping (insomnia) or increased tiredness.
• Poor concentration and short-term memory.
• Chronic illness (which includes obesity, depression & diabetes)

What to do

Seek professional help. Your GP should work out the recommended programme for you.
This condition has no precise definition. Men who experience these physical changes are treated according to their symptoms. For example, a person who suffers obesity is given weight management support and will be recommended a suitable exercise regimen. The same thing to a person who has diabetes and cardiovascular disease will require appropriate management for the underlying condition such as controlling blood glucose levels.

On the other hand, the most common way of treating menopausal symptoms in men is by choosing a healthier lifestyle. For example, your doctor might advise you to:

• eat a healthy diet and maintain a healthy weight
• get regular exercise
• get enough sleep
• reduce your stress

Does Testosterone Replacement Therapy Help?

Testosterone replacement therapy is also known as androgen replacement therapy and its aim is to eliminate the symptoms of menopause in men. Treatment includes the use of long-acting testosterone injections to restore testosterone to alleviate symptoms such as fatigue, depression, lack of sex drive and other symptoms. [Sources: 2, 10]

Is there a side effect?

Testosterone Replacement Therapy has potential risks and side effects. Replacing testosterone may worsen prostate cancer and increase the risk of heart disease. If you think you are considering testosterone/androgen replacement therapy, it is strongly recommended talking to a doctor to learn more about it.

The Takeaway

If you are experiencing “male menopause” symptoms, as mentioned, talk to your doctor about it, so they can do evaluations and testings and recommend the best possible treatment options for your needs.