Is Male Menopause Real? Warning Signs Your Testosterone Levels Is Too Low

Male menopause, also known as andropause, affects men as they age and can cause fatigue, mood changes, and low libido. Know about its causes, symptoms, and when to seek help.

When people hear the term "menopause," they usually think of women. However, a similar stage may also be experienced by men commonly referred to as male menopause or andropause. This is not an identical process to female menopause, but it entails a slow reduction of the amount of testosterone that may impact the physical, emotional, and sexual health of a man.

What Is Male Menopause?

The male menopause refers to a natural decrease in the level of testosterone in men as they grow old. The primary male hormones are testosterone that is the factor of muscle bulk, bone density, mood, and force of sexual desire. In contrast to menstruation, where the levels of estrogens and follicles fall abruptly, in men the testosterone levels drop progressively average 1 percent per year once they have reached age 30 or 40.

This stage is a medically referred to as late-onset hypogonadism. The degree to which men experience various changes can also vary and in some cases the changes are non-existent or mild.

Causes of Male Menopause

The primary reason is the progressive reduction in testicular production of testosterone. But symptoms can be exacerbated or earlier induced by other factors:

1. Ageing: This is the most prevalent cause since the hormone levels decline with the age.
2. Obesity: The surplus body fat may decrease the testosterone levels and disorient hormones balance.
3. Chronic stress: Testosterone production can be disrupted by high levels of cortisol produced by stress.
4. Unhealthy lifestyle habits: Smoking, sleeplessness, alcohol, and physical activity can accelerate hormonal loss.
5. Health conditions: Medical conditions such as diabetes and thyroid complications and some drugs may also influence the amount of testosterone.

Male Menopause: Warning Signs and Symptoms

Common signs include:

• Feeling of low energy and persistent fatigue
• A bad mood, irritability, depression
• Change in sex drive or erectile difficulties
• Reduced muscle bulk and fat build-up
• Sleep dysfunctions and low motivation

How is it Diagnosed?

In most instances, the doctors start by taking a detailed medical history, physical examination, and blood tests to test the testosterone level. They can also eliminate other possible causes such as thyroid disorders or depression.

Male Menopause: Treatment

The male menopause may sometimes be controlled by lifestyle modification and even medication.

1. Healthy lifestyle: Hormone balance can be maintained by eating balanced meals, physical exercises, and sleeping.
2. Stress management: Such activities as meditation, yoga or relaxation may be used to reduce stress.
3. Medical treatment: In case the level of testosterone is extremely low, a physician can recommend testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). He or she should however only do so under medical supervision, as it has side effects.

Consulting a doctor when necessary can make a significant change in handling this phase most efficiently.