DOES LOW TESTOSTERONE CAUSE MALE MENOPAUSE?

Although many people have negative feelings toward aging, getting old is still better than the alternative as has been said many times. In recent times, there has been a lot of talk about male menopause (also sometimes called andropause), a change in men which is purported to be similar to the “change of life” that women experience. Since male menopause would definitely be a sexual health concern, it’s good to spend a little time looking at andropause and understanding just what it is and what is involved.

First, it’s important to know that there is some debate as to whether there really is such a thing as male menopause. In essence, this is more a debate concerning whether the use of the term male menopause is appropriate. (Other terms used to describe male menopause include ADAM (androgen decline in the aging male), late onset hypogonadism or testosterone deficiency). All these terms describe a condition in which there is a gradual but significant decrease in testosterone levels in men as they age. It is different from menopause in women, which is a more complex chemical shift with more resulting changes.

So, with all the controversy, what exactly are we talking about here? Essentially, as stated above, this is all about men losing testosterone as they age and what that means for them.

Some loss of testosterone is typically associated with aging. Around age 30, men begin to see a decrease in testosterone of about 1% per year. This drop in testosterone is so gradual that most men don’t really see effects for many years – usually not until they get to be around 60 years of age. About 20% of men in their 60s have what would be considered low testosterone; when you move to men in their 70s, the figure is thought to be about 30%. There are many men who maintain “normal” testosterone levels into their 80s and beyond.

Complicating matters is the fact that there are some men who, when their testosterone levels are measured, would be considered “low testosterone” but they don’t present with any of the symptoms associated with low testosterone (and therefore with male menopause).

Symptoms of Low Testosterone

What are those symptoms? They include:

– Lower libido

– Fewer spontaneous erections

– Erectile dysfunction

– Infertility

– Fatigue and sleep problems

– Muscle loss and loss of height/increased body fat

– Night sweats

– Loss of body hair

– Shrunken testicles

– Irritability

– Depression

Not everyone with low testosterone shows all of these symptoms.

Older men who experience some of these symptoms should discuss them with their doctors to see what kind of treatment might be desirable. Often lifestyle changes and mental health assistance can be very valuable. In some instances, testosterone replacement therapy may be recommended which is available at all our clinics.

If you find yourself struggling with any sexual problems that are related to Early Ejaculation, Erectile Dysfunction, Low Libido, STI or Circumcision. Do get in touch with us to book a consultation with our professional doctors who specializes in Men’s Sexual Health.