At a certain age, men can also be affected by a disruption in the hormonal system. This phenomenon can be compared with the menopauseis called andropause and results in a decrease in testosterone over time. A period well known to women around the age of 50, with the definitive cessation of ovulation and periods. Hot flashes, irritability, sleep problems… what are the symptoms of andropause in men? To better understand, scientists from the Mayo Clinic explained its mechanisms and the signs to watch for.
Male menopause: the main difference from women
If we can sometimes use the term male “menopause”, the similarities between andropause and female menopause are quite weak, according to UroFrance. Indeed, unlike menopause, andropause is not synonymous with the cessation of reproductive capacities in men. Furthermore, postmenopausal women experience a sudden drop in their sex hormones, while it is more gradual in men suffering from andropause. To better understand what we can call male “menopause”, scientists from the Mayo Clinic explained its mechanisms and the signs to watch for.
What are the factors causing andropause in men?
According to Mayo Clinic researchers, the production of testosterone and other sex hormones gradually declines in men over a period of years, a so-called late-onset hypogonadism. Although it is accepted that testosterone levels can significantly decrease with age, the consequences of this decrease are not clear.
Testosterone level of a man decreases on average by about 1% per year after age 40 according to scientists at the Mayo Clinic. However, they note that most older men still have normal testosterone levels, and only 10 to 25 percent of them have so-called low levels. Unlike female menopause, andropause therefore does not affect all men. Researchers add that low testosterone levels can also often go unnoticed, as many people do not experience any symptoms of the decline. Furthermore, the symptoms associated with low testosterone levels can be the consequence of many other factors.
Male menopause: what are the first signs?
What are symptoms may indicate low testosterone levels ? Mayo Clinic scientists have listed different factors to watch out for:
- decreased desire and sexual activity
- decreased spontaneous erections or erectile dysfunction
- breast discomfort or swelling
- a infertility
- loss of height, low traumatic fracture or low bone mineral density
- hot flashes or sweats
- trouble sleeping or drowsiness
- a decrease in muscle mass and strength
- an increase in body fat
- a drop in energy, motivation, self-confidence
- a depressed mood
- a lack of concentration
To attest to a situation of male menopause, experts recommend that older men do test their testosterone levels, if they show symptoms. If a first test proves conclusive, it must be repeated and then carried out additional examinations of the pituitary glanda gland of the endocrine system responsible for regulating hormones, in order to confirm the drop in testosterone.
Andropause: what treatments are possible to relieve annoying symptoms?
There is a hormonal treatment to alleviate the symptoms of andropause, which is based exclusively on the administration of testosterone, in injectable form, tablets, gel, but also patch. Furthermore, testosterone treatment requires regular monitoring and a prior prostate assessment, and it is contraindicated in cases of prostate cancer, breast cancer, benign prostatic hypertrophy, state of aggression, sleep apnea, or even serious heart, kidney or hepatic failure, according to the QuestionSexualité website. In all cases, it is essential to be accompanied by your doctor if you choose to undertake testosterone treatmentbecause although it can relieve annoying symptoms, it can also be ineffective, or even present risks in some.
Mayo Clinic researchers recommend, above all, talking with your doctor, in order to weigh the pros and cons and find the best option.
Sources :
- Male menopause: Myth or reality? – Mayo Clinic
- “Male aging and its multiple facets” by Dr Sylvain Mimoun, gynecologist-andrologist-psychosomatician in Paris, and Dr Lucien Chaby, gynecologist-andrologist in Paris – UroFrance,
- Everything you need to know about andropause – QuestionSexuality
- Menopause: definition, symptoms and diagnosis – Ameli.fr
