Male Menopause

By Martha Hall Bowman

Until recently, the term “male menopause” seemed to be largely speculation. But now not only is it beyond speculation, but it also is real and has a name: andropause.

Men as early as their 20s can start experiencing a loss of testosterone, but on average, a man’s testosterone levels begin to decline at a rate of one percent per year after age 40.

“Male menopause involves the hormonal, physiological, chemical and psychosocial changes that occur in men, generally between the ages of 40 and 55,” said Diane Detering, pharmacist at Cardinal Pharmacy. In men, she further explained, menopause – called andropause because the male hormones are properly called androgens –  is a more unpredictable process than in women.  Andropause is characterized by a slow decline in the testosterone level in men. 

“Until recently, andropause has not received the same level of attention as menopause due to the slow nature of its appearance,” Detering added.

What causes the decrease? Aging plays a part in the decrease in hormones, but so does lifestyle. A healthy lifestyle has been shown to be associated with higher hormone levels, and higher hormone levels seem to induce a more active, healthy lifestyle. As a person gains weight, hormones are stored in fat and become unavailable to meet the body’s demands. Additionally, a lack of exercise, excessive alcohol use and many diseases can reduce bioavailable hormone levels.

With this lower level of male hormone, men can experience such symptoms as weakness, fatigue, disturbed sleep, reduced libido, osteoporosis, heart disease, irritability and insomnia. He could also become depressed or anxious. He could lose muscle mass.

Numerous changes are associated with an age-related decline in the hormone testosterone, which is classified as an androgen. While some men go through a sudden change, most men have a slower and more subtle hormonal decline, and they develop symptoms over time.

Symptoms of testosterone deficiency are often attributed to other problems, denied by the patient and/or unrecognized by the physician. But if recognized and treated, with hormones replaced or restored back to physiologic levels considered normal for younger males, men may experience a dramatic reversal of many of these changes.

To test for andropause, there are basic screenings needed, such as CBC, glucose, kidney, liver,

electrolytes, to name a few. Specific testing for testosterone are recommended.

“Some physicians suggest testing the estradiol/estrone levels via blood or even by saliva testing,” Detering said.

For more information, call Cardinal Pharmacy at 800-300-3159.