Darrick Robles Changes in hormone levels are part of aging and are natural. In women, estrogen levels drop drastically during menopause – do men experience something similar? Med-Healths doctor Dr. Céline Guyomar explains what you should know about “male menopause”.
The term “male menopause” or “andropause”, which is mainly used in the media, describes an age-related decline in testosterone and the associated symptoms – these include a drop in performance, lack of concentration, weight gain and erectile dysfunction .
“But the term ‘male menopause’ is not quite correct, because declining fertility in men is very different from menopause in women , “ explains Dr. Celine Guyomar. In men, hormone levels gradually decrease with age. An actual lack of testosterone – also called hypogonadism or androgen deficiency – is rare in middle-aged men. If it occurs in isolated cases, it means that the body is not able to produce enough testosterone,” she explains.
How do testosterone levels change as you get older?
Testosterone is the main male sex hormone and affects emotional and physical well-being. In men, it is mainly formed in the testicles. “Testosterone is responsible for the production of sperm and red blood cells. It also stimulates sex drive , maintains muscle strength and bone strength, and regulates body fat distribution,” explains Dr. Guyomar.
In men, testosterone production begins during puberty. It peaks around the age of 20. After the age of 30, testosterone levels typically begin to decline at a rate of about 1 to 2% per year. However, the drop in hormone production is more gradual than in women going through the menopause and in itself hardly causes any problems.
Can a man’s lifestyle trigger symptoms similar to menopause?
In middle age, many men are confronted with changes in family and work. In life everything may not go smoothly, the first signs of aging are noticeable, sometimes relationships break up or financial problems arise. The awareness of being in the middle of life can potentially lead to a “mid-life crisis”.
In such situations, some men may experience symptoms similar to menopause in women, such as: B. Self-doubt, drop in performance, mood swings, listlessness, reduced motivation, lack of self-esteem and less desire for sex .
Other things that can contribute to these menopause-like symptoms include:
- Unhealthy diet
- lack of exercise
- lack of sleep
- Too much alcohol
What can be done with low testosterone?
In some cases, the symptoms of “male menopause” can actually be caused by a testosterone deficiency. When this happens, the testicles begin to work less efficiently and produce little or no hormones. A large European study found that testosterone deficiency affects about 2% of men aged 40-79 and about 5% of men aged 70-79.
Although hypogonadism – the underactive testicles and thus a lack of sex hormones – can occur at any age, it becomes more common in men as they get older. This so-called senile hypogonadism affects about 2 to 6% of older men. Some of the most common symptoms are:
- Decrease in bone density (osteoporosis) and thus an increased risk of bone fractures
- Loss of muscle mass and strength
- Armpit and pubic hair become less
- Hot flashes and sweats
- Decrease in sex desire
- Erectile dysfunction
- infertility
- Low self esteem
- mood changes, e.g. B. Anger, depression , irritability and sadness
- Exhaustion and tiredness (fatigue)
- Poor concentration and memory
- weight gain
- sleep disorders
What Causes Testosterone Deficiency?
Testosterone levels gradually decrease with age in healthy men. Over time, the body loses the ability to properly regulate hormones and less testosterone is produced. “Other factors that can affect testosterone include injuries to the testicles, obesity , alcohol abuse, a sedentary lifestyle, certain diseases — such as cancer, HIV, lupus , mumps, and organ failure — and certain medications,” explains Dr. Guyomar.
Hypogonadism is also more common in men with high blood pressure , diabetes , prostate disease, asthma , and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
How is testosterone deficiency diagnosed and treated?
If a testosterone deficiency is suspected, the medical history is usually taken first. The doctor will ask about the symptoms, but also about the medication you are taking and any existing illnesses. A blood test is then carried out to determine the testosterone level.
If testosterone levels are too low, the doctor may recommend testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). Various preparations are available for this purpose, which are injected under the skin (depot injection) or applied as a plaster. Gels or tablets are also available.
What can I do to increase my testosterone?
“Certain lifestyle choices can accelerate the decline in testosterone levels,” says Dr. Guyomar. A healthier, more active lifestyle can then help: Physical activity increases the level of testosterone in the blood.
1. Maintain a healthy weight
An elevated body mass index (BMI) can have a direct and negative impact on testosterone levels. A study showed that obesity is the most important risk factor for testosterone deficiency in men. Here you will find medical tips for healthy weight loss .
2. Drink less alcohol
Excessive alcohol consumption affects men’s hormonal balance, ie the system of endocrine glands and hormones involved in male reproductive health. The level of luteinizing hormone (LH), an important messenger substance that is important for male and female fertility, decreases. The LH produced in the pituitary gland stimulates the production of testosterone.
3. A healthier, more active lifestyle
Regular exercise and getting enough exercise has many health benefits, from improving muscle strength to reducing the risk of disease. One study found that weight training can also increase testosterone levels.
4. Pay attention to a healthy sleep
Getting enough sleep is essential for the body to function properly. Good sleep not only lowers the risk of heart disease and depression, but can also help maintain testosterone levels. Research has shown that a week of just five hours of sleep per night lowers testosterone by up to 15%.
When should I go to the doctor?
If you are in your 50s or older and are experiencing symptoms, you should talk to your doctor. In this way it can be determined whether your symptoms are actually related to low testosterone levels or whether other diseases are behind it. If you are concerned about a specific symptom, you can also book a medical video consultation with us and get help.
