While menopause in women is widely known, andropause can also occur in men aged 50 or older. Otherwise known as "male menopause", the condition describes age-related changes to male hormone levels, notably that of low testosterone.
While you won't experience hot flushes, you may experience symptoms that include fatigue, insomnia, loss of muscle mass, and mood swings.
But while the gradual decline in testosterone is far more subtle compared to the changes in hormone levels that women experience, it can leave men wondering if male menopause is a thing or if it's simply a myth.
Is there a reason behind your symptoms, or could they be linked to other medical problems?
If you're concerned about your testosterone levels or looking to relieve symptoms associated with testosterone deficiency and erectile dysfunction, you've come to the right place.
In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about manopause, including its symptoms, diagnosis, and how best you can manage it.
Do men get menopause?
For women, menopause is marked by a significant drop in the production of the sex hormones oestrogen and progesterone, which signals the end of their menstrual cycle.
But while men experience a similar age-related drop in the production of testosterone that's led many to call it male menopause or "manopause," researchers suggest that the condition is more accurately one of testosterone deficiency, low testosterone, or late-onset hypogonadism.
Testosterone deficiency occurs when a man's body cannot produce enough of the important sex hormone. While it can occur at any age, it's far more common in older men.
To put things in perspective, less than 10% of all men younger than 50 have testosterone deficiency.
This number increases to nearly 50% of men over the age of 80 with the condition, according to Dr Nannan Thirumavalavan, MD, of the University Hospitals Urology Institute [1].
What does this mean for male menopause?
Well, where women experience menopause rather abruptly, with sudden biological changes occurring within 1 or 2 years following the end of their menstrual cycle, men experience a much more gradual decrease in testosterone levels.
Likewise, the symptoms experienced by men can occur over a prolonged period.
Symptoms of manopause
To understand the symptoms of male menopause or, rather, what is considered a decline in testosterone levels, it helps to first understand the importance of testosterone for men.
Produced in the testicles, testosterone functions as the major sex hormone and plays an important role in the following:
- Development of the penis and testes
- Activating sperm production
- Developing and regulating sex drive
- Growth of facial and pubic hair during puberty
- Regulating muscle size and strength
- Regulating bone growth and strength
- Deepening of the voice during puberty
Testosterone levels naturally decrease as men age.
It's unlikely that men will notice any changes in their 30s and early 40s, but most can expect to experience symptoms of testosterone deficiency in their late 40s and 50s.
That's because studies have shown that after 40, testosterone levels begin to decline by about 1% every year [2].
While some symptoms overlap with those women experience during menopause, signs of male menopause include:
- Fatigue
- Lack of energy
- Irritability and mood swings
- Low libido and sex drive
- Erectile dysfunction
- Decreased bone density
- Poor concentration and short-term memory
- Reduced muscle mass and feelings of physical weakness
- Increased body fat
- Difficulty sleeping
While it's normal to experience a decline in testosterone levels as you age, it's important to seek medical attention if you are experiencing symptoms.
Not only will this provide a roadmap towards treatment and management options for male menopause, but it can also help to rule out any underlying medical issues.
When does manopause typically start?
As noted above, the decline in testosterone levels in men is a far more gradual and slower process than menopause is for women, where hormone production stops completely.
The testes don't necessarily run out of testosterone, they simply don't produce as much as they need to which is why healthy men may still be able to produce sperm well into their 80s.
That said, it's natural for hormone production to change as one ages. For men, this means a natural decrease in testosterone levels.
While it's uncommon to experience symptoms as a result of low testosterone in your 30s and early 40s, by age 45 and 50, these symptoms may be more apparent.
At the ages of 70 and 80, these symptoms are felt more significantly for most men.
You might like to consider Pilot's Testosterone Support during this time, as it's packed full of essential vitamins and minerals to maintain testosterone levels in healthy males.
How to manage the symptoms of manopause
To first determine whether you're suffering from male menopause or another health condition, your GP may have you complete a blood test to measure testosterone levels.
Given that testosterone levels fluctuate throughout the day and are highest at 8 am, it's advised that older men have their blood test done in the morning because a decline will be more noticeable at this time.
Blood tests determine the best treatment options to help relieve symptoms, which can include the following management strategies.
Lifestyle changes
Certain lifestyle factors can help manage symptoms associated with male menopause and declining levels of testosterone.
A more natural approach than strategies like hormone replacement therapy and one that certainly takes a holistic view of your health and well-being, lifestyle changes can be made in the following areas:
Exercise
Regular exercise is critical for improving energy levels, mood, and overall health. Particularly when symptoms include loss of physical strength, a consistent exercise program can help to maintain muscle mass and bone density as you age.
It's important to include both aerobic exercises like walking, jogging and swimming for improved cardiovascular health, and strength training to maintain muscle mass.
Diet
A healthy diet rich in nutrients can help improve energy levels, mood, and overall health.
Limiting processed foods and those high in sugar, salt, and saturated fat is crucial as these can all contribute to weight gain and other health problems.
Likewise, consuming plenty of vegetables, fruit, and protein can promote well-being while berries and leafy greens that are high in antioxidants can help to reduce inflammation.
Stress management
Stress can greatly exacerbate symptoms of male menopause and even contribute to low testosterone levels [3]. Research has shown that high stress directly affects testosterone, with cortisol being shown to suppress testosterone production [4].
Meditation, regular exercise, and deep breathing can all help reduce stress and improve overall well-being to manage symptoms of male menopause.
Sleep
Getting enough sleep is important for reducing stress levels and functioning optimally, performing at your best, and reducing symptoms linked to fatigue, low energy levels, and lack of motivation.
To establish a regular sleep routine, avoid caffeine, alcohol, and screens before bedtime, and be sure to create an environment conducive to high-quality sleep in the bedroom.
Testosterone replacement therapy
Deficiencies in testosterone levels are commonly treated with Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT).
The benefits of testosterone replacement therapy
As well as helping healthy males increase levels of testosterone in the body, TRT can also help with the management of symptoms associated with male menopause.
Those who undergo TRT often report an increase in muscle mass, increased metabolism, and a significant increase in energy, stamina, endurance, and sex drive.
Men have reported better sexual performance and improvement in their quality of erections after TRT, too.
The risks of testosterone replacement therapy
Despite its benefits, there are risks associated with TRT, as each man is unique in how he responds to treatment.
Minor side effects can include fluid retention, acne, and increased urination.
More severe side effects — although rare — can include decreased testicle size, decreased sperm count, and blurry vision.
For this reason, it's important to discuss management strategies for low testosterone with your doctor so you can ensure the treatment options provided are tailored to your health needs.
While hormone replacement therapy and lifestyle changes can help manage the symptoms of male menopause, if you're struggling with erectile dysfunction, on the other hand, you might like to consider Pilot's ED treatment.
Developed by Pilot's team of health practitioners and health coaches, if eligible, you'll receive a science-backed treatment discreetly to your door.
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