Demystifying “Male Menopause”

What Men Can Do To Feel Better Later In Life

Menopause is a well-known phenomenon in women, often characterized by a range of natural physical and emotional changes. However, it’s essential to recognize that men can also experience hormonal shifts and associated symptoms as they age. This condition is often referred to as “Male Menopause,“ “Andropause” or more technically, “Late-Onset Hypogonadism.”

What Is Male Menopause? 

“Male Menopause” refers to the age-related decline in testosterone levels in men. It typically occurs in middle-aged and older men, usually starting in their late 40s to early 50s, although it can happen earlier in some cases. Unlike the abrupt hormonal changes in women during menopause, Male Menopause involves a gradual decline in testosterone levels.

What Are The Symptoms Of Male Menopause?

Male Menopause can manifest through a variety of physical, emotional and cognitive symptoms. 

Physical Symptoms:

1. Fatigue: Reduced daily energy levels and increased tiredness.
2. Loss of Muscle Mass: Difficulty in maintaining muscle strength and mass.
3. Increased Body Fat: Especially around the abdomen.
4. Erectile Dysfunction: Decreased testicular volume, fewer spontaneous erections and difficulty achieving/maintaining an erection.
5. Hot Flashes: Sudden and intense warmth or sweating.

Emotional Symptoms:

1. Mood Swings: Irritability, depression and anxiety.
2. Lack of Motivation: Reduced drive and enthusiasm.
3. Difficulty Concentrating: Cognitive changes, including memory issues.
4. Sleep Disturbances: Insomnia or poor-quality sleep.
5. Libido: Reduced overall interest in sexual desire.

“Many men are not aware of the link between suboptimal testosterone and chronic diseases such as cardiovascular or metabolic. Simple lifestyle changes can improve testosterone and overall healthspan.”

-Dr. Marguerite Weston

What Are The Causes Of Male Menopause?

The primary cause of Male Menopause is the natural aging process. Testosterone levels in men tend to decrease by about 1% per year after the age of 30. However, other factors can contribute to this decline, including:

• Obesity: Excess body fat can lead to higher estrogen levels and lower testosterone levels.
• Chronic Illness: Conditions like diabetes and heart disease can impact hormone production.
• Medications: Some medications, such as opioids and steroids, can reduce testosterone levels.
• Stress: Chronic stress can lead to hormonal imbalances.
• Sleep Apnea: Obstructive sleep apnea negatively impacts the quantity and quality of sleep, which plays a role in testosterone production. Fragmented sleep, less REM sleep and reduced deep sleep all can lead to lower testosterone. 
• Lifestyle Factors: Lack of exercise and poor diet can contribute to hormonal changes.

How Is Male Menopause Diagnosed?

Diagnosing Male Menopause typically involves a combination of symptom assessment, physical examination and blood tests to measure testosterone levels. It’s essential to rule out other medical conditions that can mimic the symptoms of Male Menopause, such as thyroid disorders or depression. This makes consulting with a board-certified functional wellness expert critical throughout the journey. 

What Are The Average Testosterone Scores By Age?

The general consensus among healthcare professionals is that the most common range of total testosterone in men is 300 – 1050 ng/dL when considering testosterone replacement therapy. 

Age Range	Most Common Total Testosterone Range
12 – 18 years old	300 – 1,000 ng/dL
19 – 30 years old	300 – 1,000 ng/dL
31 – 50 years old	300 – 950 ng/dL
51 – 70 Years Old	240 – 850 ng/dL
71 years & older	190 – 750 ng/dL

What Is Testosterone Responsible For?

• Sexual development, libido & fertility 
• Muscle mass & strength 
• Bone health
• Prostate health
• Fat distribution & energetic metabolism
• Red blood cell production
• Voice deepening
• Facial & body hair growth
• Cognitive function & a sense of well-being

“Although a decrease in testosterone is expected as men age, deteriorating bone health, loss of muscle mass and worsening of sexual wellness are unacceptable. Just because it is ‘normal’ doesn’t mean you have to live with the negative symptoms.”

-Dr. Marguerite Weston

How To Treat Male Menopause 

The management of Male Menopause focuses on getting to the root cause of the symptoms and optimizing overall health. In some cases, specific symptoms will be addressed with temporary measures until the underlying issues can be resolved or controlled properly. Treatment options most often include:

• Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): In some cases, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) may be recommended under medical supervision to restore hormone levels to an optimal range.
• Lifestyle Changes: Adopting a healthy lifestyle can significantly improve symptoms. This includes regular exercise, a balanced diet, stress management and adequate sleep.
• Psychological Support: Therapy or counseling can help men cope with emotional symptoms and provide strategies to improve their mental well-being.
• Medication: Certain medications may be prescribed to manage specific symptoms, such as antidepressants for mood swings or erectile dysfunction medications.
• Regular Health Checkups: Routine medical checkups and testing are crucial for monitoring overall health and hormone levels.

You Deserve To Feel Your Best — No Matter Your Age! 

Male Menopause, or Late-Onset Hypogonadism, is a natural part of the aging process for men. While it may not be as well-known or dramatic as menopause in women, it can still have a significant impact on your physical and emotional well-being. Recognizing the symptoms and seeking proper diagnosis and management can help you navigate this stage of life with greater ease and improved quality of life. 

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About The Author

Dr. Marguerite Weston is a board-certified functional wellness specialist in Columbus, Ohio. She often employs hormone therapy as part of her comprehensive wellness plans, in addition to strategic lifestyle changes to help her patients live longer and better. Dr. Weston is constantly in search of modern ways to address some of the most pressing health issues facing men today, including Male Menopause, weight management concerns and more.