In this post, we are going to take a closer look at what is known as andropause, often referred to as “male menopause,” as well as its myriad symptoms, possible treatment approaches and other aspects you need to know about. In a general sense, this condition is directly related to a gradual reduction in testosterone levels as men age and progress on the slower side, eventually causing a wide range of physical, emotional, and psychological symptoms.
Before delving into diagnosing andropause and then analyzing possible treatment routes, let’s cover some common symptoms of the condition and what is specifically associated with them.
Symptoms
- Fatigue/Low Energy Levels – One of the more prominent symptoms of andropause is fatigue and low energy, but what’s important to note here is that as testosterone levels decline with age, various symptoms rear their heads, including decreased energy, mood swings, reduced libido/sex drive and sometimes difficulty concentrating. This makes fatigue a common indicator of this hormonal change in men.
- Reduced Libido/Erectile Dysfunction – We just touched on this in the bullet point above, but in diving a bit deeper, it’s important to understand that testosterone levels decrease at the rate of one percent per year as men age; what’s more, the rate of testosterone decline varies amongst people depending on several factors, from serious emotional stress and chronic disease to obesity and medication routines. When testosterone levels fall, the most specific symptoms are a decreased sex drive or erectile dysfunction – in younger men, it must be noted that low testosterone can be indicative of problems with the testicles or pituitary gland.
- Mood Changes – Have you ever heard of “Irritable Man Syndrome”? It’s a term used to describe mood swings in men, often a result of high-stress cortisol levels and low testosterone numbers. Some men respond by acting out, while others keep these feelings to themselves, ultimately leading to depression. Although IMS is most often caused by high stress and/or low testosterone, high estrogen levels can also cause irritability in men – with the main source of this imbalance being a steadily declining level of testosterone associated with andropause and aging.
- Loss of Muscle Mass/Strength – Believe it or not, one of the hallmark symptoms of andropause is “muscle wasting” or muscle loss due to hormonal imbalance. And, you probably have guessed it by now: low levels of testosterone are to blame. This imbalance within the feedback loop of hormones required to grow and maintain muscle eventually leads to a loss of muscle mass; some men may experience these muscle symptoms of andropause in their late 40s or 50s, while others may only experience symptoms in their 50s and 60s.
- Increased Body Fat – According to experts at the National Library of Medicine and the National Center for Biotechnology Information, obesity is an issue that is increasingly affecting aging men. Overall, based on studies these bodies have done, there seems to be an inverse relationship between body mass index and testosterone levels; obesity appears to depress testosterone production, and testosterone replacement in aging men can alter body composition wherein fat is exchanged for muscle.
- Sleep Problems – Sleep issues, particularly insomnia, remain a common symptom associated with andropause in that low testosterone can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to difficulty falling asleep, frequent waking, and overall poor sleep quality. Key points related to sleep issues and andropause include understanding that testosterone plays a role in regulating sleep cycles, so when levels drop during andropause, sleep patterns can be disrupted; sleep apnea, a condition wherein breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, can also be associated with andropause and further exacerbate sleep disturbances; and men experiencing andropause might face challenges like difficulty falling asleep, waking up frequently during the night, feeling unrested upon waking and daytime fatigue due to poor sleep.
Diagnosing Andropause
Generally, a healthcare provider will review symptoms, perform a physical exam, and order blood tests to measure testosterone levels – but, in some cases, that’s only the beginning. A medical professional will be better equipped to diagnose through a physical exam, blood test, and discussion about symptoms and lifestyle.
A blood test will measure testosterone levels in the body, and because levels vary throughout the day, it is best to test this in the morning. During the physical exam, a doctor will typically ask about symptoms and lifestyle behaviors while also asking about professional and personal life to determine if mental health factors contribute to symptoms.
Other tests may be performed to eliminate other medical conditions or to check for signs of high blood pressure, heart disease, or diabetes. Should a patient be experiencing low testosterone levels and related symptoms, he may be referred to an endocrinologist who specializes in hormone problems; this professional may recommend testosterone replacement therapy to correct the hormone deficiency and relieve symptoms.
Conclusion
Andropause remains a reality that occurs when a man’s testosterone levels decline below the normal range, and he experiences clinical symptoms, as we covered above. These symptoms can include:
- Decreased libido
- Lethargy
- Depression
- Concentration issues
- Decreased sleep
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can improve physical symptoms, metabolic abnormalities, and quality of life. Additionally, TRT can be administered in the form of:
- Tablet
- Injection
- Gel
Lifestyle changes can help manage symptoms and prevent or delay andropause, with some of these changes encompassing:
- Eating a balanced diet
- Exercising regularly
- Managing stress
As of late, the term “male menopause,” often attached to andropause, has been deemed misleading because it suggests a sudden drop in testosterone – similar to what occurs in women. In reality, testosterone levels in men decline steadily at a rate of about one percent per year from around age 30 to 40, with this decline unlikely to cause problems on its own.
Among the different forms of testosterone, testosterone propionate is known for its potent effects. Nexel Medical offers testosterone propionate for sale to assist with testosterone issues.
