Breaking the Stigma Around Male Menopause

Contrary to popular belief, men also go through hormonal imbalance due to a gradual reduction in testosterone levels. Commonly referred to as male menopause, this stage is known as andropause.

Unlike female menopause, which is characterized by the abrupt withdrawal of the female sex hormone estrogen, male menopause takes place rather gradually, with its full effect settling in at 80 years and above.

Studies show a one-percent decline in testosterone levels each year after a man reaches the age of 20. However, some metabolic disorders like diabetes mellitus, cancer, high blood pressure and hypothyroidism precipitate the faster onset of andropause.

What Are the Functions of Testosterone?

Testosterone is a steroid hormone that is responsible for most masculine features. Its uses in the body are the following:

• Growth promotion of muscle mass and bone density
• Male secondary characteristics that develop during puberty
• Sexual drive, fertility and sperm production
• Development of male features in the embryonic stage

Therefore, a decline in blood testosterone levels has drastic effects on the physiological, emotional and biological aspects.

What Are the Signs of Male Menopause?

Male menopause is characterized by the following:

• Reduced libido
• Depression
• Low energy and reduced motivation to participate in activities that one previously enjoyed
• Reduced muscle mass
• Insomnia
• Memory loss
• Weight gain, particularly in the waist region
• Infertility
• Reduced bone density
• Fatigue
• Gynecomastia
• Hot flashes
• Reduced testicular size
• Loss of hair

How Is Andropause Diagnosed?

Andropause is diagnosed principally from getting the patient’s history. However, the biggest challenge in diagnosing male menopause is getting the patients to open up and start talking to the doctors. Often, men are either shy or feel that discussing sexual topics show weakness in their masculinity.

Therefore, there is a need to create safe spaces where men can hold conversations on male menopause without fear or judgment. There is a need to normalize conversations around male menopause to facilitate people, particularly men, to be more open concerning the topic.

Alternatively, your doctor may recommend a physical exam or order blood tests that examine testosterone levels. Conventionally, a combination of symptomatic manifestation and lab results that show reduced testosterone levels comprise a confirmatory diagnosis of male menopause.

Management of Male Menopause

Mild cases of andropause are treated using simple lifestyle modification. However, for severe cases of andropause, testosterone replacement therapy is required. It’s necessary to consult with a physician first before starting a testosterone replacement therapy. This is due to the health risks posed by testosterone therapy. Examples of such health risks include the following:

• Prostate cancer development
• Increased propensity to develop blood clots
• Increased chances of developing prostrate abnormalities
• Acne
• Increased fluid retention
• Breast enlargement
• Higher risk of developing cardiovascular risk

Non-Pharmacological Management

Symptomatic Drug Management

This technique proves helpful in individuals who develop male menopause secondary to other diseases. Adequate management of diseases like diabetes, hypertension, hyperthyroidism and cancer often results in the reversal of the hormonal imbalance and stops the progression of andropause.