What is male menopause? Hormonal changes in men as they age are sometimes referred to as “male menopause.” As men age, their levels of testosterone will decrease. 
The Mayo Clinic says that most men’s testosterone levels will peak in their 20s, and by their 30s the levels start to decline by about 1% per year, and by the time a man reaches 70 years of age, your testosterone level will have decreased by 50% of your earlier peak level. This change in hormonal levels causes cognitive, emotional, and physical changes. So what exactly is male menopause and how do you know if you have it? Male menopause is different than female menopause and is also known as andropause.
#1 Do you need worry?
Low testosterone is troublesome. According to International Journal of Clinical Practice researchers, low testosterone can result in a number of complications and symptoms such as reduced sex drive, loss of muscle mass, depression, increased fat accumulation, fatigue, low bone mass, and erectile dysfunction,
#2 Andropause
Andropause is a condition linked with the decrease in testosterone. Approximately 30% of men in their 50s will develop andropause symptoms. A man dealing with andropause can deal with numerous symptoms and can also lead to the risk of serious health conditions.
#3 The Cause of Andropause
The decrease in testosterone is a key factor is you suspect andropause. As men age their body’s start to decrease testosterone production, along with an increase in the levels of SHBG (sex hormone binding globulin), which draws functional testosterone from the blood. SHBG binds testosterone that is circulating in the blood. Not all of the testosterone gets bound to the SHBG hormone, and the remaining SHBG is called bioavailable testosterone, which is available for use by your body.
Men that find themselves dealing with the symptoms linked to andropause have bioavailable testosterone levels that are lower in the blood. As a result, those tissues that are stimulated by testosterone get smaller amounts, which can lead to a number of physical and physiological effects.
#4 Symptoms and Complications of Andropause
Andropause symptoms can vary from one person to another, but common symptoms include:
- Depression
- Erection difficulties
- Hot flashes
- Increased body fat
- Irritability
- Mood swings
- Lack of energy
- Loss of strength
- Loss of muscle mass
- Low sex drive
- Increased risk of osteoporosis
- Cardiovascular issues
#5 Making Andropause Diagnosis
Your doctor will ask you questions about how your symptoms to see if they match those of low testosterone. If it is suspected you have low testosterone a blood test is done. Other conditions are linked with low testosterone levels such as sexual growth, high blood pressure, hypogonadism, and diabetes, so your doctor will rule these out before making an andropause diagnosis.
Keep in mind that some symptoms linked with andropause are also linked to normal aging and treatment may not reverse these symptoms.
#6 Preventing and Treating Andropause
For men dealing with andropause, the most common treatment is the replacement of testosterone in the blood. In the majority of cases, the use of this kind of treatment can aid in relieving symptoms and improving your quality of life. In addition, some changes to lifestyle can help, such as reducing stress, increasing exercise, and good nutrition. A doctor can aid in determining whether testosterone is the right treatment since there are some risks. If the answer is yes, your doctor will determine what that testosterone treatment looks like.
- You can find testosterone treatments in a number of different forms that include, capsules, skin patches, gels, and injections. Your doctor can aid in determining the best kind of treatment for you, and you doctor will usually take into consideration your lifestyle when deciding which method is best to pursue. Initially follow up appointments with your doctor will be needed, so your doctor can see how you are doing and adjust your treatments as needed. Once a working treatment plan is in place you won’t have to see your doctor as often.
- Skin patches – The testosterone skin patch releases the hormone through your skin. The skin patch permits a steady release of testosterone into your blood stream. You will apply the skin patch every 24 hours to a dry area either on the thigh, upper arm, or back.
- Testosterone gel – Apply testosterone gel directly to your skin, generally on your arm(s). You can transfer the gel to others so it is important to wash your hands well after you apply the gel.
- Capsules – This capsule is taken two times daily after a meal. Men with too much calcium in the blood poor, liver function, liver disease, serious heart disease, and/or kidney disease should avoid testosterone capsules.
- Testosterone injections – Testosterone enanthate / cypionate are both types of testosterone injected into the muscle every 2 – 4 weeks. You will have changes in testosterone levels that can result in mood swings due. Men suffering with high levels of calcium in the blood, severe kidney disease, and/or severe heart disease need to stay clear of testosterone cypionate. Men that suffer from severe kidney disease need to stay away from testosterone enanthate.
- Natural testosterone supplements – There are a number of products on the market such as *Prosolution Plus and Vigrx Plus that may increase testosterone production. If you choose to go this route make sure you research the products carefully as only a handful actually have any science to back their claims.
Any man with breast cancer or prostate cancer should not take any testosterone supplements such as *Vigrx Plus unless your doctor instructs you to do so. If you take blood thinners, have heart disease, have kidney disease, have liver disease, or have an enlarged prostate you will need to talk with your doctor about testosterone therapies and whether it’s right for you.
*Individual results may vary!