Men's Health Series: Signs of Male Menopause
Male menopause is also known as andropause. It refers to a gradual decline in hormone levels in the males.
When men reach about 40, testosterone levels usually begin to drop about one per cent a year.
The signs and symptoms of male menopause can range from obvious physical changes to subtle physical changes such as sexual functions, but also changes in energy level, mood and even character and personality over longer periods of time as mentioned in my previous blog on male menopause and my integrative treatment approach.
Obvious Physical Changes:
1. Reduced muscle bulk and strength
Testosterone contributes to building muscle. With gradual decline in testosterone, one of the obvious changes is reduction in muscle bulk and strength.
2. Hair Loss
Testosterone plays a role in hair production. Balding is a natural part of growing old for many men while those undergoing male menopause or andropause may lose body and facial hair as well.
3. Height Loss
Males with low testosterone can experience bone loss, which can present as lower bone volume and more susceptible to bone fractures. As a result, height loss is one of the obvious physical changes.
4. Increased body fat
Testosterone is required in the fat burning and metabolic processes of the body. In the decline of male hormones during andropause, body fat will increase at a slightly higher rate especially if diet and lifestyle is not monitored well during the hormonal changes period.
Subtle Physical Changes:
1. Diminished sex drive
Testosterone plays a key role in sex drive or libido. Some people may experience a decline in sex drive as they get older, but those with low testosterone will likely experience a more drastic drop.
2. Difficulty achieving and maintaining an erection
Testosterone tells the receptors in the brain to produce nitric oxide which is a molecule that helps in starting off a cascade of chemical reactions in the body necessary for erection to occur.
When testosterone levels are too low, there may be difficulty achieving an erection before sex or having spontaneous erections such as during sleep.
3. Smaller testicles and penis size
Testosterone is required to develop the penis and testicles. So low testosterone can contribute to a disproportionately smaller penis or testicles as time progresses for the andropause.
4. Anemia
There is correlation between low testosterone and low blood counts. Some presentations of low blood counts include difficulty in concentrating, dizziness, leg cramping, rapid heart rate, poor sleep.
5. Infertility
Sperm counts or quality of sperm and semen may be affected by a drop in testosterone.
6. Night sweats and hot flushes
In Traditional Chinese Medicine this is a sign of Yin deficiency which can come from hormonal changes during menopausal stages for both women and men.
7. Fatigue
Men with reduced testosterone may report extreme fatigue and decreased energy. They can be consistently tired despite getting plenty of sleep.
Mental Changes:
1. Depression and irritability
Men with gradual reduction of testosterone can experience mood changes as testosterone influences many of the body’s physical processes which can influence mood and mental capacity to handle stress and difficult situations.
2. Poor concentration
With low testosterone and poor sleep, energy level in the day will be low and ability to concentrate can drop. Efficiency at work can drop as a result.
3. Reduced self confidence
Character and personality changes can come with all the above obvious and subtle physical body changes, resulting in reduced self confidence and even self esteem. Some can even result in a much depressed character change during this hormonal changes in men.