Male Menopause – Midlife Changes Happen

I never thought I’d miss the days of a predictable routine; waking up at 6 a.m., feeling energized after a good night’s sleep, working out, and then heading to the office. But recently, everything seems to have turned upside down. I am 55 years old and had been feeling on top of my game until a few months ago when I started noticing some unusual changes.

I’ve been feeling unusually tired for a while, despite getting a full night’s sleep. I find myself dragging throughout the day, struggling to focus on my work, and feeling irritable for no apparent reason. My wife has also noticed that I’ve been more moody than usual, and I can’t help but agree with her. It’s not just the physical fatigue; I feel mentally exhausted as well.

My libido has taken a nosedive. It's frustrating and a bit embarrassing, to be honest. My partner and I have always enjoyed a healthy sex life, but recently, I just haven’t been in the mood. And on the rare occasions when I am, it’s been a struggle to maintain an erection.

What is Male Menopause?

Male menopause, also known as andropause, happens when men get older and their bodies produce less testosterone, a hormone that affects sex drive, energy, and mood. Unlike female menopause, which happens to all women and stops them from being able to have children, male menopause doesn't happen to all men and doesn't stop them from being able to have children.

However, it can lead to symptoms like lower energy, less muscle mass, and feeling sad or irritable. Treatment options include hormone replacement therapy, where artificial hormones are used to boost levels in the body.

My Doctor's Advice

This really was not normal for me, so I went to see my doctor. After a thorough examination and a series of blood tests, he told me that my testosterone levels were lower than normal. And this is what I was told - male menopause, or andropause. My doctor suggested that I consider hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to help manage my symptoms.

It’s been a few weeks since I started the treatment, and I can already feel a difference. I have more energy, my mood has improved, and so has my sex drive.

I am sharing my experience because I want other men to know that it’s okay to seek help if you’re experiencing similar symptoms. Male menopause is a real condition, and there is no shame in getting treatment. It’s made a pretty big difference in my quality of life, and I'm grateful that I took the first step to address it.

So I'll let you know all about male menopause that I know of.

Causes of Male Menopause

Great, now that we know what male menopause is, let's talk about what causes it. The primary cause of male menopause, or andropause, is a decrease in the production of the male hormone, testosterone. Testosterone is produced in the testes and is responsible for regulating a variety of bodily functions including muscle mass, bone density, fat distribution, and sex drive.

Aging

Doh. Stating the obvious. But really, the most common cause of decreased testosterone levels is aging. The decline usually starts around the age of 30 and continues throughout life. However, not every man will experience a drop in testosterone levels as they age. So 

Medical Conditions

Certain medical conditions can also lead to a reduction in testosterone levels. For example, obesity, diabetes, and thyroid problems can all affect hormone production. In addition, diseases of the testes or pituitary gland, which controls hormone production, can also result in lower testosterone levels.

Medications

Some medications can also affect testosterone production. For example, opioid pain medications, some antidepressants, and hormone-based treatments like chemotherapy can all lead to lower testosterone levels.

Lifestyle Factors

Lifestyle factors such as poor diet, lack of exercise, and excessive alcohol consumption can also contribute to a decline in testosterone levels. In addition, high levels of stress can also affect hormone production.

Symptoms of Male Menopause

Just like in women, menopause can bring about a host of changes in the body and mind. These changes can be subtle at first, but over time, they can become more noticeable and may affect your daily life. So, let's get to it and discuss the most common symptoms of male menopause.

Physical Changes

One of the first signs of male menopause that many men notice is a change in their body. This can include:

• Decreased Muscle Mass: It may become harder to build and maintain muscle, even if you are exercising regularly.
• Increased Body Fat: Particularly around the abdomen. This can lead to weight gain and can be frustrating, especially if you haven’t changed your eating or exercise habits.
• Reduced Bone Density: This can make bones more brittle and increase the risk of fractures.
• Hair Loss: Thinning hair on the head, face, and body.

Sexual Changes

As you may already know... Yes, testosterone plays a huge role in regulating sexual function, so no surprise. A decline in testosterone levels can lead to sexual changes. These can include:

• Low Libido: A decreased interest in sex.
• Erectile Dysfunction: Difficulty getting or maintaining an erection.
• Infertility: A decrease in the number of healthy sperm.

Emotional Changes

Many men tend to get angry/frustrated for no apparent reasons sometimes. And it's even more frustrating for themselves not knowing why they're emotionally unstable. That's male menopause too.

• Mood Swings: Feeling happy one moment and then feeling sad or irritable the next.
• Depression: Feeling sad or hopeless for an extended period.
• Anxiety: Feeling nervous or anxious, often for no apparent reason.
• Difficulty Concentrating: Having trouble focusing on tasks or remembering things.

Sleep Disturbances

Many men going through male menopause find that they have trouble sleeping. This can include:

• Insomnia: Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.
• Night Sweats: Sweating excessively during the night, often to the point where it soaks through your clothes or bedding.

Other Symptoms

There are also several other symptoms that can be associated with male menopause, including:

• Hot Flashes: A sudden feeling of warmth spreading over the body, often accompanied by sweating.
• Fatigue: Feeling tired all the time, even after a good night's sleep.
• Decreased Energy Levels: Finding it hard to muster the energy to do things, even activities that you used to enjoy.

Treatments for Male Menopause

Alright, let’s talk about treatments for male menopause. If you’re experiencing symptoms of male menopause, you might be wondering what you can do to feel better. The good news is that there are several treatment options available that can help manage the symptoms and improve your quality of life. Let's discuss some of the most common ones.

Lifestyle Changes

Making healthy lifestyle changes can have a big impact on how you feel. Here are some tips that can help:

• Exercise Regularly: Regular physical activity can help maintain muscle mass, improve mood, and boost energy levels.
• Eat a Balanced Diet: A healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains can help maintain a healthy weight and provide your body with the nutrients it needs.
• Manage Stress: High levels of stress can affect hormone production, so finding ways to relax and de-stress can be beneficial. This might include activities like meditation, deep breathing exercises, or spending time doing things you enjoy.
• Limit Alcohol and Caffeine: Both alcohol and caffeine can affect sleep quality, so it’s a good idea to limit your intake, especially in the evening.
• Quit Smoking: Smoking is harmful to your health in many ways and can also affect hormone levels.

Medications

There are several medications available that can help manage the symptoms of male menopause. These can include:

• Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): This involves taking synthetic hormones, usually in the form of a gel, patch, or injection, to boost testosterone levels. However, HRT is not suitable for everyone and can have side effects, so it’s essential to discuss the risks and benefits with a healthcare professional.
• Erectile Dysfunction Medications: Medications like sildenafil (Viagra) or tadalafil (Cialis) can help improve blood flow to the penis and make it easier to get and maintain an erection.
• Antidepressants: If you are experiencing symptoms of depression, your doctor may prescribe antidepressants to help improve your mood.

Counseling/Therapy

Talking to a mental health professional can be helpful for dealing with the emotional changes associated with male menopause. A therapist can provide support and teach you strategies for managing anxiety, depression, and other emotional symptoms.

It’s always a good idea to talk to a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment. They can help you understand your options and decide on the best course of action for your specific situation. And always keep in mind that it’s okay to seek help and take steps to improve your well-being. You got this!

Are Over-The-Counter Medication Good Enough?

So you know how when you have a headache or a cold, you can just pop to the store and grab some medicine off the shelf? Those are over-the-counter (OTC) medications. They're great for sorting out minor issues, but when it comes to something more complex like male menopause, they don't quite cut it. Here’s why:

Hormones are Tricky!

The main thing happening during male menopause is that your testosterone levels are dropping. Testosterone is a super important hormone that affects everything from your mood to your muscles. OTC meds might help with a headache or help you sleep, but they won’t do anything about your hormone levels. For that, you usually need hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which a doctor has to prescribe.

Doctor's Orders!

Before starting any treatment for male menopause, you gotta get checked out by a doctor. They’ll do a physical, ask about your health history, and run some blood tests. This is super important to make sure they treat the actual cause of your symptoms. OTC meds don’t need a doctor’s approval, so you could end up just treating the symptoms and not the root cause.

Side Effects, Ugh!

OTC meds are usually safe, but if you use them for a long time, they can cause problems. For example, too much ibuprofen can mess with your stomach, and sleep aids can become habit-forming. HRT can have side effects too, but your doctor will keep a close eye on you and can change your dose if needed.

One Size Never Fits All!

OTC meds are made to work for lots of people with common symptoms. But male menopause is a bit of a wild card and affects everyone differently. A doctor can make a treatment plan just for you, which might include HRT, lifestyle changes, or other meds to help with your specific symptoms.

So, while OTC meds can be a lifesaver for minor aches and pains, they’re not the best fit for treating male menopause. It’s always better to have a chat with a healthcare professional who can help you figure out the best way to manage your symptoms. You got this!