Male Menopause: How Men Change

Generally, the word menopause brings to mind a condition experienced by women at the end of their reproductive years. It is now recognized however, that men also undergo various changes during their middle years.

Andropause

• For women, menopause involves dramatic and rapid hormonal changes. Men however, experience a gradual decline in androgen, or testosterone levels. When referring to the male condition doctors sometimes use the term andropause.

Significance

• According to the Mayo Clinic, levels of androgen or testosterone begin dropping about one percent every year after the age of 30. By the time a man reaches the age of 70 his testosterone level may have declined by 50 percent.

Symptoms

• Indications that a man may be going through andropause may include a reduction in sexual desire, changes in sleep patterns, hair loss, hot flashes and a reduction in muscle mass.

Emotional Changes

• Low testosterone may be responsible for decreases in motivation and self-confidence. Additionally, it is not uncommon for men to slip into sadness and depression during this stage of life.

Considerations

• Andropause is part of a gradual but natural aspect of the aging process. As with female menopause, it is a situation with which most men are inevitably confronted.