What Is Male Menopause or Andropause?

It may seem a little odd to find an article about male menopause or andropause on a website about the female menopause. However, I thought that the men shouldn’t be left out. After all, we all have men in our lives that we care about. No matter what our relationship or family connection might be.

I’d heard of the terms ‘male menopause’ and ‘andropause’ and decided to find out more. I wanted to know whether it was a genuine issue or just a jokey comment about grumpy old men!

I found a lot of interesting information. Firstly, the terms male menopause and andropause seem to be used interchangeably. Also that they are misleading. They imply that men experience a sudden drop in their testosterone levels when they reach middle age. While a woman’s hormone levels do dip dramatically when she is in her late 40s to early 50s, a man’s doesn’t.

In men the testosterone is produced in the testes. The testosterone levels are low in prepubescent boys. Once puberty is reached the levels rise. This causes physical changes such as: the growth of body hair, deepening of the voice, increased muscle mass and changes to sexual functioning. Testosterone also contributes to both physical and mental energy and also to the flight or fight response.

As men get older the drop in testosterone levels is a gradual and steady decline of less than 2% a year. This starts when a man is between 30-40 years old. It’s usually a slow, smooth transition and it doesn’t shut down the male reproductive organs. It’s also unlikely to cause problems in itself.

What Are The Symptoms Of Male Menopause?

Some men can develop symptoms in their late 40s to early 50s. These symptoms are very similar to those experienced by women who are in perimenopause and menopause. So it’s not surprising that it gets labelled as male menopause or andropause even though the terms are misleading.

Symptoms can include:

• Mood swings/irritability
• Depression
• Lack of energy or enthusiasm
• Loss of concentration
• Short-term memory lapses
• Trouble sleeping or sleeping more
• Redistribution of body fat (large tummy, ‘man boobs’)
• Loss of muscle mass making physical activity more difficult
• Loss of body hair
• Lower or loss of sex drive (libido)
• Erectile dysfunction (impotence)

Despite the similarity to female menopause symptoms, which are due to a change in hormone levels, the symptoms in men are not always caused by changes in hormones.

I’d just like to add that depression is not just feeling down. It’s something that needs medical help and advice. 

Symptoms of depression can include:

• Low mood that lasts for more than 2 weeks
• Getting no enjoyment out of life
• Feeling hopeless/useless
• Tired all the time/no energy
• Loss of concentration
• Sleeping more or having trouble sleeping

If you are suffering with these symptoms see your doctor for help, advice and the relevant treatment. Don’t suffer in silence.

Lifestyle

So what causes the symptoms if they are not hormonal? Lifestyle issues, personal or psychological problems are likely to be the cause. 

For example:

• Poor diet
• Lack of exercise
• Being overweight
• Smoking
• Too much alcohol
• Loss of self-confidence
• Low self-esteem
• High stress levels
• Anxiety
• Lack of sleep

Lifestyle issues such as these can cause the symptoms I mentioned earlier. Another likely contributing factor is the Male Midlife Crisis.

What Is Male Midlife Crisis?

Midlife crisis is another term that gets used in a jokey way. However, it’s not funny. It can cause great distress and can be frightening.

The age that a man may experience a midlife crisis varies but it’s usually between 35-50 years of age. A man may suddenly feel that time is running out and starts to question himself about his life.

What have I achieved in life? Is this it for me now? What am I going to do for the rest of my life? Why didn’t I do this or that? Have I still got time? These are familiar questions but the concerns will vary from man to man. Each man’s thoughts, feelings and concerns will be personal to him. 

While a midlife crisis is not classed as a medical condition it can cause low mood, anxiety or depression. All of which can lead to the symptoms associated with male menopause/andropause.

It’s important to remember though, that not all men will experience a midlife crisis or male menopause/andropause symptoms.

Male midlife crisis can happen for many different reasons. Major life changes can trigger low mood, anxiety or depression. 

For example:

• Death of a loved one
• Problems in a long-term relationship
• Separation or divorce
• Long-term or serious illness
• Job loss or career disappointment

It’s not always possible to pinpoint a particular cause though.

Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction is one of the symptoms associated with male menopause/ andropause. However, erectile dysfunction happens to most men on occasion. Too much alcohol, stress or tiredness can lead to the inability to get or sustain an erection. While it’s not an uncommon occurrence for men in general it’s more common for men over 40 years of age.

If it only happens occasionally it’s usually not a medical problem. If it happens frequently you should see your doctor or sexual health clinic as it could be a sign of an underlying health problem. Your doctor or clinic will be able to determine the cause(s) and offer you help, advice and any relevant treatment.

Late-onset Hypogonadism

Hypogonadism is a specific medical condition that means the testes produce little or no hormones. For males born with the condition it can lead to small testes and a delayed puberty.

It can develop later in life and is then known as late-onset hypogonadism. Late-onset hypogonadism can cause male menopause symptoms and is more common in obese men and men with type 2 diabetes. 

However, it’s not a common medical condition and it’s not caused by natural aging. A diagnosis will be based on symptoms and also blood tests to measure testosterone levels. A doctor or specialist will be able to prescribe any relevant treatment and to give advice on lifestyle changes.

Tips and Tricks

The male menopause and midlife crisis can be unpleasant and distressing. But there are things that you can do to ease them and to improve your overall physical and mental wellbeing.

Diet

A healthy diet is important at any time of your life and more so as you age. Include plenty of fruit and vegetables and avoid or reduce sugars and processed food. Vary your diet and try something new. And don’t forget that good hydration is important for both your physical and mental health, so drink plenty of water. 

Smoking And Alcohol

Smoking and alcohol are best cut out if you can, or at least kept to a minimum if you can’t face giving it up.  Most doctor’s surgeries offer help or a ‘stop smoking’ clinic. If you’d like to quit ask at your surgery for advice and support.

Exercise

Exercise is not only good for fitness and weight control but also for the state of your mind. It can decrease stress and help you to sleep better too.

You don’t have to go to a gym to get the benefits from exercising. Brisk walking, swimming and cycling are good alternatives. The trick is to keep your exercise a regular thing. Aim for at least 30 minutes exercise 5 times a week and you’ll feel the difference.

If you haven’t exercised for some time it’s best to start gently and build up as you feel fitter. You may overdo it at the start and it will put you off continuing so don’t push yourself too hard at first. If you are unsure where to start or you have a medical condition speak to your doctor about suitable exercises for you.

Stress

Stress affects both physical and mental functions and can spoil your quality of life. It’s important to take time out each day to unwind. I know that can seem impossible to do with life generally being hectic, but even a regular short breather really helps. 

Have a soak in the bath. Potter about in the garden. Listen to music. Do a crossword. Anything that you enjoy is good. Make sure you’re not disturbed and let your mind switch off for a while. Everyone needs a little ‘me’ time.

Why not try some basic relaxation or meditation techniques. Take a walk in ‘green spaces’ like your local park or country park whenever you have more time. Getting out in the fresh air is great for lowering stress levels. Whatever you choose you will feel the benefit as your stress levels reduce.

Sleep

A good night’s sleep is important. 7-9 hours of good quality sleep a night is the ideal for an adult. Lack of sleep or poor quality sleep can cause problems such as:

• Irritability
• Lack of concentration
• Memory lapses
• Lack of energy and enthusiasm

If you have problems getting a good night’s rest try these tips, they should help.

• Avoid stimulants such as caffeine and alcohol in the evening.
• Don’t have a large meal too late in the evening. Keep it light or eat earlier.
• Take a walk in the early evening (not too close to bedtime though). Fresh air and gentle exercise will help you sleep.
• Relax and wind down for a while before going to bed. Watch some TV, read or listen to music. Anything that you find relaxing will help.
• Keep to a regular bedtime routine. It will help to regulate your sleeping pattern. Try to go to bed at the same time each night and get up at the same time each morning. Long lie-ins at the weekend might seem like the answer when you’ve slept badly all week but they will only add to the disruption of your sleep pattern.
• No TV, playing on your phone or tablet etc while in bed (I know, most of us are guilty of this!).Screens of this kind are not helpful for a good night’s sleep. Let your brain switch off instead.
• A cool dark room is much better for sleep. Make sure your mattress is comfortable and supportive. Your pillows need to be supportive too. Your quilt or bed covers need to be lightweight but cosy. You don’t want to feel weighed down when your trying to drift off.The more comfortable you are the more likely you are to sleep well.

See your doctor if any of the symptoms you have been experiencing have become unmanageable and are affecting your everyday life. I know that I’m going to sound ‘stereotypical’ when I say that men don’t like going to the doctor about sexual or emotional issues but it’s often the case. We all need medical help at some point in our lives and it’s not something to be ashamed of. Your doctor is a professional and is there to help you. So if you are concerned, or feel you could do with a little help, make an appointment with your doctor.

See my other articles for more Tips and Ticks. ‘Can Menopause Cause Anxiety And Panic Attacks!’ for anxiety, low mood and panic attacks. ‘Does Menopause Affect Memory?’ for memory lapses, loss of concentration, mood swings and loss of confidence. ‘Perimenopause/ Menopause Sleep Problems And Fatigue!’ for sleep problems and fatigue.

Whatever the cause for your symptoms these Tips and Tricks may help.