Male Menopause

“The term “male menopause” has been used to describe decreasing testosterone levels related to aging. But aging-related hormone changes in women and men are…”.1

Umbrella
What may the Male Menopause Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

  • Androgen Deficiency of the Aging Male
  • Andropause
  • Hypogonadism
  • Late-Onset Hypogonadism
  • Male Climacteric
  • Male Menopause
  • Male Reproductive Changes
  • Testosterone Deficiency Syndrome
  • Viropause

Terminology

Can male menopause mean different things to different people?

I think the term “male menopause” can be like the terms diet, exercise and love and mean different things, to different people, at different times, in different places.

When I use the term male menopause what I mean may be different to what someone else means or what is meant in medicaltalk.

It can therefore be important when the term male menopause is used to be clear about what is meant, so we may work out whether we are on the same page meaning the same thing, or not.

Andropause

What is andropause?

DotS the definition of andropause may vary. The (United States) Endocrine Society’s definition is:

“Andropause–Andropause is a biological change characterized by a gradual decline in androgens experienced by men during and after their mid-life. Andropause is sometimes inaccurately described as male menopause”.2

Female Menopause

Is the female menopause the same as the male menopause?Male Menopause

In Aging Changes In the Male Reproductive System: Introduction the (United States) MedlinePlus explain:

“Unlike women, men do not experience a major, rapid (over several months) change in fertility as they age (like menopause). Instead, changes occur gradually during a process that some people call andropause”.3

Male Menopause

Is there such a thing as a ‘male menopause’?

In The ‘Male Menopause’: Is There Such A Thing As A ‘Male Menopause’? the (United Kingdom) NHS (National Health Service) elaborate on:

Male Menopause“This label is misleading because it suggests the symptoms are the result of a sudden drop in testosterone in middle age, similar to what occurs in the female menopause. This is not true.

Although testosterone levels fall as men age, the decline is steady at less than 2% a year from around the age of 30 to 40, and this is unlikely to cause any problems in itself”.4

The (United States) Mayo Clinic also note:

“The term “male menopause” has been used to describe decreasing testosterone levels related to aging. But aging-related hormone changes in women and men are different.

In women, ovulation ends and hormone production plummets during a relatively short period of time. This is known as menopause. In men, production of testosterone and other hormones declines over a period of many years and the consequences aren’t necessarily clear. This gradual decline of testosterone levels is called late-onset hypogonadism or age-related low testosterone”.5

In Male Menopause: MYTH: Male Menopause Is Real the (United States) Hormone Health Network (HHN) also note:

“FACT: No, it’s not real. The term “menopause” only pertains to the female condition when the ability to reproduce is halted. Testosterone is the male sex hormone that is needed for growth of body hair, building strong bones and muscles, and producing sperm. As men age, testosterone levels (T-levels) can decline because of medication, illness, injury or lifestyle factors. This drop in testosterone is inaccurately classified as “male menopause,” when in fact, should simply be considered a symptom of male aging, more clinically referred to as testosterone deficiency syndrome, androgen deficiency of the aging male, and late-onset hypogonadism”.6

Male Reproductive System

What and where do aging changes in the male reproductive system occur?

In Aging Changes In the Male Reproductive System MedlinePlus explain:

“Aging changes in the male reproductive system may include changes in testicular tissue, sperm production, and erectile function. These changes usually occur gradually”.7

In Aging Changes In the Male Reproductive System: Information MedlinePlus also note:

“Aging changes in the male reproductive system occur primarily in the testes. Testicular tissue mass decreases. The level of the male sex hormone, testosterone decreases gradually. There may be problems getting an erection. This is a general slowing, instead of a complete lack of function”.8

Testosterone

Is there an association between testosterone and aging?

In Male Menopause: Fact – Male Aging Facts the HHN elaborate on:

“Testosterone production/ levels decrease gradually beginning around age 30”.9

In Male Menopause Myth or Reality? Recognizing Low Testosterone Levels the Mayo Clinic elaborate on:

“A man’s testosterone levels decline on average about 1% a year after age 40. But most older men still have testosterone levels within the normal range, with only an estimated 10% to 25% having levels considered to be low”.10

Low Testosterone

Do all men experience low testosterone?

The HHN note:

“Not all men experience low testosterone and sperm production”.11

Testosterone Deficiency

What Is a testosterone deficiency?

In The ‘Male Menopause’: Is There Such A Thing As A ‘Male Menopause’? the NHS explain:

“A testosterone deficiency that develops later in life, also known as late-onset hypogonadism, can sometimes be responsible for these symptoms, but in many cases the symptoms are nothing to do with hormones”.12

Testosterone Replacement Therapy

Is aging-related low testosterone treated with testosterone replacement therapy?

In Male Menopause: Myth or Reality? Treatment Recommendations for Older Men With Low Testosterone the Mayo Clinic elaborate on some steps that might help and also note:

“Recommendations on testosterone therapy for men with age-related low testosterone vary. In 2020, the American College of Physicians recommended that doctors consider starting testosterone treatment in men with sexual dysfunction who want to improve their sexual function, after explaining the risks and benefits. In 2018, the Endocrine Society recommended testosterone therapy for men with age-related low testosterone who have signs and symptoms associated with low testosterone”.13

Health Care Provider

What if I think I have male menopause?

If you think you have male menopause, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this.

In Male Menopause: Myth or Reality? Feeling Your Best the Mayo Clinic elaborate on some steps that might help and also note:

“If you think you might have low testosterone, talk to your doctor about your signs and symptoms, testing, and possible treatment options. Your doctor can help you weigh the pros and cons of treatment”.14

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics related to Male Menopause?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

Where may I find Links related to Male Menopause?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Links

This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.

  1. About Testosterone Deficiency Syndrome
  2. Aging Changes In the Male Reproductive System
  3. Erectile Dysfunction
  4. Erectile Dysfunction and Diabetes Take Control Today
  5. European Menopause and Andropause Society
  6. Find Information About A Drug
  7. For Men Factsheets
  8. International Men’s Day 19 November [Australia]
  9. International Men’s Day November 19
  10. International Society for the Study of the Aging Male
  11. Is Loss of Sex Drive Normal As Men Get Older?
  12. Loss of Libido (Reduced Sex Drive)
  13. Low Testosterone (Hypogonadism): What Is the Role of Testosterone In Men’s Health? [+ Video: Hormones and Men’s Health]
  14. Male Hypogonadism
  15. Male Menopause
  16. Male Menopause: Myth or Reality?
  17. Men [Topics]
  18. Men and Depression
  19. Men and Mental Health
  20. Men: Get It Checked – Checkup and Screening Guidelines for Men
  21. Men: Take Charge of Your Health
  22. Menshealthforum.org.uk: Men’s Health Week 14-20 June 2021 [England and Wales]
  23. Menshealthfoundation.ca: Canadian Men’s Health Week: 7 Great Ways To Get Involved In the 7th Annual Canadian Men’s Health Week!
  24. Menshealthmonth.org: June Is Men’s Health Month
  25. Menshealthweek.co.nz: Men’s Health Week Te Wiki Hauora Tāne June 15-21 2020 [New Zealand]
  26. Menshealthweek.org.au: Men’s Health Week 2020 – June 15-21, Australia
  27. Mentalhealth.org.uk: Men’s Mental Health Month – How To Get Involved [November, United Kingdom]
  28. Men’s Health
  29. Men’s Health: In-Depth [Topics]
  30. Men’s Health: In-Depth – Belly Fat In Men: Why Weight Loss Matters
  31. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Erectile Dysfunction/Sexual Enhancement
  32. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Herbs At A Glance
  33. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How Safe Is This Product or Practice?
  34. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Know the Science: How Medications and Supplements Can Interact
  35. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Men’s Health
  36. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Natural Doesn’t Necessarily Mean Safer, or Better
  37. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Tips on Complementary Health Practices
  38. Relate.org.uk [Relate The Relationship People]
  39. Sex & Relationships: Sex & Menopause [+ Video: 5 Things To Know About Sex In Later Life]
  40. Sex and Aging – Men’s Issues
  41. Sexual Advice Association
  42. Sexual Health: Male Sexual Problems
  43. Sexual Health: Male Sexual Problems – Erectile Dysfunction
  44. Sildenafil [Viagra]
  45. Stress
  46. Testosterone
  47. Testosterone Deficiency
  48. Testosterone Therapy: Potential Benefits and Risks As You Age
  49. Testosterone Treatments
  50. Testosterone and Androgens
  51. Testosteronedeficiency.org [Society for the Study of Androgen Deficiency (Andropause Society)]
  52. Testosteronedeficiency.org: Links To External Resources [Society for the Study of Androgen Deficiency (Andropause Society)]
  53. The ‘Male Menopause’
  54. Tobacco Use and Men’s Health
  55. Truth About Testosterone Therapy
  56. U.S. Food & Drug Administration [United States]

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Male Menopause: Myth or Reality? Debunking the Male Menopause Myth. 20 June 2020. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/mens-health/in-depth/male-menopause/art-20048056 Accessed: 11 November 2020
  2. Endocrinology Glossary: Andropause. Endocrine Society https://www.endocrine.org/news-and-advocacy/news-room/glossary Accessed: 11 November 2020
  3. Aging Changes In the Male Reproductive System: Information. Update Date: 12 July 2018. Page Last Updated: 03 November 2020. MedlinePlus https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/004017.htm Accessed: 11 November 2020
  4. The ‘Male Menopause’: Is There Such A Thing As A ‘Male Menopause’? Page Last Reviewed: 19 February 2019. NHS (National Health Service) https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/male-menopause/#is-there-such-a-thing-as-a-male-menopause Accessed: 11 November 2020
  5. Male Menopause: Myth or Reality? Debunking the Male Menopause Myth. 20 June 2020. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/mens-health/in-depth/male-menopause/art-20048056 Accessed: 11 November 2020
  6. Male Menopause: Myth vs. Fact: Myth: Male Menopause Is Real. Last Updated: March 2015. Hormone Health Network https://www.hormone.org/diseases-and-conditions/male-menopause Accessed: 11 November 2020
  7. Aging Changes In the Male Reproductive System. Update Date: 12 July 2018. Page Last Updated: 03 November 2020. MedlinePlus https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/004017.htm Accessed: 11 November 2020
  8. Aging Changes In the Male Reproductive System: Information. Update Date: 12 July 2018. Page Last Updated: 03 November 2020. MedlinePlus https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/004017.htm Accessed: 11 November 2020
  9. Male Menopause: Fact – Male Aging Facts. Last Updated: March 2015. Hormone Health Network https://www.hormone.org/diseases-and-conditions/male-menopause Accessed: 11 November 2020
  10. Male Menopause Myth or Reality? Recognizing Low Testosterone Levels. 20 June 2020. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/mens-health/in-depth/male-menopause/art-20048056 Accessed: 11 November 2020
  11. Male Menopause Myth vs Fact: Male Aging Facts. Last Updated: March 2015. Hormone Health Network https://www.hormone.org/diseases-and-conditions/male-menopause Accessed: 11 November 2020
  12. The ‘Male Menopause’: Is There Such A Thing As A ‘Male Menopause’? Page Last Reviewed: 19 February 2019. NHS (National Health Service) https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/male-menopause/#is-there-such-a-thing-as-a-male-menopause Accessed: 11 November 2020
  13. Male Menopause: Myth or Reality? Treatment Recommendations for Older Men With Low Testosterone. 20 June 2020. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/mens-health/in-depth/male-menopause/art-20048056 Accessed: 11 November 2020
  14. Male Menopause: Myth or Reality? Treatment Recommendations for Older Men With Low Testosterone. 20 June 2020. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/mens-health/in-depth/male-menopause/art-20048056 Accessed: 11 November 2020

Topic Last Updated: 11 November 2020 – Topic Last Reviewed: 11 November 2020
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