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

Andropause

What is andropause?

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

“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’?Male Menopause

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

“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. Aging Changes In the Male Reproductive System
  2. Dietary Supplements for Erectile Dysfunction: A Natural Treatment for ED?
  3. Erectile Dysfunction
  4. Erectile Dysfunction and Diabetes Take Control Today
  5. Erectile Dysfunction: Viagra and Other Oral Medications
  6. Erection Problems
  7. European Menopause and Andropause Society
  8. Find Information About A Drug
  9. How Right Now
  10. International Society for the Study of the Aging Male
  11. Is Loss of Sex Drive Normal As Men Get Older?
  12. Is Male Menopause Real?
  13. Loss of Libido (Reduced Sex Drive)
  14. Low Testosterone (Hypogonadism) [+ Video: Hormones and Men’s Health]
  15. Male Hypogonadism
  16. Male Menopause
  17. ‘Male Menopause’ Is Real and Treatable, Say Pharmacy Researchers
  18. Male Menopause: Myth or Reality?
  19. May Is Mental Health Month [United States]
  20. Mayo Clinic Q and A: Male Menopause — Myth or Reality?
  21. Men [Topics]
  22. Men and Depression
  23. Men and Mental Health
  24. Men: Get It Checked – Checkup and Screening Guidelines for Men
  25. Men: Take Charge of Your Health
  26. Menopause Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  27. Men’s Health
  28. Men’s Health: In-Depth [Topics]
  29. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Erectile Dysfunction/Sexual Enhancement
  30. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Herbs At A Glance
  31. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How Safe Is This Product or Practice?
  32. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Know the Science: How Medications and Supplements Can Interact
  33. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Men’s Health
  34. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Natural Doesn’t Necessarily Mean Safer, or Better
  35. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Tips on Complementary Health Practices
  36. Practice Guideline for Pharmacists: The Management of Late-Onset Hypogonadism
  37. Relate.org.uk [Relate The Relationship People]
  38. Sex & Relationships: Sex & Menopause [+ Video: 5 Things To Know About Sex In Later Life]
  39. Sex and Aging – Men’s Issues
  40. Sexual Advice Association
  41. Sexual Health: Male Sexual Problems
  42. Sexual Health: Male Sexual Problems – Erectile Dysfunction
  43. Sildenafil [Viagra]
  44. Stress
  45. Testosterone
  46. Testosterone Deficiency
  47. Testosterone Therapy: Potential Benefits and Risks As You Age
  48. Testosterone Treatments
  49. Testosterone and Androgens
  50. The ‘Male Menopause’
  51. Tobacco Use and Men’s Health
  52. Truth About Testosterone Therapy
  53. 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 January 2022
  2. Endocrinology Glossary: Andropause. Endocrine Society https://www.endocrine.org/news-and-advocacy/news-room/glossary Accessed: 11 January 2022
  3. Aging Changes In the Male Reproductive System: Information. Update Date: 25 July 2020. Page Last Updated: 03 January 2022. MedlinePlus https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/004017.htm Accessed: 11 January 2022
  4. The ‘Male Menopause’: Is There Such A Thing As A ‘Male Menopause’? Page Last Reviewed: 19 February 2019. NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/male-menopause/#is-there-such-a-thing-as-a-male-menopause Accessed: 11 January 2022
  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 January 2022
  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 January 2022
  7. Aging Changes In the Male Reproductive System. Update Date: 25 July 2020. Page Last Updated: 03 January 2022. MedlinePlus https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/004017.htm Accessed: 11 January 2022
  8. Aging Changes In the Male Reproductive System: Information. Update Date: 25 July 2020. Page Last Updated: 03 January 2022. MedlinePlus https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/004017.htm Accessed: 11 January 2022
  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 January 2022
  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 January 2022
  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 January 2022
  12. The ‘Male Menopause’: Is There Such A Thing As A ‘Male Menopause’? Page Last Reviewed: 19 February 2019. NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/male-menopause/#is-there-such-a-thing-as-a-male-menopause Accessed: 11 January 2022
  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 January 2022
  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 January 2022

Topic Last Updated: 11 January 2022 – Topic Last Reviewed: 11 January 2022
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