The Male Menopause - Everything You Need to Know

The andropause or more commonly known as 'the male menopause' describes the age-related changes in male hormone levels. Dr Clive Morrison tells us everything you need to know about the andropause and ways to manage it's symptoms.

Men do not go through a directly equivalent universal ageing-related significant/sharp drop in the key male hormone testosterone, mirroring a woman’s drop in oestrogen at menopause. However, at a similar age (and in some cases earlier) many men do begin to undergo changes in the level and balance of their key hormones, including testosterone. These changes can, as with menopause, have significant negative health, well-being/quality of life and relationship impacts. There are a range of medical terms for the resulting condition but it is increasingly known as Testosterone Deficiency (low testosterone). Testosterone Deficiency has a range of possible causes, age-related hormone change being one of these.

In men, testosterone is vital to the development and maintenance of male sexual characteristics and function. Normal active testosterone levels help to maintain sex drive and fertility in healthy men. Research is showing it even helps maintain psychological health. It is increasingly being recognised as important to a wide range of health-related areas in men. This includes contributing to maintaining healthy and active energy levels and preventing bone breakdown.

Research at our clinic indicates that 20% of men (2 million) across the UK over the age of 50 suffer from testosterone deficiency syndrome. However, only 1% have been diagnosed and are being treated.

So what are the symptoms of low testosterone in men? A number of these can be similar to those experienced by menopausal women, in particular, hot flushes and night sweats. However, not all men with low testosterone will experience these. The most common symptoms are:

• Decreased sex drive (low libido)
• Erectile dysfunction (ED) and/or loss of morning erections
• Tiredness and a general loss of energy
• Depression and/or mood swings
• Weight gain, especially around the belly
• Poor concentration, short-term memory loss and 'brain fog'
• Irritability

Treating Testosterone Deficiency with TRT

Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) has been shown to be highly effective in relieving the symptoms of testosterone deficiency – in particular in restoring energy, health and sex drive. TRT is usually given by testosterone gel, cream or long acting injections. It is often needed long-term and can safely be continued in these forms if good symptom relief is maintained or changed to other types if needed.

It’s natural for men’s hormone levels and balance to change as they age. Where this has no health impact there is no need for treatment. However, where this change negatively impacts their health, well-being or relationships, a trial of testosterone replacement treatment (TRT) should be considered in the same way as HRT would be where a woman’s health is being affected by the effects of menopause. In both cases, the fact that the problem can be the result of a ‘natural’ ageing process/the normal result of ageing is no reason on its own not to provide treatment any more than treating e.g. the consequences of osteoporosis or failing sight that often come with age. It's increasingly clear from research that where medically indicated there are significant and wide-ranging benefits to be had from normalising testosterone levels in men with this condition.

About The Author

Dr Clive Morrison is a highly experienced men’s health doctor at the Centre for Men’s Health in London. For over 25 years the Centre has been in the forefront of treatment of men for low testosterone and connected issues such as erectile dysfunction (ED). During this time it has helped thousands of men regain their health and vitality and return to a fulfilling sex life. At the Centre, Dr Morrison is part of a team dedicated to providing a holistic approach to providing the best care for its patients. As such, the clinic engages in an ongoing process of developing referral links with complementary practitioners and organisations that provide wider health support to men and their partners, including in areas such as diet and nutrition.