Let’s talk about male menopause… are you feeling awkward yet?
You may not believe it, but male menopause is a term sometimes used to describe the decrease in men’s testosterone levels. However, the concept of male menopause is very different than the type of menopause experienced by women. In fact, the term “male menopause” is inaccurate, and as we mentioned, it also sounds awkward.
Women experience menopause through significant drops in hormone production, such as estrogen, in a very brief period of time. Unlike menopause in women, we as men experience a much more gradual decrease in testosterone production and bioavailability over time. (Mayo Clinic) A more accurate term to describe this gradual decrease in testosterone is “andropause”. Testosterone production in men naturally decreases at a rate of one percent every year after age 30 or later.
While the effects of testosterone loss may not be as acute as a woman’s menopause, the subtlety in change can be just as diminishing over time. Low testosterone can manifest a variety of serious symptoms, such as:
- Lack of energy or motivation
- Inability to concentrate
- Loss of sex drive
- Decreased muscle strength or tone
- Anxiety and/or depression
- Stubborn belly fat
Women experiencing menopause often share thoughts along the lines of, “I don’t feel the way I used to,” or “Why isn’t my body working the way it used to?” If you’re a guy experiencing low testosterone, you may be asking the same type of questions. Of course, you’re not eighteen anymore, so you don’t expect to feel like Superman every day, but you still wish you felt strong, in control, and ready to tackle your work week. If you’re not feeling like your old self, chances are your testosterone is not where it needs to be.
The first step in balancing your testosterone levels is connecting with one of our board-certified physicians. Our Mantality staff created a FREE eBook available here for immediate download to answer any questions or concerns you may have about TRT. Download your FREE eBook right now and schedule your next appointment today with our Mantality team.
