Top 10 Silent Signs of Male Menopause
When testosterone drops, men experience symptoms just like women.
Women aren't the only ones who go through midlife hormonal changes. Male menopause, also called andropause, is a thing. "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," says the Mayo Clinic. A drop in testosterone can lead to a variety of symptoms. Here are the ones to look out for.
Many men who are experiencing a drop in testosterone find they are less and less motivated to do activities. One man, Shaun Ryder, told the Telegraph, "I could barely be bothered leaving the house."
Some men also report a lack of focus or "brain fog," the author of the Telegraph article states. This can result in decreased performance at work.
Low energy or constant exhaustion is another common symptom. The same man reported to be "tired all the time."
Another common sign of male menopause? Muscle loss.
One of the most identifiable things to happen to men when their testosterone is low, is the impact it has on their drive. The same man said about his drop in testosterone: "My libido was gone."
Weight gain is a common symptom for both men and women going through menopause. Men typically gain most of the weight in their belly.
The Mayo Clinic notes that testosterone drops can result in "hot flushes or sweats."
Just like women, men who experience a hormonal imbalance may also endure mood swings.
According to the Mayo Clinic, "depressed mood" is another possible symptom of male menopause.
Harvard Health maintains that "extremely low levels" of testosterone "can clearly cause loss of muscle mass and bone strength."
If you are an older man and have signs or symptoms of decreased testosterone, you should get tested by your doctor. "If an initial test shows low testosterone, the test should be repeated to confirm the results. If low testosterone is confirmed, further testing of the pituitary gland is recommended to determine the cause and rule out other hormone deficiencies," says The Mayo Clinic.
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The most common treatment for male menopause is testosterone therapy or hormone replacement therapy.
