What is male menopause? (and how to prevent it)

You’ve more than likely heard of “female menopause” - it’s an inevitable part of aging, caused by a decline in estrogen that results in hot flashes and mood swings, along with a whole host of other symptoms. It can be a life-altering and traumatic event for women and is largely misunderstood. 

But what about men?...

Throughout life, Men’s hormones change, with testosterone levels declining around 30 and beyond. And this can result in some changes dubbed “male menopause.” 

But what does that mean?

And can you prevent male menopause?

This blog explores male menopause to help you understand what it is and how to prevent it from negatively impacting your life. 

What is male menopause?

Is male menopause real?

In a sense, yes! 

Just as Women experience a decline in estrogen production as they age, men experience a decline in testosterone production. 

Male menopause has been coined in parallel with its female counterpart, but you may also see it called "andropause.”

Unlike women, who experience a sharp drop in estrogen levels at menopause, testosterone levels in men decline slowly and steadily with age - around 1-2% per year. 

As a result, the changes associated with male menopause are usually much less dramatic than those experienced by women during menopause. 

Also, one of the major differences is that male menopause does not result in a lack of fertility (one of the main markers of menopause).

For this reason, experts debate whether male menopause can be classified as a medical condition (as opposed to natural aging). But regardless, the changes associated with aging can still be challenging for some men to adjust to, and they may need medical help to cope with them. 

What are the male menopause symptoms?

Testosterone levels generally peak during a man's early 20s and begin declining gradually. However, the timing and rate of decline vary from man to man, meaning the age at which men see symptoms will vary. 

Some men may not experience any significant symptoms of male menopause, while others may experience a noticeable decline in physical and sexual performance. 

Some common symptoms of andropause include

• Erectile dysfunction
• Loss of libido
• Mood Swings
• Irritability
• Low mood or depression
• Difficulty sleeping
• Decreased muscle mass
• Increased body fat
• Gynecomastia (a.k.a man boobs)
• Decreased bone density.

These symptoms can appear subtly and over time, but any combination can cause difficulty, leading to a lack of confidence and a generally low mood over time - so it’s a good idea to keep an eye on them. 

How is male menopause diagnosed?

If you are worried, it’s worth speaking to a healthcare professional to rule out any other health conditions which may present similar symptoms.

However, otherwise, there is no definitive test for male menopause. You can have a blood test performed to check for a testosterone deficiency by a doctor or an at-home testing kit.

If you are over 30 or older, it is a good idea to get regular testing to help avoid these symptoms before they start. 

How to treat male menopause?

Loss of testosterone over time is natural…although frustrating. 

And while there is no official cure, there are certainly some targeted treatments that can help to improve symptoms. 

Some of these are more severe (i.e., hormone replacement therapy) and would only be possible with the advice and prescription of a healthcare professional. If your symptoms are severe, it’s best to speak to a doctor to see if these would be the best option. 

However, for most men, lifestyle changes such as frequent exercise and a healthy diet can also be beneficial, as well as supplements to boost testosterone production. 

1. Testosterone Replacement Therapy

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is a medical treatment you can use to alleviate the symptoms of male menopause. 

TRT involves replacing the testosterone that is no longer being produced by the body with synthetic testosterone. TRT can help to improve symptoms such as tiredness, low sexual drive, and muscle weakness. 

However, as you are replacing a hormone, side effects come alongside that, which are worth being aware of. A physician can advise you if this is the best course of action. 

2. Diet and Exercise

For most men, diet and exercise will play an important role throughout their life, especially for those experiencing male menopause. 

Eating a healthy diet and regular exercise can help improve overall health and well-being, which can help reduce the symptoms of male menopause.

• Related content: Here’s how eggs support your testosterone production

4. Stress Reduction

Stress can exacerbate the symptoms of male menopause, so finding ways to reduce stress in your life is essential. 

There are many ways to reduce stress, such as meditation, yoga and aromatherapy. 

Finding what works best for you and incorporating it into your daily routine can help you to manage the symptoms of male menopause better.

5. Natural Testosterone Supplements

Several natural supplements can be effective in treating male menopause. As they are over-the-counter, you don’t need a prescription to take them, and they include ingredients such as ginseng, zinc and green tea extract.

These are supplements with ingredients proven to help boost natural testosterone production and minimize the effects of male menopause. 

• Related content: What is Zinc, and how does it help boost testosterone levels?

Can you prevent male menopause? 

Aging is a reality we all have to face, and with that comes bodily changes that may lead to a natural testosterone deficiency. However, that does not mean you have to just sit back and accept it. 

Male menopause is not the same as female menopause, characterized by a slow decline in testosterone levels over time (after the age of 30). This means you can take steps to prevent or delay the onset of andropause. 

Good news!

A regular exercise routine and a healthy diet can help to keep testosterone levels high, while stress-reduction techniques can minimize the impact of stress on hormone production. 

In addition, supplements, including vitamin D and zinc, are beneficial for testosterone production. By taking these steps, men can help to ensure that they remain healthy and active well into their golden years.