Wondering if men go through menopause? While men don’t experience menopause in the same way women do, male menopause (also known as andropause) is a real and often overlooked phase of men’s health.
In this guide, our healthcare experts break down everything you need to know about male menopause – from common symptoms and when they usually appear, to treatment options that can help you feel more like yourself again.
Do Men Go Through Menopause?
First things first, is there such a thing as the ‘male menopause’?
Yes, there is a time in a man’s life when he can experience physical and emotional symptoms which do appear similar to what we know as ‘menopause’. This is also known as andropause, or less commonly, late-onset hypogonadism.
However, unlike the female menopause, these symptoms are not typically brought on by hormonal changes. This is why the use of the label ‘male menopause’ can be a little misleading as it does suggest a sudden drop in testosterone as men reach middle age, which is not the case.
Male Menopause Symptoms & How to Spot Them
Symptoms of what is often referred to as the ‘male menopause’ can have a significant impact on your quality of life, so spotting signs and addressing symptoms with a healthcare professional quickly is key.
Look out for:
Common Male Menopause Symptoms
- Low mood
- Tiredness / decreased energy levels
- Loss of sex drive
- Erectile dysfunction, especially in the mornings
Less Common Male Menopause Symptoms
- Depression
- Difficulty sleeping / changes in sleeping pattern
- Loss of muscle mass
- Reduced beard and hair growth
- Sweating
- Hot flushes
- Joint pain
- Reduced muscle growth
- Poor concentration
- Poor short-term memory
- Fat redistribution (often to the stomach and pectoral areas)
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When Does the Male Menopause Happen?
Testosterone levels do drop in men as they age, but the decline is steady at about 1% per year from around the 30s and 40s. As the decline is so minimal per year, you are unlikely to notice any sudden symptoms from this in itself. Into your 40s and 50s, you may experience many, or just some of andropause symptoms. Some men may not even notice any symptoms until their 60s.
How Long Does Male Menopause Last?
Unfortunately there is no fixed timeline for male menopause. Unlike female menopause, which typically has an expected period and stages including perimenopause, menopause and post-menopause, the symptoms of male menopause tend to develop gradually and can last for several years. For many men, symptoms may begin to surface in their 40s or 50s and can continue well into their 60s and beyond, especially if left unmanaged.
Plus, the duration and also the severity of symptoms can vary hugely from person to person. The key factor influencing how long the symptoms of male menopause lasts is often the underlying cause; whether it's life stage-related testosterone decline, lifestyle factors like diet or stress, or even an underlying health condition which hasn’t yet been detected.
If you’re experiencing prolonged or worsening symptoms, it’s important to speak with a healthcare professional to rule out other conditions and discuss possible treatments. Read on for more on male menopause treatments. Early intervention can make a significant difference in how long and how intensely you experience male menopause.
What Treatment Can You Take for Male Menopause?
While male menopause symptoms can be uncomfortable and a little alarming, especially if you’ve never experienced them before, they are a common and natural part of aging.
The good news is that there are treatments and medications available that can help alleviate the symptoms of andropause, including:
- Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT)
- Antidepressants
- Male menopause supplements to treat your symptoms naturally
- Lifestyle interventions such as regular exercise, balanced nutrition and stress management techniques.
Remember that it’s important to always seek medical advice before starting any treatment, to get the right diagnosis for you, and ensure that you’re treating the root cause of your male menopause symptoms. If you’re struggling, speak with your GP or a hormone specialist. Early support can make a big difference.
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Can You Suffer from Male Menopause Symptoms even if Testosterone Levels are Normal?
Yes, it’s possible to experience symptoms of male menopause even if your testosterone levels are within the normal range when tested.
Our experts explain that this is because it’s not the total amount of testosterone in your blood that matters, but how much of it is active and available for your body to use. As men get older, more of their testosterone starts attaching to proteins in the blood, particularly SHBG (sex hormone-binding globulin).
When testosterone is bound like this, your body can’t use it properly, as it could when you were younger (and before it was bound). Only a tiny amount is actually free and active. As SHBG levels go up with age, the amount of usable testosterone goes down.
So, even if you’ve had a blood test and your results show that your testosterone levels are normal, you might still feel the effects of male menopause; like feeling tired, low in mood, erectile dysfunction or struggling to focus, because your body isn’t able to use the hormone effectively as it did when you were younger.
Male Menopause Treatment and Supplements at Supplement Hub
Our healthcare experts carefully select supplements for male menopause from reputable brands that you can trust including STEMREGEN, APE Nutrition and Nutri Advanced. To find the right supplements for your andropause symptoms, we recommend consulting with a healthcare professional.