As men age, hormonal changes occur, but the concept of “male menopause” is different from the more defined menopausal phase in women. Unlike women, who experience a sudden drop in reproductive hormones during menopause, men undergo a gradual decline in testosterone and other hormones over several years. This natural process is referred to as late-onset hypogonadism or age-related low testosterone levels.
The idea of “male menopause” has been associated with decreasing testosterone levels linked to aging. However, it’s important to note that hormone changes in men and women differ. While women experience a rapid decline in hormone production during menopause, men undergo a prolonged decrease in testosterone.
Testosterone levels in men typically decline by about 1% per year after the age of 40. Despite this, most older men still maintain testosterone levels within the normal range, with only 10% to 25% having levels considered low. Identifying low testosterone levels can be challenging, as tests aren’t routinely conducted, and many men with low levels may exhibit no symptoms.
Symptoms of low testosterone can include reduced sexual desire, erectile dysfunction, breast discomfort, infertility, and changes in bone density. Other possible signs encompass decreased energy, motivation, and confidence, along with mood changes, concentration difficulties, and alterations in sleep patterns.
Experts advise testing for low testosterone in older men only if they exhibit symptoms. Confirmation of low levels requires repeated testing, and further assessments may be needed to determine the cause and rule out other hormone deficiencies. Exploring the function of the pituitary gland, a key component of the endocrine system, is crucial in understanding hormonal imbalances associated with aging in men.
