What is Male Menopause and Can it be Treated?
Andropause, often referred to as "male menopause," is the gradual decrease in testosterone levels that occurs in aging males. This condition can lead to symptoms such as tiredness, sleep disturbances, mood swings and can also affect fertility.
Unlike female menopause, which occurs relatively quickly, male menopause develops more slowly as it brings about a range of physical, emotional, and cognitive changes. At Alevizos Medical, board-certified family practice physician John G. Alevizos, DO, understands the complexities of male menopause and offers bioidentical hormone therapy to restore balance in your body.
Read on to learn more about male menopause and how to manage it.
The experience of male menopause
Testosterone is a key male hormone. It’s responsible for regulating libido, muscle mass, bone density, and mood, as well as many other essential physical functions.
As men age, testosterone production naturally decreases. Beginning around the age of 40, men experience a testosterone drop at a rate of about 1-2% per year. By the time men reach their 50s or 60s, this decline can lead to noticeable symptoms that are collectively referred to as male menopause.
Symptoms of male menopause
The symptoms of male menopause can vary widely, but you may experience:
- Fatigue and low energy levels
- Mood swings, irritability, anxiety, and even depression
- Decreased sexual desire and performance issues
- Weight gain and Increase in body fat, particularly around the abdomen
- Reduction in muscle mass and strength
- Insomnia or other sleep-related issues
- Difficulty concentrating and memory lapses
These symptoms can significantly impact your quality of life, but we can help you manage them effectively with appropriate treatment.
Treatments for male menopause
At Alevizos Medical, we offer a comprehensive approach to treating male menopause. The team helps you focus on lifestyle modifications and offers bioidentical hormone replacement therapy to restore hormone balance. Here’s more about those strategies:
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy
Testosterone hormone replacement therapy is the primary focus of our male menopause treatment. It involves supplementing the body with natural forms of testosterone to restore hormone levels to a more youthful range.
This therapy can help alleviate many of the symptoms associated with andropause, including fatigue, depression, and sexual dysfunction. We work with you to customize your dosing to meet your personal needs.
Lifestyle changes
Dr. Alevizos also helps you take fitness and dietary steps that also help you maintain muscle mass and high energy levels. Prioritizing sleep hygiene habits that help you get enough restful sleep is also important when dealing with the symptoms of male menopause.
You come to Alevizos for regular check-ups and health screenings to monitor your progress, and we adjust your treatment plan as needed. We pay close attention to your hormone levels and overall health, ensuring your treatment remains effective and safe.
Although male menopause is a natural part of aging, you don’t have to let it diminish your quality of life. We can help you manage the symptoms of andropause, so you continue to enjoy a high quality of life. Contact Alevizos Medical today to schedule a consultation.