The hormonal changes associated with ageing in men are different from those in women.Understanding the signs, symptoms and treatment options is important.Focus on andropause.
Hormonal changes are naturally part of aging.Unlike the more dramatic plunge in reproductive hormones that occurs in women during menopause, however, changes in sex hormones in men occur gradually.Here’s what you need to know about andropause.
Demystifying the Myth of Andropause
The term male menopause (or andropause) has been used to describe the decline in testosterone levels associated with aging, but the hormonal changes associated with aging in women and men are different.
In women, ovulation ends and the production of hormones breaks down for a relatively short period of time.menopauseIn men, the production of testosterone and other hormones decreases over a period of several years and the consequences are not necessarily clear. This gradual decline in testosterone levels is called late-onset hypogonadism or age-related low testosterone.
Recognizing low levels of testosterone
A man’s testosterone levels decrease on average by about 1% per year after the age of 40, but most older men still have testosterone levels in the normal range, with only an estimated 10% to 25% having levels considered low.
Low testosterone levels in older men often go unnoticed. Testosterone levels can be checked by a blood test, but tests are not routinely performed. And many men who have low testosterone have no symptoms. Furthermore, the signs and symptoms associated with low testosterone are not specific to low testosterone. They can also be caused by a person’s age, drug use, or other conditions, such as a body mass index of 30 or higher.
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Decreased sexual desire and sexual activity
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Decreased spontaneous erections or erectile dysfunction
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Breast discomfort or swelling
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Infertility
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Loss of height, fracture with low trauma or low bone mineral density
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Smoked by heat or sweat
Other possible symptoms include decreased energy, motivation and self-confidence, depressed mood and poor concentration, as well as increased drowsiness, sleep disturbances, unexplained mild anemia, decreased muscle mass and strength, and increased body fat.
Experts recommend testing older men for low testosterone only if they show signs or symptoms. If an initial test shows low testosterone, the test should be repeated to confirm the results. If low testosterone is confirmed, additional tests of the pituitary gland are recommended to determine the cause and rule out other hormonal deficiencies. The pituitary gland is a bean-sized gland located at the base of your brain. It is part of your body’s endocrine system, which consists of all the glands that produce and regulate hormones.
Treatment recommendations for elderly men with low testosterone
In 2020, the American College of Physicians recommended that physicians consider starting testosterone treatment in men with sexual dysfunction who want to improve their sexual function. After explaining the risks and benefits, in 2018, the Endocrine Society recommended testosterone treatment for men with age-related low testosterone who have signs and symptoms associated with low testosterone.
Some experts also recommend testosterone therapy for men with low age-related testosterone without signs or symptoms.
If you choose to start testosterone treatment … your doctor will explain the different ways of administering testosterone, target levels and follow-up tests.
For some men, testosterone therapy relieves the troublesome signs and symptoms of testosterone deficiency.For others, the benefits are unclear and there are possible risks.
Although further research is needed … Testosterone therapy may stimulate the growth of metastatic prostate and breast cancers. Testosterone treatment may also increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. As well as contribute to the formation of blood clots in the veins.
Your doctor will probably advise you not to start testosterone treatment if your fertility is high in the near future. or if you have conditions such as breast or prostate cancer. severe untreated obstructive sleep apnea. uncontrolled heart failure or thrombophilia. or if you have recently had a heart attack or stroke.
If you think you have low testosterone, talk to your doctor. Discuss your signs and symptoms, tests and possible treatment options. Your doctor can help you weigh the pros and cons of andropause treatment.
