Menopause is the biological process in every woman’s life that marks the end of her reproductive years. On average, women enter menopause at age 51 after having no menstrual period for 12 months. The time leading up to and during menopause is marked by changes like hot flashes, mood swings, and weight gain.
The driving force behind menopause and its symptoms is hormones. Hormones are chemical messengers in the body that control reproductive and sexual health, among many other things — and hormonal changes aren’t reserved for women alone.
In fact, “male menopause” is the nickname given to andropause, a time that’s characterized by age-related low testosterone levels in men. Testosterone is the primary hormone responsible for male characteristics, and it naturally starts declining after age 30.
Andropause and low testosterone can affect your health and happiness in a number of ways, and the symptoms often mimic those of female menopause.
At the Center for Female and Male Sexual Medicine in Millburn, New Jersey, Dr. Stuart Shoengold and our team are here to help. We have experience in identifying the signs of male menopause, and we can recommend treatment to help you feel like yourself again.
As a male, your testosterone level starts rising when you enter puberty. Testosterone peaks around age 18, and remains relatively stable throughout your 20s. However, things change after you turn 30.
Testosterone begins declining at a rate of about 1% each year after age 30. While this change is natural, testosterone levels may drop too low as you get older. In fact, about 40% of men over age 40 have low testosterone.
Having low testosterone can trigger symptoms of andropause, including:
Many of these symptoms are similar to the symptoms women experience during menopause. For women, menopausal symptoms can be disruptive to their lives, and the symptoms of andropause are no different.
If these symptoms sound familiar, now is the time to schedule an appointment with Dr. Shoengold to find out if you could be going through andropause.
Testosterone regulates male characteristics from libido to muscle mass, along with other things like energy and mood. If you have unusually low testosterone, the symptoms can quickly begin affecting your ability to enjoy life.
Dr. Shoengold and our team typically diagnose low testosterone and andropause following a physical examination and blood work. If we find that you’re experiencing andropause, we work with you to develop a treatment plan.
Hormone replacement therapy is a popular option for men in andropause, because it balances your testosterone levels to relieve your symptoms. Testosterone therapy is available in injections, pellets, patches, and topical creams.
When you’re on testosterone therapy, Dr. Shoengold monitors your health and adjusts your plan to ensure you’re getting the best possible results.
You don’t have to suffer the symptoms of male menopause alone. Schedule a consultation at the Center for Female and Male Sexual Medicine to find out if your symptoms indicate andropause — and get treatment to help you feel better. Call us at 973-218-9400 or book online now.
