After the age of 40, testosterone levels in most men naturally drop year by year. This hormonal change is also known as andropause or climacteric virile and can be accompanied by symptoms. Find out what can help with a lack of testosterone in male menopause.
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Menopause in men: does andropause really exist?
Researchers and physicians are currently still in disagreement as to whether the falling testosterone level in men in middle and old age is really comparable to menopause in women. From the age of 40, testosterone production in the male body decreases by an average of about one to two percent per year – this process is much slower than during the menopause. While the hormonal situation in all women changes completely within a few years and is accompanied by menopausal symptoms, this is rather rare in men. According to the German Society for Endocrinology (DGE) , there is no menopause in men that can be equated with the menopause in women: “In the age group of 60 to 79 year olds haveonly three to five percent have a testosterone deficiency, which explains the lack of libido and other symptoms such as erectile dysfunction .”
Even if terms such as male menopause or climacteric virile do not perfectly describe the hormonal changes in men, there are some who suffer from reduced testosterone levels. A testosterone deficiency can be associated with stressful symptoms such as erection problems, muscle wasting or psychological problems. However, a symptom-free drop in testosterone levels is not a concern and, according to the DGE, does not need to be treated.
Tip: If you experience any symptoms, always have your testosterone level checked by a doctor, as there may be other, more serious causes.
This helps against the lack of testosterone during menopause
Medical therapy for testosterone deficiency
Before starting therapy, there should always be a clear diagnosis of a clinical-pathological testosterone deficiency. The urologist or endocrinologist determines this using several blood tests on different dates and based on the symptoms that occur. There are two medicinal options to remedy a testosterone deficiency:
- Exogenous testosterone: If possible, the direct supply of testosterone or testosterone replacement is only used in men with irreversible testicular failure , since the direct testosterone replacement corrects the testosterone deficiency, but the own testosterone production comes to a standstill and impotence can be the result.
- Gonadotropin replacement therapy: This is the preferred treatment approach for men who are still fertile or who only have reversible testicular failure . The body is not supplied with testosterone, but so-called gonadotropins – those hormones that stimulate the testicles to produce testosterone on their own .
Depending on the severity of the deficiency, there are corresponding preparations in short-acting and long-acting forms. They are available in tablet form, as an injection or as a gel or patch for use on the skin. The goal of therapy is to restore the testosterone level that is normal for the individual, which is why therapy that is tailored to the individual is always required.
Important: Due to undesirable side effects, testosterone replacement therapy should only be carried out if a deficiency has been diagnosed by a doctor and should always be accompanied by regular check-ups. Possible side effects include gynecomastia (enlargement of the breasts), acne, hair loss and coughing fits.
Home remedies and tips for higher testosterone levels
- Strength training with or without weights leads to muscle growth and an increased release of testosterone .
- Intense interval training , such as easy jogging with 15-second sprint intervals, can increase your testosterone levels by up to 40 percent .
- A reduction in waist circumference if you are overweight also increases your testosterone, as the visceral abdominal fat converts testosterone into the female hormone estradiol. The less visceral fat you have, the less testosterone is converted.
- The intake of healthy fatty acids , which are contained in nuts, sea fish or avocados, for example, is important for the body to be able to produce testosterone.
Tip: Avoid factors that lower testosterone levels. These include chronic stress and lack of sleep or poor sleep quality.
