Not only women but also men go through menopause in middle age. You can recognize the phenomenon known as andropause or climacteric virile by the following signs.
Table of Contents
Menopause in men: 4 signs of andropause
1. Declining testosterone levels
From the age of 40, testosterone production in the male body decreases by an average of around one to two percent annually. Since the male sex hormone is one of the so-called androgens, the menopause in men is also referred to as andropause or alternatively as a climacteric virile. As with the menopause in women, the timing, extent and course of the menopause are also extremely individual in men. In addition, a falling testosterone level does not necessarily have to be accompanied by noticeable symptoms. However, if a testosterone deficiency and the following symptom are present at the same time in middle or old age , this indicates the climacteric virile.
2. Sexual dysfunctions
As a result of a low testosterone level , several sexual dysfunctions can occur at the same time: In addition to physical symptoms such as erection problems – also known as erectile dysfunction – psychological and mental symptoms such as a reduced libido or less frequent occurrence of sexual thoughts can also occur. The symptoms also play a role in the diagnosis and therapy of menopause: If you have a low testosterone level but no sexual impairments, you do not need any treatment at first.
Important: Since factors such as stress or obesity also affect the testosterone level, it is difficult to differentiate the causes and the symptoms are not always due to age.
3. Muscle breakdown
Since testosterone promotes anabolic processes such as muscle building, it stands to reason that a lack of the “manhood hormone” also leads to muscle breakdown. In fact, during the menopause in men, muscle mass can decrease and age-related muscle weakness can occur. If a testosterone deficiency is diagnosed, a so-called substitution therapy can be initiated to raise the level again. In mild cases, factors such as strength training combined with a protein-rich diet can also increase testosterone levels. However, always clarify this with the doctor you trust.
4. Brittle bones
It is not only women who are more frequently affected by osteoporosis after their menopause due to falling estrogen levels. Bone density also decreases in men with falling testosterone levels in old age and the risk of fractures increases. Preventive measures such as regular exercise and a healthy diet are all the more important. Fortunately, according to studies , the reduced bone density in severe testosterone deficiency can be compensated for and increased again with the administration of testosterone.
Other possible symptoms of andropause
In addition to the signs mentioned above, a number of other symptoms, which vary greatly from person to person , can occur, similar to menopause in women . These include:
- hot flashes
- sweats
- difficulty concentrating
- sleep disorders
- weight gain
- mood swings
- depressions
Important: A low testosterone level does not necessarily have to be accompanied by symptoms. For many men, the menopause is even completely symptom-free.
