Do Men Go Through Menopause?

Getting older can trigger unexpected physical changes. Most people know that women experience hormone shifts as they approach menopause. But you may not know that men face similar challenges. Andropause, sometimes known as “male menopause,” causes a decline in your hormone levels that can affect your mood, energy and appearance.

Low testosterone (low T) is to blame. As you age, your body’s testosterone production declines. Decreased testosterone can leave you exhausted, depressed, and irritable. Some men struggle with a loss of libido, too. Fortunately, treatment can help restore your vitality.

Regenerative Medical Institute offers a wide range of treatment options for low T. We begin with an in-depth evaluation. First, my team discusses your symptoms during a personalized consultation. Next, we use laboratory testing to assess your hormones. We work diligently to identify the root cause of your symptoms.

If you have low T, pellet hormone therapy can be an excellent solution. This simple, convenient treatment can boost your energy and balance your hormones. Pellet therapy provides lasting relief from andropause symptoms. Read on to learn more.

What is menopause?

During their late 40s, women enter a state known as perimenopause. Their fertility declines and their menstrual periods become irregular. Then, around age 50, estrogen levels fall rapidly. Menstrual periods halt, and fertility comes to an end. After 12 months pass without a period, the woman has officially “reached menopause.”

Does male menopause really exist?

Women aren’t the only ones who experience tremendous hormonal shifts in their 40s and 50s. Men can struggle with changing hormones, too. It’s true that “menopause” only affects women. But men can experience andropause, sometimes known as “male menopause.” Like menopause, andropause often begins in the late 40s. This phenomenon is caused by a drop in testosterone.

Symptoms can vary. Some men notice only a few changes in their bodies during their 40s and 50s, others may experience dramatic physical changes. Reduced testosterone can have a major impact on your quality of life. Often, my patients report that they “just don’t feel like themselves anymore.” The symptoms of low T can be intense and frustrating.

Symptoms of Low Testosterone

Low T can have a profound impact on your mental health. Many patients report:

• Irritability
• Depression
• Fatigue
• Memory problems
• Trouble concentrating

You might also notice changes in their intimate health and body composition. Low T sometimes triggers:

• Erectile dysfunction (ED)
• Low libido
• Weight gain
• Muscle loss

Weight gain is a common problem in men as they approach 50. You may notice that it becomes easier to gain fat and harder to maintain muscle. These symptoms are often a sign that your testosterone levels have dropped. Without treatment or lifestyle changes, rapid weight gain can occur, and body composition will decline.

Low T may also increase your risk of serious health problems. Research has shown a link between low T and obesity. Reduced testosterone levels may increase your risk of Type 2 diabetes, heart attack, and stroke. Keeping your hormones balanced helps protect your heart health and promotes longevity.

What’s the difference between menopause and andropause?

Menopause often occurs rapidly. In some cases, perimenopause lasts only a couple of years. Afterward, a woman’s body experiences permanent changes. Post-menopausal women aren’t able to conceive children. Since menopause causes dramatic and permanent changes, it is easily detected.

Andropause is different. Men usually don’t experience a sudden, sharp drop in their sex hormones. Instead, their testosterone levels decline gradually. This decline begins in your 30s. After age 40, the decline speeds up. After age 40, serum testosterone declines at a rate of 1% per year.

Keep in mind that your body doesn’t stop producing testosterone. Most men are still able to enjoy sex and father children during andropause. Unlike women, men are unlikely to experience infertility during their 40s and 50s. Some individuals may notice fewer physical changes than others. Testosterone levels may remain within the normal range for many years, but it is often suboptimal.

If your testosterone levels drop too low, your quality of life will change. You may feel down or depressed, and you may have trouble enjoying intimacy. Some men also experience fatigue and “brain fog.” Keeping up with your work or hobbies can become challenging and result in frustration rather than enjoyment.

If you notice a change in your physical and mental health, don’t hesitate to seek medical guidance. Treatment can help restore your vitality and reduce your symptoms.

How is andropause diagnosed?

Testosterone production declines slowly over many years. As a result, low T often goes undiagnosed. It’s impossible to measure testosterone without a laboratory test. Unfortunately, few physicians offer routine hormone testing. Your primary care doctor may not check your hormones as part of your preventive care plan.

At RMI, we always begin with laboratory testing. My team measures your hormone levels and checks for clinical signs of low T. We also consider your symptoms and review the information gathered during your consultation.

If you’re diagnosed with low T, hormone therapy can help resolve your symptoms. Prescription testosterone balances your hormones and boosts your quality of life.

What treatments are available?

If you opt for hormone therapy, you have many options. Testosterone is available in several forms, including:

• Creams
• Gels
• Injections
• Patches
• Pellets

I offer bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) through my practice with BodyLogic MD of Greenville. This process may include pellet therapy, which is a great solution for many patients. Each pellet contains a customized blend of hormones. The pellet delivers a steady dose of testosterone, mimicking your body’s natural processes.

My team inserts the pellet beneath your skin during a simple in-office appointment. Your body gradually absorbs the pellet over 3-4 months. Afterward, we recheck your hormones and replace your pellet. There’s no need for messy creams or daily medications. Pellet therapy is safe, convenient, and fuss-free.

I’m struggling with stubborn erectile dysfunction (ED). What options are available?

BHRT boosts your testosterone levels and may help you regain your sex drive. Many pellet therapy patients report higher libido and greater sexual satisfaction. But there are other services RMI offers for additional support. We offer several intimate wellness treatments for men. Each one is designed to address ED and low libido.

RMI patients can receive:

• The P-Shot
• Hydromax Pump
• Acoustic Pressure Wave therapy
• Cell Matrix MD
• Pharmaceutical therapy
• Peptide treatments

We know that ED can be very frustrating. Rest assured that RMI provides discreet, compassionate care, including private consultations. Our laboratory testing gets to the root of the problem. Once we identify the source of your symptoms, we help you find a treatment that meets your unique needs.

Can lifestyle changes help?

Diet plays a significant role in keeping your hormones balanced. As part of your treatment, my team identifies key lifestyle factors. We develop a diet and exercise plan that supports your treatment. RMI also offers a wide range of supplements that help combat aging at a cellular level.

Are you struggling with low T or a loss of vitality? My team can help. We offer lasting solutions for male menopause and hormone imbalances. Contact us at the Regenerative Medical Institute toda