Testosterone deficiency (hypogonadism)
Is there sucha thing as a 'male menopause'?
The "male menopause" (sometimes called the "andropause") is an unhelpful term sometimes used in the media to explain the above symptoms.
This label ismisleading because it suggests the symptoms are the result of a suddendrop in testosterone in middle age, similar to what occurs in the Testosterone deficiency (hypogonadism) . This isn't true. Although testosterone levels fall as men age, the decline is steadyless than 2% a year from around the age of 30-40and this is unlikely to cause any problems in itself.
A testosterone deficiency that develops later in life (also known as late-onset hypogonadism) can sometimesbe responsible for these symptoms, but in many cases the symptoms are nothing to do withhormones.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
Read about male menopause, where some men develop depression, loss of sex drive, erectile dysfunction and other physical and emotional symptoms when they reach their late 40s to early 50s.
Is there sucha thing as a 'male menopause'?
The "male menopause" (sometimes called the "andropause") is an unhelpful term sometimes used in the media to explain the above symptoms. This label ismisleading because it suggests the symptoms are t
Personal or lifestyle issues
Lifestyle factors or psychological problems are often responsible for many of the symptoms described above. For example, erectile dysfunction , loss of libido andmood swingsmay bethe result of either
What to do
If you're experiencing any of the above symptoms, see your GP. They'll ask about your work and personal life, to see if your symptoms may be caused by a mental health issue, such as stress or anxiety.
Do I need HRT?
Your GP may also order ablood test to measure your testosterone levels. If the results suggest you have a testosterone deficiency, you may be referred to an endocrinologist (a specialist in hormone pr
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