Male Menopause Is a Real Phenomenon: Recognizing the Symptoms and Signs

Men’s experiences of menopause vary greatly depending on their personalities. Women have a fixed ovarian reserve, which gradually decreases with time and leads to menopause. Although men do not go through menopause, the sudden drop in testosterone causes them to go through similar problems. Andropause, or simply male menopause, is the name used to describe it.

As men age, they undergo a range of changes, including loss of muscle mass and greying hair. A prominent alteration observed in men is a reduction in their testosterone levels. Dr. Shobha Gupta, Medical Director and IVF Expert, explains that the male hormone testosterone naturally declines with age, and diabetes can also cause this decline in production. Symptoms of reduced testosterone levels include reduced mental clarity, loss of energy and strength, changes in mood, irritability, muscle aches, and pains.

Testosterone is essential for libido, muscle mass, sperm production, bone health, and blood production. The andropause debate has gained momentum recently, although not all doctors and psychologists agree that men experience menopause. Dr. Gupta emphasizes that those who do experience it usually don’t talk about it, similar to how women express their feelings. Hormone replacement therapy and lifestyle changes, such as increasing physical activity and healthy eating, are suggested for managing andropause.

Dr. Shobha Gupta recommends a balanced diet, regular exercise, frequent health screenings, hormone level checks, stress reduction, and emphasizing intimacy and adequate sleep during male menopause. Men’s experiences of andropause vary greatly depending on their personalities, and more research is needed to fully understand and address male menopause.