Male Menopause

What causes male menopause?

Male menopause is also referred to as andropause, or ADAM (androgen deficiency of the aging male). Androgen is another term used for testosterone, the primary hormone in men that is responsible for sexual health and certain male characteristics, including:

• Bone and muscle mass
• Body and facial hair

Testosterone is produced by your testes and plays a crucial role in your sexual and physical development from birth through your 20s.

After your 20s, testosterone levels naturally decline at an average rate of 1.5% per year. While this decline is natural, some men experience life-hampering side effects that cause serious quality of life issues.

What are the symptoms of male menopause?

The most common symptoms of male menopause, or andropause, are:

• Loss of libido
• Erectile dysfunction
• Fatigue or lethargy
• Loss of muscle mass and strength
• Osteoporosis
• Decreased cognitive abilities
• Depression

Symptoms vary in severity among men: Some men may not feel any side effects from decreasing testosterone production while others are hit harder and experience life-altering changes.

Since the symptoms of andropause are often associated with other conditions and diseases, such as diabetes, the doctors at Men’s Health Chicago perform 2 blood tests to confirm that your testosterone is truly low.  

If the blood test shows low testosterone, the health care providers at Men’s Health Chicago will go over your symptoms with you, as well as your goals, and determine whether intervention is necessary and what is to be expected regarding timeframes to see relief of symptoms.

How is male menopause treated?

By replacing what your body no longer provides, testosterone replacement therapy can reverse the effects that low testosterone levels have on your physical and mental well-being. Testosterone replacement therapy is delivered through pellets, patches, injections, or gels.

Outside of testosterone replacement therapy, the doctors at Men’s Health Chicago may also recommend:

• Changes in diet and exercise
• Antidepressants
• Lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking and reducing alcohol consumption

To find more about how to offset the effects of male menopause, call one of the three offices in Naperville, Chicago, or Schaumburg, Illinois, or book an appointment online.