The NHS explains what The "male menopause", sometimes called the andropause, actually means (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

The truth about the 'male menopause' and how a 'midlife crisis' can be the cause of common symptom

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

by · Birmingham Live

The term "male menopause", also referred to as the andropause, is often bandied about online. However, this terminology is somewhat misleading because it implies that the symptoms are due to a sudden drop in testosterone during middle age, akin to what women experience during menopause, which the NHS refutes.

While it's true that testosterone levels decrease as men get older, the reduction is gradual, at roughly 1 per cent annually starting from the ages of 30 to 40, and this typically doesn't cause any issues by itself.

Symptoms that arise later in life can sometimes be attributed to a testosterone deficiency, known as late-onset hypogonadism, but often these symptoms have no connection to hormone levels.

Read more: Young mum told she has '16 months left' to make precious memories with her daughter

Get the latest Birmingham Live breaking news on WhatsApp

According to the NHS website, 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.

Other symptoms common in men this age are:

  • mood swings and irritability
  • loss of muscle mass and reduced ability to exercise
  • fat redistribution, such as developing a large belly or "man boobs" ( gynaecomastia )
  • a general lack of enthusiasm or energy
  • difficulty sleeping ( insomnia ) or increased tiredness
  • poor concentration and short-term memory

The NHS states: "These symptoms can interfere with everyday life and happiness, so it's important to find the underlying cause and work out what can be done to resolve it."

Personal or lifestyle issues

According to the NHS, lifestyle factors or psychological problems can also be responsible for many of these symptoms.

For example, erectile dysfunction, low sex drive and mood swings may be the result of:

The NHS said: "There are also physical causes of erectile dysfunction, such as smoking or heart problems, which may happen alongside any psychological cause.

"Psychological problems are typically brought on by work or relationship issues, money problems or worrying about ageing parents. The NHS advises that a "midlife crisis" can also be responsible. This can happen when men think they have reached life's halfway stage."

The NHS added: "Anxieties over what they have accomplished so far, either in their job or personal life, can lead to a period of depression". Other possible causes of the "male menopause" include:

  • lack of sleep
  • a poor diet
  • lack of exercise
  • drinking too much alcohol
  • smoking
  • low self-esteem

Late-onset hypogonadism

The NHS says: "In some cases, where lifestyle or psychological problems do not seem to be responsible, the symptoms of the "male menopause" may be the result of hypogonadism, where the testes produce few or no hormones.

"Hypogonadism is sometimes present from birth, which can cause symptoms like delayed puberty and small testes. Hypogonadism can also occasionally develop later in life, particularly in men who are obese or have type 2 diabetes.

"This is known as late-onset hypogonadism and can cause the "male menopause" symptoms. But this is an uncommon and specific medical condition that's not a normal part of ageing.

"A diagnosis of late-onset hypogonadism can usually be made based on your symptoms and the results of blood tests used to measure your testosterone levels."

What to do

If you're experiencing any of these 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.

If stress or anxiety are affecting you, you may benefit from medication or a talking therapy, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).

Exercise and relaxation can also help.

Read about:

Do I need hormone replacement therapy (HRT)?

According to the NHS, your GP may also order a blood 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 problems.

If the specialist confirms this diagnosis, you may be offered testosterone replacement to correct the hormone deficiency, which should relieve your symptoms. This treatment may be given as an injection or a gel.