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Manopause — it’s a guy thing

Published in Men's Health, For the Health of It Author: CentraCare

Hormone changes are a natural part of aging. We’ve all heard of menopause, the change of life that women experience in their late 40s to mid-50s. But did you know that medical data shows men are suffering from a similar change of life?

Life changes

In men, male sex hormones, such as testosterone, can decline gradually over several years, typically between 45-70 years of age. This hormone decline is gradual so for some, symptoms may go unnoticed for years. For others, lower levels may cause:

  • Changes in sexual functions
  • Changes in sleep patterns
  • Physical changes
  • Emotional changes

Signs and symptoms

Because of the interpersonal nature of these changes, it’s equally as important for men as it is for the women who love them to understand the signs, symptoms and treatment options. So, how do you know if someone is Manopausal?

Symptoms may include:

  • Moodiness
  • Fatigue
  • Weight gain
  • Depression
  • Decreased sex drive
  • Decreased muscle mass
  • Bone loss

Diagnosis and treatment

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to talk to your doctor. Diagnosis includes a physical exam, a series of blood tests, discussion of health issues and possible other diagnostic tests.

Several terms have been given to the so-called male menopause including:

  • Androgen deficiency of the aging male
  • Testosterone deficiency
  • Late-onset hypogonadism
  • Andropause
  • Manopause

Man up to manopause

Once diagnosed, the goal is to get testosterone back to a normal level. Treatment options include Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) and important lifestyle changes such as exercise, diet and alcohol elimination. 

If you or a loved one are experiencing signs and symptoms that might be the result of low testosterone, consult your health care provider. Together you can determine whether testosterone treatments might be right for you.