November is dedicated to recognizing and building awareness of men’s health issues, both physical and mental. It is frequently recognized as Movember – as men grow moustaches to show their support!
To do our part, we would like to educate others about andropause, an understudied and underdiscussed hormonal change that middle-aged males experience.
Most of us know about menopause, the time when the female period ceases, and changing hormones can cause symptoms such as mood swings, brain fog and hot flashes. Andropause is often called the “male equivalent.”
Male Reproductive Hormones
To understand andropause, we must first discuss the hormones that contribute to the male reproductive system.
First and foremost, is testosterone. This chemical is the primary male sex hormone, and typically peaks in the early twenties. It declines by approximately 1% after age 30, though this can vary based on habits. It regulates:
- Sex drive/libido
- Bone density
- Muscle mass
- Fat distribution
Next, is luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). These two are also critical, as they signal the male body to create testosterone.
Cortisol, often known as the stress hormone, regulates the stress response, blood pressure, and metabolic speed.
Estrogen, while typically associated with females, is also present in the male body (in smaller amounts). It is important for bone health, brain function, and sex drive.
Finally, thyroid hormones, such as thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and T3/T4, also influence metabolism and sex drive.
Andropause
While often referred to as “male menopause,” the decline in male hormones during andropause is far slower than the drop in female hormones during menopause.
Furthermore, not all men experience symptoms! It varies greatly from person to person.
As previously mentioned, testosterone levels gradually decline starting around age 30-40. Symptoms of andropause, if they do arise, typically emerge around age 50-60. They include:
- Low libido
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Symptoms of depression
- Loss of strength
- Lower muscle mass
- Sleep disturbances
- Higher body fat percentage
While doctors don’t routinely test for andropause, it is often diagnosed via a blood test. This detects the level of testosterone in the body.
Effects on Mental Health
Evidently, andropause can slow you down physically. But, it also impacts mental health. The irritability and fatigue can cause difficulty maintaining relationships, work, school, and more. Sleep disturbances also increase risk for developing other mental disorders.
Along with this, the physical changes can cause mental strain. Men are expected to be strong, and society places physique expectations on them. The loss of muscle mass, strength, and increase in body fat percentage can impact self-esteem and confidence.
What Can You Do?
To lessen the effects of andropause, men can aim to maintain their testosterone levels as much as possible. This can be done by:
- Eating high protein meals
- Exercising often, especially resistance-based exercise such as weightlifting
- Maintaining stress levels
- Keeping the mind busy
Some andropause symptoms may also just be associated with older age, and the physical impacts that it has.
If you are struggling with andropause or growing into a middle-aged adult, contact us here to find out how we can help.
