Hormonal Changes In Men As They Grow Older
Summary
As men age, hormone levels naturally change, which can affect energy, mood, sleep, bone health, and sexual health. Learn about the common signs of low testosterone, what causes these changes, and when it’s a good idea to talk with your doctor about your symptoms.
The term andropause, also called “male menopause”, refers to the drop in testosterone levels that happens as men get older. However, hormone changes that occur with aging are different for men and women. Hormone changes are a normal part of aging. Unlike women, who experience a sharp drop in reproductive hormones during menopause, men’s hormone changes happen slowly over time. Here’s what you need to know.
Testosterone levels decrease by about 1% each year after age 40. Most older men still have normal testosterone levels, but some may have levels that are 10% to 25% lower than usual. Low testosterone levels in older men often go unnoticed, and many men may not show any symptoms.
The signs and symptoms associated with low testosterone are not always specific to low testosterone. It can also be caused by age, medications, and other conditions, such as having a body mass index of 30 or higher.
The signs and symptoms suggestive of low testosterone include:
- Lower sex drive.
- Erectile dysfunction
- Breast pain or swelling.
- Infertility
- Decrease in height
- Lower bone density which can result in fractures caused by minimal trauma.
- Hot flashes or sweats
Other possible symptoms include:
- Decrease in energy and motivation
- Lack of confidence
- Poor concentration
- Depression
- Increase in sleepiness
- Disturbances in sleep patterns
If you notice the above symptoms, often associated with a drop in your testosterone levels, please consult with your doctor. They can give you a simple test that can confirm if your testosterone levels have dropped and discuss options for addressing your symptoms.
Source: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/mens-health/in-depth/male-menopause/art-20048056