Hormone changes are natural. Both men and women undergo drastic changes in hormones as they age, however the process through which men undergo a loss in sexual hormones is vastly different than a woman’s. Menopause, for women, is a dramatic and sudden hormonal plunge, whereas with men the change happens more gradually, usually beginning much earlier in the age.
Male Menopause
Testosterone levels vary drastically in men, so to compare the process of testosterone loss between two males is difficult. But, generally speaking, older men have lower testosterone than younger men (testosterone levels decrease throughout adulthood, beginning around the age of thirty, with the most drastic changes taking place between the ages of forty and fifty-five years). This gradual loss in testosterone can cause certain problems. A blood test is the only way to test testosterone levels in men; sometimes a man can have low testosterone and not show one symptom.
Symptoms of testosterone loss are varied, but the most common include: changes in sexual function, changes in nightly sleeping patterns, physical changes, and emotional changes. Sexual changes include a decreased desire for sex and erectile dysfunction (erectile dysfunction could also be a sign of other inherent problems), and infertility. Sleep disturbances, which could also be symptomatic of other issues such as anxiety, diet, or lack of exercise, are problematic for men with lower levels of testosterone. Symptoms of sleep disturbances can include insomnia or, at the
other end of the spectrum, an increased drowsiness. Physical changes include body fat that’s more easily put on and harder to be rid of, reduced muscle bulk and strength, and even a loss in body hair. A man with low testosterone may also experience a decrease in motivation, experience intense feelings of unexplained sadness and depression, and even difficulty with memory and mental acuity.
Thankfully there are hormone therapies to help counteract the effects of hormone loss. And if you would like to speak with an expert at Central Wellness about how hormone therapy can help you, then call today and schedule a consultation.
