Is Male Menopause Real? Debunking the Myth and Exploring Its Causes, Symptoms

It was recently reported that certain NHS trusts have implemented "male menopause" policies, potentially granting employees up to a year of sick leave for symptoms. However, the NHS clarifies that male menopause is not recognized as a clinical condition, and it is not an official national NHS policy. But what is male menopause and is it a real condition?

Menopause Awareness Month: Can Males Experience This Condition?

October is Menopause Awareness Month, culminating in World Menopause Day on October 18, focusing on women typically aged 45 to 55. Although it focuses on women, there have been reports as well of male menopause, also known as andropause.

This condition occurs when a man experiences a decline in testosterone levels,that lead to various symptoms. Dr. Alexis Missick, a general practitioner collaborating with online pharmaceutical company UK Meds, notes that many men undergoing male menopause may also face reduced libido and difficulty maintaining strong erections.

Unlike female menopause, where estrogen production stops entirely, male menopause involves a gradual decline in testosterone levels. The absence of a sudden drop in this sex hormone is one reason why the term 'male menopause' is criticized and seen as unhelpful by some experts.

Men typically experience a natural yearly decrease in testosterone levels of around 1% starting from their 30s to 40s. Lifestyle and psychological factors, such as excessive alcohol consumption, an unhealthy diet, smoking, stress, depression, and anxiety, can contribute to male menopause symptoms. As stated on the NHS website, in many cases, these symptoms have nothing to do with hormones.

Symptoms of Male Menopause

The existence of male menopause leave many uncertain about its validity. The NHS acknowledges that some men may experience symptoms like depression, erectile dysfunction, and reduced sex drive as they approach their late 40s to early 50s.

Moreover, the health agency specifies that common symptoms for men in this age range include mood swings, irritability, muscle mass loss, reduced exercise capacity, changes in fat distribution such as abdominal weight gain or "man boobs" (gynaecomastia), decreased energy and enthusiasm, sleep problems like insomnia, increased fatigue, poor concentration, and short-term memory difficulties.

These symptoms can significantly impact daily life, emphasizing the need to identify their underlying causes and find ways for men to seek support.

The NHS also notes that in some instances, when the symptoms are not explained by personal or lifestyle issues, such as stress, lack of sleep, poor diet, and axiety, they might result from hypogonadism.

It is a condition where the testes produce insufficient or no hormones. Hypogonadism can be present from birth, leading to symptoms like delayed puberty and small testes. Occasionally, this condition can develop later in life, particularly in men who are obese or have type 2 diabetes.

Late-onset hypogonadism, also referred to as late-onset testosterone deficiency, can indeed manifest with symptoms resembling the male menopause. However, it is relatively rare and not an inherent part of the aging process. Typically, a diagnosis of late-onset hypogonadism relies on assessing your symptoms and conducting blood tests to measure testosterone levels.