Male menopause does exist but its effects can be controlled

• Beginning around the age of 40, testosterone decreases in men
• Late hypogonadism or “male menopause” does not totally suppress sperm production, although it may affect fertility
• Erectile dysfunction, reduced libido and weight gain are some of the symptoms

 VALENCIA, JUNE 14, 2017

Late-onset hypogonadism or androgenic deficit is characterized by a decline in testosterone levels in men after the age of 40. Unlike menopause in women, it does not lead to a cessation of fertility. Yet, it can cause erectile dysfunction and loss of sex drive, among other symptoms.

“For men, it is a more gradual phenomenon, which involves that, at the age of 70, testosterone levels may have dropped by 30%. Testosterone is the hormone responsible for keeping muscle and bone mass and regulating sexual function”, explains Dr Carlos Balmori, urologist at IVI Madrid.

Another of the most common signs is the decrease of bone strength, fatigue, weight gain and hair loss, which often go hand in hand with the loss of overall muscle mass and other conditions such as osteoporosis and osteopenia. “This symptoms picture is indicative of a progressive decline in quality of life”, states Dr Balmori.

Furthermore, most men develop the metabolic disorder, a condition associated with hypogonadism that is known to cause obesity, insulin resistance, high levels of uric acid, high blood pressure and abnormal cholesterol levels.

Handle this new stage of life with good health

 Although hypogonadism is common in all men once they reach a certain age –it also affects those who had undergone surgical removal of one or both testicles– good health habits can help mitigate the effects. “In some cases, following a balanced diet, practicing sport in a controlled manner and maintaining an active sexual life can contribute to returning testosterone levels to normal”, explains Dr Balmori.

In this sense, the doctor underlines that “preventive health care is essential to closely monitor hormone, glucose, cholesterol and uric acid levels. Conducting a comprehensive examination of patients can enhance treatment efficacy”.

“When testosterone is not naturally restored, there are alternative treatments based on injections or gels”, says Dr Balmori, who also points out that “this type of hormonal replacement therapy is not harmful when used under medical supervision and if the established levels do not exceed a male threshold”.