No, you did not open the wrong page.   Yes, this blog is posted by the Institute for Women's Health Research at Northwestern. As an advocate for better  sex and gender based research, we support all avenues that increase our knowledge about sex differences and that includes  a better understanding of  hormone changes in women AND MEN.

Furthermore, women are generally the source of health information for their families and that includes their male partners! So, women and men, read on!

Low testosterone levels to blame for low libido, fatigue and weight gain

While most frequently associated with women’s health, age-related hormone changes, often dubbed menopause, can occur in men as well, causing symptoms of fatigue, mood swings, decreased desire for sex, hair loss, lack of concentration and weight gain. Experts estimate that more than 5 million men are affected, yet worry the number may be considerably higher since symptoms are frequently ignored.  Male hypogonadism, as it’s referred to in the medical community, occurs when the testicles do not produce enough testosterone, the hormone that plays a key role in masculine growth and development. When hormone levels drop, men can experience significant mental and physical changes.

“This is a highly prevalent disorder,” said Robert Brannigan, MD, urologist at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. “Unfortunately, we estimate that 95 percent of cases are undiagnosed and therefore untreated. When ignored, symptoms can seriously disrupt one’s quality of life.”

Brannigan explains hormone variations are a normal aspect of getting older. “In females, ovulation comes to an end and hormone production declines in a relatively quick period of time, whereas men experience hormone shifts more slowly, with testosterone levels dropping around one percent each year beginning in a man’s late thirties,” adds Brannigan. He goes on to explain that by age seventy, the reduction in a male’s testosterone level could be as high as fifty percent or more compared to baseline levels, but notes that aging men are not the only ones at risk. A number of genetic causes can impact males from birth and are usually diagnosed with failure to progress normally through puberty during the teenage years.

Treatment options for male hypogonadism include hormone replacement therapy (HRT) via absorbable pellet implants, topical gels, patches, and injections. Through HRT, doctors can restore sexual function and muscle strength. In addition, men often experience an increase in energy and an improved overall sense of well-being.

“We are seeing more men affected by male hypogonadism than we saw ten years ago,” said Brannigan. “However, many men continue to suffer in silence due to a lack of awareness surrounding the disorder. Because male hypogonadism can significantly impact the quality of one’s life, it’s important that men pay attention to their body and openly discuss symptoms with their physician in order to prevent overlooking the cause and avoid missing an opportunity for appropriate therapy.”

Although research to determine the exact association continues, doctors also warn that male hypogonadism has been linked to chronic medical conditions such as high cholesterol, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. It’s also closely associated with infertility.

“This disorder is not something that should be ignored,” said Brannigan, who is working to educate patients and physicians about the symptoms and treatments available in order to ensure therapies are made available to men in need.

Male hypogonadism is most commonly diagnosed through a simple blood test. Brannigan notes hormone replacement therapy is not appropriate for all patients especially those with history of prostate and breast cancer and men trying to conceive. He suggests consulting your doctor if you are experiencing symptoms.

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Comments

Thank you for an interesting article. I am now nearly 60, started losing my hair 8 years ago. A few other symptoms too. My doctor says it's normal. I would like a home test kit as well.

I've read numerous studies and reports regarding the side effects, often life threatening, of HRT for women that involve estrogen plus progestin. These reports were found at the website of the National Institute for Health at http://www.nih.gov/news/health/feb2010/nhlbi-15.htm. Your article mentions HRT for men which I presumes means testosterone replacement therapy. I have yet been able to find any information on the potential side effects, if any, of such therapy. Was wondering if yhou are aware of any such studies or information. Thanks

Until these days, I never thought that there is such a thing as menopause for men. Glad I found this post so as to be aware that such thing exists. I personally find that only women has this, now it's a complete turn. Very helpful post indeed.

That is great information... I have been looking for something like this for quite some time as to my husband has been dealing with a few of the same issues. I agree, it is usually us women that do the most research on health related issues. I am a stylist and find that I see quite a lot of men with the loss of hair issue that you speak of. I will be referring some of my customers. :) Thanks again, Lauren

Thank you for this understanding. I often have to help men quit smoking to increase their chances of siring a family. There's a great article on this aspect of men's health on http://tiny.cc/6t8mg for those who are interested.

As men age, they should adapt healthy lifestyle. Regular exercises, organic diet, quit smoking, and reduced alcohol consumption, for example, can lead to hormonal balance in the body. The change is gradual, though.

I know a lot a about female menopause this is an interesting article but i think men are trying to muscle in here like manflu!

There are lots of articles that deal with female menopause, but to read about the male "menopause" is not easy to find. Thanks for this interesting and informative post.

Male Menopause. LOL That is so funny. Glad there is a cure in a way!

“After reading the posts on this blog, I feel like I know a lot more about male menopause . And based on the number of posts, I see I am not alone. My website, has not been up long, but I would like to refer people back to your website to read the info. Thanks again, Lisa Monroe.”