Do Men Go Through Menopause?

This is a frequently asked question from you, my Amazing Over 40 followers.  As we know,   every woman who reaches the age of 51 (the average age of menopause) will make the transition from a reproductive stage to a non-reproductive stage, also known as menopause. But do men go through their own hormonal transition? 

You’d think with “men” in the word that they would, right? Well, the true answer is yes and no. At the time of menopause, women experience a dramatic drop in hormones, especially estrogen and progesterone.  Men, however, experience a more gradual hormonal decline as they age. 

As we’ve learned, menopause is defined as 12 consecutive months without a menstrual cycle and all women will go through this natural transition – some with severe symptoms, others with few to no symptoms. For men, when symptoms arise from testosterone levels getting too low, a condition known as “low T” or “andropause” is the result – But not all men suffer from it.

Here's a chart to help clarify.

Women                                                                                 Men

Menopause                                                                  Andropause

Average age of onset = 51 years old                               Starts at 40 years old

Perimenopause – 2-8 yrs before menopause

Main hormones – estrogen/progesterone                     Testosterone

Precipitous decline, 90-95% reduction                         Gradual decline

Within 12 months before menopause                           10% decrease/decade 

                                                                                       after 30 years old

What are the symptoms of menopause?  Andropause?

Irregular menstrual periods occur during the “perimenopausal” time.  Menopause is defined as 12 consecutive months without a monthly menstrual cycle.

What Causes Testosterone to Drop?

• Natural Aging process
• Type 2 Diabetes
• Liver Disease
• Obesity
• Pituitary Tumors
• Anti-Testosterone Therapy
• Radiation/Chemotherapy
• High Dose Steroids

8 Tips for Better “Testosterone”: What Are Some Lifestyle Changes That Can Improve Testosterone Levels Naturally?

1. Drop those excess pounds – fat cells decrease the amount of available testosterone.
2. Get your Vitamin D. Some sunshine everyday not only brightens mood but also produces Vitamin D. Vitamin D increases a man’s total testosterone level.
3. Start exercising and pick up those weights: Strength training will increase muscle mass and levels of testosterone.
4. Stop the testosterone thieves: reduce alcohol, caffeine and stop smoking!
5. Reduce stress levels: relaxation techniques, meditation and mindfulness will reduce cortisol levels and increase testosterone levels
6. Go for organic fruits and veggies: Organic fruits and veggies have less pesticides and herbicides, which means less toxins. Toxins can affect hormones by “dysregulating” them causing them to go awry. Organic fruits and veggies are also chock full of B-Vitamins, anti-oxidants and zinc important for more energy and higher testosterone levels.
7. Choose hormone-free meats -Approximately 2/3 of all farmers and big meat companies may pump up their livestock with hormones – such as natural and synthetic types of estrogen and testosterone. These drugs help the animal convert their feed into muscle, fat and other tissues more efficiently than they would naturally. Look for “No hormones administered” on labels.
8. Get enough ZZZ’s – 7-8 hours /pm or the amount that your body requires – decreases cortisol, helps lose weight and maintain more stable testosterone levels.

If your man is suffering from “low T”, try some of the lifestyle tips mentioned above. If he’s still not feeling vigorous, he may need to see a specialist who understands male hormone replacement.  

I hope this answers this great question!  Now, you can understand your male partner better – and hopefully, he will understand you better too!

In health and happiness,

Dr. Diana