In this article Dr Green aims to clarify the myths and the realities surrounding male hormonal changes as men reach their mature years.
You might have heard the term “male menopause” in relation to problems like erectile dysfunction and low libido in middle-aged men. While these symptoms are increasingly common as men get older, this is generally not the result of an age-related drop in sex hormone levels such as testosterone as some media reports suggest.
What is “male menopause”?
Due to the increasing profile of female menopause in recent years, a familiar term like “andropause” or “man-o-pause” is sometimes used to describe related symptoms in men such as mood changes and poor sleep. However, these media terms mischaracterise the real issues many men do face and may result in misinformation about what can be done to help.
Understanding your body
In my job as a GP, I see men every week with symptoms like erectile dysfunction, low mood, low energy and a variety of issues with passing urine. Though there are many possible contributors to these issues, two of the most important and common causes are cardiovascular disease (CVD) and prostate problems.
CVD describes damage to the blood vessels caused by things like smoking, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, which can lead to erectile dysfunction and lethargy. As CVD is largely a ‘silent disease’ meaning symptoms are often absent, men at risk including those who smoke or have a family history of CVD should consult a GP for an assessment or see a pharmacist for a free blood pressure check. Men aged 40 and over can also attend free NHS Health Checks with their GP every 5 years.
An enlarged prostate, which can simply result from increasing age (also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH) but may also be due to prostate cancer, can affect the flow of urine and may contribute to erectile dysfunction*, though more studies are needed to understand the association.
What should you do?
Men are often embarrassed to discuss issues like these with a doctor; but they are important conversations to have, and men should feel encouraged and empowered to have them. Almost half of men aged over the age of 40 will experience erectile dysfunction according to a large UK study* and it is estimated by 2025, 322 million men worldwide will be affected by it*.
Men of any age struggling with erectile dysfunction, low libido or low mood should consult a GP for a full assessment, which may involve blood tests and other simple checks. In discussion with a GP following your results, there are a range of prescription medications that can significantly improve symptoms and quality of life for men.
More broadly, men can reduce their risks of these and many other problems as they get older by nurturing their cardiovascular health through stopping smoking, reducing alcohol intake and maintaining a healthy diet with regular exercise. A GP can advise and signpost men to further support with all of these.
If you require more information on this topic we have a range of advice for you in our health hub, including information and support for erectile dysfunction to what happens in a prostate exam to managing testicle health.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned here or are feeling concerned about your sexual health, get medical advice from a GP.
This article has been medically reviewed by Dr Todd Green, lead GP at Livi.
References:
