Condition
MYTH: Male menopause is real.
FACT: No, it’s not real. The term “menopause” only pertains to the female condition when the ability to reproduce is halted. Testosterone is the male sex hormone that is needed for growth of body hair, building strong bones and muscles, and producing sperm. As men age, testosterone levels (T-levels) can decline because of medication, illness, injury or lifestyle factors. This drop in testosterone is inaccurately classified as “male menopause,” when in fact, should simply be considered a symptom of male aging, more clinically referred to as testosterone deficiency syndrome, androgen deficiency of the aging male, and late-onset hypogonadism. Visit hormone.org for more information.
Male Aging Facts | Female Aging Facts |
Testosterone production/ levels decrease gradually beginning around age 30 | Estrogen (female sex hormone) production drops rapidly beginning around age 40 |
Sperm production does not stop | Egg production stops completely |
Not all men experience low testosterone and sperm production | All women experience low estrogen and egg production |
Not all men experience these symptoms. However, ones who do, encounter them for no apparent reason other than age, usually advanced age.
You’ve seen the ads for over-the-counter supplements to help men with “low-T” (low testosterone), but do you really need them?
No. There are ways for aging men to help naturally maintain health:
These lifestyle factors have not been shown to maintain T-levels.
Long-term use of testosterone treatment can cause:
Find an endocrinologist today to ensure that you are on the path to health with the right medical care. Keep Your Body In Balance!
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