Is male menopause a real thing?
Low testosterone levels in older men often go unnoticed because many men who have low testosterone levels experience no symptoms. In addition, the signs and symptoms associated with low testosterone arent specific to low testosterone. They also can be caused by a persons age; medication use; or other conditions, such as having a body mass index of 30 or higher. Testosterone levels can be checked by a blood test, but tests arent routinely done. That said, if you are experiencing certain signs and symptoms suggestive of low testosterone, it might be worthwhile to ask your health care provider to check your levels. Some signs and symptoms suggestive of low testosterone include:   Reduced sexual desire and activity   Decreased spontaneous erections or erectile dysfunction   Breast discomfort or swelling   Infertility   Height loss, low trauma fracture or low bone mineral density   Hot flushes or sweats  Other possible symptoms include decreased energy, motivation and confidence; depressed mood; and poor concentration. Its also possible to experience increased sleepiness, sleep disturbances, mild unexplained anemia, reduced muscle bulk and strength, and increased body fat. Experts recommend testing older men for low testosterone only if they have signs or symptoms. If an initial test shows low testosterone, the test should be repeated to confirm the results. If low testosterone is confirmed, further testing of the pituitary gland is recommended to determine the cause and rule out other hormone deficiencies. The pituitary is a gland the size of a kidney bean situated at the base of your brain. It is part of your bodys endocrine system, which consists of all the glands that produce and regulate hormones. Treatment recommendations for men with age-related low testosterone vary. In 2020, the American College of Physicians recommended that health care providers consider starting testosterone treatment after explaining the risks and benefits in men with sexual dysfunction who want to improve their sexual function. In 2018, the Endocrine Society recommended testosterone therapy for men with age-related low testosterone who have signs and symptoms associated with low testosterone. Some experts also recommend offering testosterone treatment to men with age-related low testosterone without the presence of signs or symptoms. If you choose to start testosterone therapy, your health care provider will explain the ways to administer testosterone, as well as target levels and follow-up testing. For some men, testosterone therapy relieves bothersome signs and symptoms of testosterone deficiency. For others, the benefits arent clear, and risks are possible. Though further research is needed, testosterone therapy might stimulate growth of metastatic prostate and breast cancer. Testosterone therapy also can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, and contribute to the formation of blood clots in the veins. Your health care provider likely will recommend against starting testosterone therapy if your fertility is important in the near future or if you have conditions such as breast or prostate cancer, untreated severe obstructive sleep apnea, uncontrolled heart failure or thrombophilia, or if youve recently had a heart attack or stroke. If you think you might have low testosterone, talk to your health care provider about your signs and symptoms, testing and possible treatment options. Your health care provider can help you weigh the pros and cons of treatment. For more content like this, sign up for the Pulse newsletter here.