Robert Brannigan, a urologist at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, claims that 95 percent of male menopause sufferers are undiagnosed and untreated. Male menopause, or 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 traits. "This is a highly prevalent disorder," said Brannigan, who explained that 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."
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 Brannigan 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 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." Male hypogonadism is most commonly diagnosed through a simple blood test.
Related:
Dwindling testo levels affecting sleep
Obesity lowers testosterone levels
Manopause
Testosterone Therapy Bereft Of Supportive Evidence
Source: Northwestern Memorial Hospital
