Understanding Age-related Hormonal Changes in Men
Hormonal fluctuations in men as they age are gradual and often go undetected, contrasting with the sudden change women experience during menopause.
Jordan Taylor
- 2023-12-31
- Updated 03:57 AM ET
(NewsNibs) - As men age, their bodies undergo hormonal changes distinctly different from those in women. Unlike menopause, where women experience a marked decrease in sex hormone levels, men undergo a more gradual decline. This process, known as late-onset hypogonadism or age-related testosterone decline, involves a typical decrease in testosterone levels by about 1% yearly after the age of 40. Despite this gradual reduction, most older men maintain testosterone levels within the normal range, with only around 10% to 25% experiencing levels that are considered low.
Diagnosing and Symptomatology in Aging Men
The decreased levels of testosterone in some older men often remain unnoticed, as a blood test, not a standard routine practice, is needed to check testosterone levels. The experience of symptoms for men with low testosterone levels varies greatly. A significant number of affected men do not show any symptoms at all. When symptoms do appear, they manifest as decreased sexual activity, loss of height, reduced bone mineral density, excessive sweating, breast swelling, poor concentration, and mood depression. However, such symptoms aren't exclusive to low testosterone levels and might be due to medication use, weight gain, or other conditions.
Medical Perspective and Lifestyle Impact
There is no general agreement in the medical community regarding treatment recommendations for low testosterone in older men. While testosterone therapy may offer symptomatic relief for some, the benefits of such treatments remain unclear for others, with associated potential risks such as the stimulation of prostate tumor growth. Addressing lifestyle factors can also aid in alleviating symptoms. Engaging in physical activities, playing sports, maintaining healthy dietary habits, ensuring adequate sleep, avoiding smoking, and reducing alcohol consumption can all contribute to symptom improvement.
Ultimately, recognizing the subtle process of testosterone decline in aging men is critical for awareness and potential intervention strategies. While medical solutions like testosterone therapy are available, they are not universally endorsed, given the unclear benefits and possible health risks. A holistic approach that includes lifestyle modification may provide a favorable outcome for men grappling with the symptoms associated with age-related hormonal changes.
