Most people are familiar with female menopause, in which ovulation ends and hormone production drops over a short time, resulting in an array of symptoms.
Men can also experience hormonal changes related to aging, but the changes occur over decades, beginning around age 40, when men begin losing roughly 1% of their testosterone per year. The terms most used regarding this gradual decrease in testosterone is age-related low testosterone or late-onset hypogonadism.
While most men’s testosterone levels remain in the normal range, even as they age, roughly 15 to 25% of men experience lower than normal levels. Since this occurs slowly over many, many years, it often goes undiagnosed. Some of the signs that may signal low testosterone include reduced sexual desire and erectile dysfunction, decreased energy, breast discomfort or swelling, hot flushes or sweats, and difficulty getting motivated and concentrating on tasks.
If an older man is experiencing some of these symptoms, a blood test can determine if low testosterone is possibly involved. Other tests of the pituitary gland may be ordered to see if other endocrine system issues are at play. Depending on the results, testosterone replacement therapy to counter the effects of the low testosterone levels may be an option, but there are side effects to consider and some conditions that make this treatment not worth the risk.
The bottom line is, if you think you might have low testosterone, talk to your primary care provider about your signs and symptoms, testing, and possible treatment options. Your provider can help you weigh the pros and cons of treatment.
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