The Change: Female vs. Male Menopause

It is commonly known that females undergo a “change” in hormones with a typical onset that occurs later in life. This transformation usually ensues rapidly and may continue over the course of a few years. Recently, scientific interest surrounding the possibility of a male form of menopause has increased. Could men experience similar “changes?” Orlando Family Magazine asked Dr. Zamip Patel, a fellowship-trained andrologist at Florida Hospital East Orlando, and Dr. Jennifer Keehbauch, a family medicine expert at Florida Hospital’s Centre for Family Medicine, to share information surrounding hormonal changes in both genders.

Females…

OFM: What is female menopause?

Dr. Keehbauch: “It is a natural transition in a woman’s reproductive life that ends her ability to have children. It occurs 12 months after her last menstrual period, typically between the ages of 45 and 55.”

OFM: At what age do women begin to experience symptoms?

Dr. Keehbauch: “Women begin experiencing symptoms during the perimenopausal period, which varies from 2-8 years preceding formal menopause. The average age for perimenopause is 46. During this period, women have progressive menstrual irregularity with infrequent and heavy cycles. Vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes and night sweats) are reported in 11-60% of women. VMS are likely to be present 1-3 years prior to the final menstrual period (FMP).”

OFM: Can this process be stopped or reversed?

Dr. Keehbauch: “Menopause is a natural process in a woman’s life and it cannot be stopped or reversed. Women may treat the symptoms or delay the onset of some of the consequences that result from reduced hormones by taking medications prescribed by their doctor.”

Males…

OFM: Can men experience menopause?

Dr. Patel: “The answer is yes and no. Andropause ─ the term given to the male equivalent of menopause ─ is not exactly the same as saying male menopause. The key is a hormone called testosterone. Testosterone is what gives males their characteristics, like facial and body hair, deepening of the voice, the male physique, etc. However, it also plays a role in erectile function, cardiovascular health, bone density, and even things such as depression and possibly memory. The decline in testosterone is not as abrupt as the decline in hormones experienced by females.”

OFM: At what age do men begin to experience this decline in testosterone?

Dr. Patel: “Testosterone levels start declining in the late 40’s/early 50’s. However, the rate of decline is slow, not over years but decades. Most men do not notice an immediate difference in things, such as overall energy, libido, and erectile function; but the decline occurs over years with a subtle start and gradual changes.”

OFM: Can this process be stopped or reversed?

Dr. Patel: “Yes, with evaluation and treatment the decline in testosterone can be prevented. By reversing the process, not only can we make men feel better and more productive, we can actually make them healthier as well. If a male, or their partner, notices a decline in energy, libido, erectile function, or mood changes, talk with a specialized physician to seek a diagnosis and treatment plan.”