Male menopause is a real condition

Researchers in Europe have recently declared that male menopause, or late-onset hypogonadism, is a verifiable condition. Unlike female menopause, which impacts the lives of all women, only a small percentage of aging males experience a decrease in testosterone levels as they age. Those experiencing male menopause report symptoms such as fatigue, light depression, and diminished libido. The study, published in The New England Journal of Medicine’s July 17 edition.

Dr. Frederick C. W. Wu, MD and his team of researchers from England’s University of Manchester surveyed and studied over 3,250 men between 40 and 79 years of age from eight different European cities. In all, 2% of males studied obtained a diagnosis of male menopause. Researchers identify male menopause symptoms increase with age, and that diagnosed patients are more likely to experience other health issues like obesity.

Eventually, the results of this study could be used to spearhead initiatives to identify at risk patients for hormone replacement therapy. However, Dr. Wu noted that symptom complaints from men who actually had the condition were only slightly different from those of men whose testosterone levels fell into the normal range. As such, there is a risk of overdiagnosis of this condition and potential overuse of testosterone replacement therapy.

Some medical professionals criticize that decreased testosterone is not a condition, rather simply a normal part of aging. As men continue to live longer lives, more symptoms are being reported. This study’s breakthrough results have spurred much debate. Additional confirmed, longitudinal results are desired.