Don’t underestimate male menopause syndrome

  Many men will experience the same symptoms as women during menopause, such as flushing, fever, restlessness, sweating, palpitations, and other symptoms of vasodilator dysfunction, as well as mental symptoms such as hypersensitivity, forgetfulness, anxiety, impatience, depression, etc. Many men will also experience low libido, impotence, premature ejaculation, low semen volume, and often feel weak and tired for unknown reasons. This is a group of clinical syndromes caused by the decline of testosterone levels in men as they age, called “male menopause syndrome”.  Male menopause syndrome often starts to occur around the age of 40, with a high incidence after the age of 60. Its occurrence is influenced by a variety of factors, in addition to the decline in androgen levels due to the decline in the function of the pituitary-gonadal axis in men, it is also influenced to a large extent by changes in other endocrine functions, as well as chronic diseases, medications, and bad lifestyle habits (e.g., smoking and alcoholism). Although both men and women experience the same clinical manifestations during menopause, such as fatigue, palpitations and insomnia, paroxysmal hot flashes, mood changes, and decreased sexual performance, the symptoms are less pronounced and severe in men than in women, which is why most men entering menopause do not easily notice their physical and emotional changes. When most of the above symptoms are present, it is important to consider whether you may have a “menopausal” problem and further testing is needed. If both plasma free testosterone and albumin-bound testosterone levels are below normal, these symptoms are important in diagnosing menopause.