Menopause has become a prevalent topic in recent years, often associated with hot flashes and cognitive fog. However, it’s not just women experiencing it. Joining a slew of men speaking out about their struggles with what’s colloquially termed ‘male menopause’, or andropause, is none other than pop icon Robbie Williams.
In an exclusive interview with The Sun, the superstar singer candidly shared, “I’ve used up all of the natural good stuff. I’ve got the manopause.”
Male menopause, as described by the NHS, typically manifests in men in their late 40s and early 50s and is characterised by a decline in testosterone levels. Symptoms akin to those experienced in menopause include mood swings, diminished sex drive, muscle mass loss, sleep disturbances, and memory issues.
However, Dr. Channa Jayasena, an endocrinologist from Imperial College London, emphasises to Sun Health that comparing male menopause to menopause itself is problematic, as they are fundamentally distinct conditions.
While hormone levels decline gradually in men from around the age of 30, causing no inherent issues, some may experience a rapid decrease, often due to lifestyle factors or disease. Unlike menopause, which is a natural part of ageing in women, low testosterone levels in men signal an underlying health concern that needs addressing.
Common triggers for ‘male menopause’ include heart disease, unmanaged type two diabetes, obesity, insufficient sleep, and excessive alcohol consumption.
Despite some NHS trusts offering up to 12 months of paid leave for male staff grappling with low testosterone symptoms, Dr. Channa views this policy as misguided. He stresses the importance of addressing underlying health issues rather than solely focusing on symptoms.
Similar to hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for women, men experiencing testosterone level fluctuations can receive artificial boosts through injections or gels to alleviate discomfort.
However, Dr. Channa cautions against the increasing trend of men self-administering testosterone or receiving it from private clinics without medical necessity. Misusing testosterone can elevate the risk of blood clots, hypertension, and high cholesterol, he warns.
While testosterone levels decline with age in men, they don’t render them infertile, unlike menopause in women, which marks the end of their fertility. Symptoms of menopause, including anxiety, mood swings, and physical discomfort, can persist for years, significantly impacting women’s well-being.
In essence, while both men and women undergo hormonal changes as they age, understanding the nuances between male menopause and menopause is crucial for proper management and treatment.
