Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Health Is Wealth: The Hidden Cost of a Toxic Food Supply

Columnist Michelle Pettes encourages us to prioritize our overall health and well-being.

iStock / David Prado
Healing in Motion: How Exercise Empowers Black Women on their Breast Cancer Journey

African-American women who engaged in vigorous exercise for at least three hours per week cut their risk of developing estrogen receptor–negative breast cancer in half, according to findings from the Black Women’s Health Study.

istock Prostock-Studio
Health Topics

Male Menopause: Fact or Fiction

Dr. Waggoner is board-certified in family medicine, authored 6 books and serves as a national medical expert for television and radio.

Male Menopause: Fact or Fiction

As a family physician and wellness advocate, I often encounter questions about whether “male menopause” is a real phenomenon. While aging related hormone changes in men are a reality, they differ significantly from the changes women experience during menopause. Let’s unpack the facts, debunk myths, and explore the signs, symptoms, and treatment options for age related hormonal changes in men.

Hormonal Changes: A Natural Part of Aging


Hormonal changes are inevitable as we age, but they manifest differently in men and women. Women experience a sharp decline in reproductive hormones over a short period, which results in drastic symptoms for many women. Men, on the other hand, experience a gradual decline in testosterone and other hormones over many years, even decades. This process is often referred to as late onset hypogonadism or age-related low testosterone, rather than "male menopause." Because testosterone is referred to as an androgen, another common term for the decrease in male reproductive hormones is “andropause.”

Understanding Low Testosterone Levels

On average, a man’s testosterone levels decrease by about 1% per year starting around age 40. Despite this decline, most older men maintain testosterone levels within the normal range, with only an estimated 10% to 25% experiencing levels that are considered low. Low testosterone often goes unnoticed because symptoms can be subtle or overlap with other symptoms that are considered normal signs of aging. A blood test is required to confirm low testosterone, but these tests aren’t routinely performed unless specific symptoms are present.

Some signs and symptoms that might indicate low testosterone include:

● Reduced sexual desire and activity

● Erectile dysfunction or decreased spontaneous erections

● Breast tenderness or swelling

● Infertility

● Loss of height, fractures, or low bone density

● Hot flashes or sweating episodes (yes men can experience hot flashes)

Other potential indicators include fatigue, low motivation, depression, poor concentration, increased sleepiness, disturbed sleep, mild anemia, reduced muscle mass and strength, and increased body fat.

Diagnosing Low Testosterone

Testing for low testosterone is recommended only for men displaying relevant signs or symptoms. However in my practice I follow testosterone levels, measuring every few years so that trends can be monitered. If a blood test indicates low levels, the test should be repeated to confirm the results. Additional evaluation of the pituitary gland is often necessary to identify underlying causes and rule out other hormone deficiencies, such as thyroid hormones.

Treatment Options for Low Testosterone

Recommendations for testosterone therapy vary among medical organizations:

● American College of Physicians (ACP): In 2020, the ACP suggested considering testosterone therapy for men with sexual dysfunction seeking improved sexual function, after discussing the risks and benefits.

● Endocrine Society: In 2018, it recommended testosterone therapy for men with confirmed low testosterone levels who also exhibit associated symptoms. Some experts advocate offering testosterone therapy even in the absence of symptoms, though this remains controversial.

Types of Testosterone Therapy:

Testosterone can be administered in several ways, including injections, patches, gels, or pellets implanted under the skin. Your physician will discuss the best method for you, set target hormone levels, and establish a follow-up plan.

Risks and Considerations

While testosterone therapy can alleviate symptoms for some men, it is not without risks. Potential complications include:

● Stimulation of abnormal prostate or breast cell growth

● Increased risk of exacerbation of cardiovascular disease, or blood clots

● Worsening of certain conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea or heart failure

Testosterone therapy is generally not recommended for men prioritizing fertility in the near future or those with a history of breast or prostate cancer, severe untreated sleep apnea, thrombophilia, or recent cardiovascular events.

Final Thoughts

If you suspect low testosterone, it’s important to consult your physician. Together, you can evaluate your symptoms, discuss testing, and discuss the benefits versus risk of treatment. Understanding age related hormonal changes in men can help you make informed decisions about your health and well-being.

References

1. American College of Physicians. (2020). Guidelines on testosterone therapy for age-related low testosterone. Annals of Internal Medicine.

2. Endocrine Society. (2018). Clinical Practice Guideline: Testosterone Therapy in Men with Hypogonadism. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.

3. Snyder, P. J. (2020). Approach to older men with low testosterone. UpToDate.

4. Nieschlag, E., Behre, H. M. (2012). Testosterone therapy in the aging male. Best Practice ; Research Clinical Endocrinology; Metabolism.

5. Bhasin, S.,; Coviello, A. (2018). Testosterone in older men: To treat or not to treat? New England Journal of Medicine.

More Stories

Healing in Motion: How Exercise Empowers Black Women on their Breast Cancer Journey

African-American women who engaged in vigorous exercise for at least three hours per week cut their risk of developing estrogen receptor–negative breast cancer in half, according to findings from the Black Women’s Health Study.

istock Prostock-Studio

Healing in Motion: How Exercise Empowers Black Women on their Breast Cancer Journey

For Black breast cancer survivors, healing goes beyond defeating a diagnosis—it’s a lifelong process of rebuilding strength, restoring emotional well-being, and reclaiming life on their own terms. Increasingly, exercise is proving to be a vital part of that journey, offering powerful benefits that extend far beyond physical fitness.

The Overlooked Disparities Behind the Diagnosis

Keep ReadingShow less
10,000 Steps a Day? Here’s What Science Really Says About How Many Steps Daily to Take

10,000 Steps a Day? Here’s What Science Really Says About How Many Steps Daily to Take

The notion of taking 10,000 steps a day has been considered the goal of physical exercise for the last decade. This makes sense considering this number is promoted by so many fitness trackers, health applications, and wellness programs. But now researchers are contemplating whether we truly need to reach 10,000 steps or if there is a more realistic target. If current research is any indication, we might be surprised.

The 10,000 steps goal was first conceived in Japan during the 1960s when an attempt was made to market a pedometer called “Manpo-kei,” which translates to the 10,000-step meter. The goal of selling these pedometers was to increase health and fitness, so naturally the estimate of 10,000 became an industry standard – despite the lack of scientific evidence.

Keep ReadingShow less
Breaking Generational Health Patterns—One Choice at a Time

Breaking Generational Health Patterns—One Choice at a Time

Health means more than just not being sick; it's a lifelong process that genes, lifestyle, surroundings, and culture all affect. Many families hand down not only customs and beliefs but also health patterns, some good, others bad. These deep-rooted behaviors have an impact on everything from what we eat and how we exercise to how we handle stress and bounce back from tough times. Recognizing these patterns and choosing to change them can improve not just our well-being but also the health of our kids and grandkids.

Getting out of bad health habits needs you to notice, learn, and do something about them. A lot of the health problems we face now, like diabetes, heart issues, and mental struggles, aren't just because of our genes. Our way of life and the things we've picked up along the way have a big impact on them too. This is where repeated health behaviors come in. When people see health patterns in their family, they can choose to start healthier routines. This can lead to a better future for their kids and grandkids.

Keep ReadingShow less
A Deadly E. coli Outbreak Spread Across 15 States — and the FDA Kept Us in the Dark
File:FDA Sign & Bldg 21 at Entrance (5204602349).jpg - Wikimedia ...

A Deadly E. coli Outbreak Spread Across 15 States — and the FDA Kept Us in the Dark

As Americans continue to trust that the food on their plates is safe, troubling revelations suggest that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) may be keeping critical information under wraps. Multiple E. coli outbreaks have sickened dozens—some severely—while the agency has withheld key details such as food sources, affected regions, and even the names of implicated suppliers. In a system built on public trust and transparency, these omissions raise urgent questions: Why is the FDA staying silent, and what are the consequences for consumers?

Delayed Disclosures and Withheld Information

In December 2024, the FDA acknowledged an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 that affected at least 67 people. Despite initiating traceback efforts, the agency failed to disclose key details such as where the cases occurred or which foods were being investigated.

Keep ReadingShow less
No, Vaccines Don’t Cause Autism. But the Lie Is Still Spreading
text
Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

No, Vaccines Don’t Cause Autism. But the Lie Is Still Spreading

Despite overwhelming scientific evidence to the contrary, the myth that vaccines cause autism remains one of the most damaging health misconceptions of our time. Somehow, no matter how many scientific studies are conducted, no matter how many papers are published, and no matter how much correct information is spread, "vaccines cause autism" is too widely accepted. The origin of this belief is rooted in a discredited study, but its consequences have rippled through society for decades—undermining public trust, sparking outbreaks of preventable diseases, and endangering countless lives.

The Origins of the Vaccine-Autism Myth

The modern iteration of this myth began in 1998 with a study published by Andrew Wakefield in The Lancet, which suggested a link between the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine and autism in children (Wakefield et al., 1998). The study was based on just 12 children, lacked a control group, and relied on anecdotal parental reports. It was later revealed that Wakefield had financial conflicts of interest and had manipulated the data.

Keep ReadingShow less
×