When it comes to menopause, many assume it's solely a woman's experience. In fact, men also go through a male menopause. Experts note that after age 45, men often exhibit menopausal symptoms due to declining hormone levels.International studies reveal that around 10% of men begin showing symptoms of menopausal syndrome after age 40. This proportion rises to about 30% between ages 50 and 60. By age 60 and beyond, approximately 80% of men experience some degree of menopausal syndrome symptoms. Below, we detail the manifestations of male menopause.
However, the vast majority of men going through menopause have little or no understanding of this life stage. When experiencing symptoms like excessive sweating, palpitations, or erectile dysfunction, men often choose to remain silent, lacking the courage to see a doctor, yet harboring deep anxiety and fear internally.This excessive focus and anxiety stemming from unexpected physiological and psychological changes can be highly destructive. Without an understanding partner, these issues can significantly increase a man's psychological burden, leading to pronounced sexual frustration and complete erectile dysfunction. This can even become a trigger for life crises.
Physical Stamina: Fatigue and Low Energy
Recommendation: Regular Exercise to Maintain Vitality
A Japanese study identified occupations prone to male menopause syndrome: bank clerks, teachers, architects, and corporate middle managers. Additionally, individuals engaged in mental work with little physical activity, or those who abruptly ceased previous athletic pursuits, are more susceptible to menopause-like symptoms.Declining physical strength is a hallmark symptom.
Mr. Xu, 45, is a self-proclaimed "couch potato" who has never been enthusiastic about exercise. This year, he frequently feels his stamina waning, experiencing easy fatigue and weakness. This has made him even less inclined to engage in outdoor activities, preferring to stay home after work.
Some men also notice diminished athletic ability, experiencing backaches and leg weakness after minimal exertion. For instance, they can't walk as far during walks or hikes as before, and lifting heavy objects feels more strenuous.
Expert Advice: Physical decline in middle-aged and older men is a common phenomenon and part of natural aging. However, many middle-aged individuals maintain good physique and stamina through consistent exercise.Therefore, maintaining a regular lifestyle and frequently participating in outdoor activities can help boost vitality and prevent physical decline. Psychological Challenge: Irritability and Mood Swings Recommendation: Show Empathy and Understanding; Family Support is Key Similar to women, male menopause often brings a series of psychological changes that can even affect relationships with family or colleagues.
Sisi, a freshman in college, noticed her father had become like a different person lately. He frequently flew into unprovoked rages and displayed irritability (which was completely unlike him before), often upsetting her mother. The slightest disappointment led to complaints and blame, and this pattern had persisted for several months. Family members suggested he see a doctor, but he adamantly refused to go to the hospital.
In truth, men going through menopause often become highly sensitive and impatient, lashing out at the slightest inconvenience. They may experience fatigue, low mood, and feelings of oppression, alongside diminished memory, thinking ability, and concentration. Interest in surroundings wanes, and work performance declines.They may experience restless sleep or insomnia, along with unexplained numbness, tingling sensations, dizziness, palpitations, cold extremities, body aches, tinnitus, or blurred vision—all without any organic pathology detected in medical examinations. Feelings of anxiety, fear, or loneliness are common. They often lack confidence in their actions and become easily fixated on trivial matters.
Expert Advice:
When middle-aged and older men exhibit psychological symptoms, determining whether they stem from male menopause requires careful analysis. Numerous factors influence mental health during this phase—for instance, retirement syndrome may also cause psychological maladjustment. It is advisable to undergo medical examinations to rule out organic diseases that could trigger psychological symptoms. If menopausal syndrome arises from declining hormone levels, low-dose androgen therapy may be considered under medical supervision.
Sexual Desire Challenge: Inadequate Sexual Performance
Recommendation: Actively seek medical assistance
For many middle-aged men, inadequate sexual performance is an unspoken concern that can strain marital relationships and emotional bonds. This may actually be linked to menopause.
Mr. Xu, 44, has grown increasingly anxious in recent years due to his inability to perform sexually.He recalls being full of energy and highly satisfied with his sex life before age 40. Now, he often feels frustrated during intercourse—not only experiencing weak ejaculation but also feeling dizzy and fatigued the day after. This has forced him to reduce sexual frequency, leaving him deeply discouraged and nearly losing confidence in his sexual abilities.
Expert Advice:
Research indicates that after age 40, men experience noticeable changes in sexual pleasure. Their sexual response shifts from intense genital sensations to a more diffuse, whole-body experience. Key changes include: ① reduced frequency of orgasms; ② longer intervals between ejaculations; ③ significantly diminished ejaculatory force.
Numerous treatments for sexual dysfunction are available today. Under specialist guidance, issues like erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation can be effectively addressed—it's not an insurmountable challenge. Partner support is equally vital. When a husband experiences performance difficulties, encourage him to seek medical help proactively to regain his confidence.
Health Concerns: Increasing Physical Ailments
Recommendation: Regular check-ups for early detection
Menopause marks a turning point where the body transitions from peak vitality to decline. Some men visibly age within a few years—developing facial spots, sagging skin and muscles, gaining weight, and gradually transforming into an elderly man.
As men enter menopause, their organs become more susceptible to organic diseases such as hypertension, coronary heart disease, and malignant tumors, which are highly prevalent in this age group. These conditions can easily be confused with symptoms of male menopause syndrome, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment.
Expert Recommendations:
Decreased testosterone secretion in middle-aged and older men can impair multiple bodily systems. Therefore, men in this age group must closely monitor their health. On one hand, maintain regular physical checkups. Beyond annual routine examinations, consider measuring serum testosterone levels when necessary.If serum testosterone is significantly below normal levels, it may indicate menopausal syndrome, requiring further diagnosis and appropriate hormone replacement therapy if necessary. It is crucial to note that any medication use must be under medical supervision.
Simultaneously, increased waist circumference and weight gain in middle-aged and older men may signal an early onset of menopause.Therefore, dietary habits should emphasize balanced nutrition, increased consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, avoidance of overeating, and limiting alcohol while quitting smoking. These measures not only protect cardiovascular health but also help delay and alleviate menopausal symptoms. This concludes our overview of menopausal symptoms in men. We hope this information proves helpful. Wishing you good health and smooth sailing this winter.