Age has an impact on both men and women where the production of sex hormones is concerned, and while these changes are inevitable, they do affect individuals differently. While some people have very few symptoms, others find them completely debilitating. However, while this may be the case, this drop in sex hormone production is a natural process and isn’t something to be ashamed of. Women experience this drop quite abruptly and usually in their 40s or 50s – it’s known as the menopause. Usually occurring over a period of a few months or even years, the ovaries dramatically reduce their production of oestrogen and her periods will cease – women may also experience hot flushes, sweating, mood changes, breast changes, weight fluctuations, changes in their interest in sex, and alterations in their sexual responses, such as vaginal dryness. In men, however, the process is a lot more gradual and may occur over decades rather than months. The term ‘male menopause’ or andropause, is not technically accurate, as men don’t experience periods in order to cease having them. However, experts refer to this stage in a man’s life as ‘partial androgen deficiency of the ageing male’ – more commonly referred to as PADAM. This is the reduced production of testosterone from a man’s 40s and onwards. There is very little research to support this lesser-known condition, meaning that hormone supplementation, as in women, is not yet prescribed.
Androgens are steroid hormones which specifically aid tissue growth and brain function. Men have larger quantities of this hormone, but they are present in both genders. In men, they play a vital role in the production of testosterone after puberty. In order to ascertain whether an androgen deficiency is occurring within the body, an expert assessment will need to take place. PADAM isn’t easy to diagnose as there are numerous symptoms, but some of the more common signs include hot flushes, sweating, nervousness and insomnia. Men experiencing this problem may also notice tiredness and irritability, lack of motivation, low mental energy, low self esteem, decreased sense of wellbeing, depression and being easily frightened. They may feel diminished muscle strength or lack of physical energy, as well as a lack of desire for sex, poor erections, weakness of ejaculation, reduced quality of orgasm and less sexual activity. The changes in the body caused by PADAM could lead to risks to your health, such as depression, reduced overall wellbeing, sexual dysfunction, cognitive impairment and lowered physical strength. There is no set test for this problem, but low testosterone levels in the blood could help the diagnosis.
There are many medical professionals who don’t believe that PADAM is a real condition, but there are some who say that they find the symptoms in many patients. Currently, it is advised that a practical approach is best – this means that if there are multiple symptoms, a therapeutic trial of testosterone supplement therapy for up to three months may be beneficial. This can be taken in a number of forms, but your GP will advise you which is best for your symptoms. There are side effects of testosterone therapy which are worth considering, including weight gain, acne, headaches, increased aggression and male-pattern baldness. There have been some studies which also flag up controversial links to the prostate gland – men with abnormally low levels of testosterone have small prostate glands. Replacement therapy leads to the prostate growing in size to about the average size predicted for their age. But current evidence suggests this is not the case and that it doesn’t lead to abnormal size – testosterone shouldn’t be taken by men who have symptoms of restricted urine flow due to prostate enlargement, though.