Men do not experience a menopause such as women do. But after their 45th year, changes occur in men to their sexual
hormones, bodily constitution (more fatty tissue, less muscle), and other metabolic
changes, which can affect a man’s sense of wellbeing during the ageing
process. Possible problems in men include reduced efficiency, poor
concentration, lack of drive, fatigue, muscular weakness, sleep disturbances, bone
pain, problems while urinating, erectile problems, lowered sexual drive including
depression, hair loss, dry and thinning skin.
Hormonal disturbances in men are known as PADAM, partial androgen deficit in the ageing male. In addition to the slow, continual reduction in the production of male hormones, chronic diseases or long-term use of medication can also result in disturbances of the hormone
levels.
Hormonal changes can be proved in men after the 45th year; 7% of men aged 40-6-0, 22% of men aged 60-80, and 33% older than 80 have a clear reduction in the concentrations of sex hormones, which may need
treatment.
To assess these complaints, a general and special urological examination should be undertaken, including measuring of hormone concentrations, as even in cases of hormone deficiencies treatment with sex hormones may result in reduced problems and thus improved quality of life. In treating ageing men, the aim should be an improvement in the quality of life, not optimisation of measurable blood
concentrations.
We are happy to advise you in case you have questions - please contact our
mendoc - outpatient centre for men’s
health.
