Urologist explained how male menopause manifests, what its dangers are, and what to do

Illustrative photo: LookByMedia

Traditionally, it was believed that male menopause begins after 45 years of age, and testosterone levels gradually decrease by approximately 1-2% annually. Unlike female menopause, this process occurs slowly and without sharp fluctuations.

However, according to observations today, the situation has changed: signs of testosterone deficiency are increasingly appearing as early as 30-35 years. The main reasons are a sedentary lifestyle, lack of physical activity, and food based on ultra-processed products.

The human body is designed so that blood circulates not only thanks to the heart but also thanks to the work of the leg muscles, which "push" it upwards. If a person sits and sits, lies and lies, this mechanism is virtually disabled, blood stagnates in the pelvic area, which can lead, among other things, to a decrease in testosterone levels.

What else affects early male menopause

Among other factors that accelerate hormonal changes, doctors highlight:

excess weight — adipose tissue promotes the production of female hormones (estrogens), which disrupts balance;

liver problems — this organ participates in hormone metabolism, and its damage leads to imbalance;

high stress levels — the hormone cortisol disrupts the system that regulates testosterone production.

How to recognize testosterone deficiency

A decrease in the level of this hormone affects not only sexual life. Symptoms can be much broader:

• increased fatigue and sleep disturbances;
• mood swings, apathy, loss of ability to experience pleasure;
• decreased libido and erection problems;
• tachycardia without obvious reasons;
• reduced physical endurance and lack of results from workouts;
• increased sweating;
• hair loss, pigment spots on the face;
• development of metabolic syndrome, which can lead to diabetes, obesity, and hypertension.

A vicious circle: when there's no strength to change life

As the specialist explains, in some cases, testosterone levels can be increased without medication — by changing lifestyle: reducing stress, quitting alcohol, regular physical activity, and balanced nutrition.

But here arises a problem: it is precisely with low testosterone that a person lacks the energy and motivation to implement these changes. This results in a vicious circle.

In such situations, the doctor may prescribe treatment — first to stimulate the body's own hormone production, and if that's not possible, — hormone replacement therapy.

At the same time, according to Glavinskiy, the fear of side effects is often exaggerated: the risks from low testosterone can be more serious than from the treatment itself.

What are the dangers of low testosterone

Testosterone deficiency affects the entire body:

• metabolic syndrome develops and the risk of type 2 diabetes increases;
• fat begins to accumulate in the visceral area — the abdomen and sides grow. This fat is metabolically active and produces pro-inflammatory cytokines, as well as hormones, including leptin, which can lead to chronic inflammation and metabolic disorders;
• bone tissue weakens, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures;
• low testosterone levels negatively affect the state of blood vessels: cholesterol levels rise and the risk of atherosclerosis increases;
• a person ages faster both externally and internally.

Not genetics, but lifestyle

The doctor emphasizes: there is no reason to believe that testosterone levels depend on nationality. Among patients, there are men who maintain high activity even at 70-80 years old — and they are also Belarusians.

Lifestyle and environment play a key role: nutrition, level of physical activity, amount of vitamin D and iodine, and the overall rhythm of life. At the same time, the reluctance of many men to monitor their health remains a problem.

Which tests are mandatory

To notice a problem in time, an annual check-up should be performed. The basic list includes:

• hormonal profile (total testosterone, prolactin, estradiol, TSH-thyroid-stimulating hormone, LH-luteinizing hormone, cortisol, insulin);
• biochemical blood test;
• SHBG (sex hormone-binding globulin);
• vitamin D;
• PSA (total and free) — for men over 40 years old.

You don't have to live with a constant feeling of fatigue. Sleep more, get physical exercise, don't skimp on nutrition, do what's good for your soul. Life can and should be better.

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