Men and Menopause?

Usually, menopause is a term used to describe that time in a woman's life, when she stops menstruating.  Moreover, I was puzzled by the question of whether or not men, as well as women can go through a menopausal cycle.  Menopause in women is characterized by certain changes in their hormonal production of estrogen, and progesterone.  However, male testicles do not lose the ability to make hormones, as do female ovaries. If a man is healthy, he may be able to make sperm well into his 80's or longer.

On the other hand, subtle changes in the function of the testes may occur as early as 45 to 50 years of age; and even more dramatically after the age of 70.  Most men experience a normal hormone production well into old age.  While other men possibly have declining hormone production at a much earlier age.  This hormone reduction can be induced as a result of an illness, such as diabetes.  However, waning testicular function contributions still remain an uncertainty.   Some sign and symptoms to take notice of is an increase of chronic fatigue, weakness, or depression.

Can "Male-Menopause" be treated?
If testosterone levels are low, hormone replacement therapy may help relieve symptoms, such as the loss of interest in sex, depression and fatigue.  However, increase levels of testonorone in men over the age of 45, increases their risk of prostate cancer, and perhaps atherosclerosis.  Which is a sudden onset where the male suffers from hardening of the arteries. A man should receive a complete physical examination by his physician if suffering from the above mentioned symptoms.  Upon the results of laboratory tests, you and your physician should discuss starting hormone replacement therapy. How many middle-aged men will benefit from such therapy remains an open question.