Do only women get the menopause?
The menopause consists of the definitive disappearance of menstruation and is a well-known process with progressive symptoms due to the decrease in female hormones (oestrogen) and related to the passing of the years. For a long time it was thought that despite the fact that they age too, men didn’t undergo any hormonal decline or change.
But today we know that the serum concentration of testosterone (male hormone) decreases in men. The term used for the male menopause is “andropause” or “late-onset hypogonadism”. It bears some similarities to the female menopause, but testosterone reduction in men is gradual and the possible clinical outcomes are not well established.
What is andropause?
Andropause or andropenia is the reduction in the production of male testosterone and is common among men between 40 and 55 years of age.
Testosterone is the quintessential male hormone which in men is produced in the testicles and adrenal glands. It helps to form proteins and is the key agent responsible for male sexual reproduction. It has many functions similar to oestrogen in women, as it is involved in sexual functions and metabolic processes (carbohydrate and lipid consumption), cell synthesis (blood cells, muscle, bone marrow and bones) and in the growth of the prostate gland.
The fall in production is gradual and starts after the age of 30, when testosterone levels begin to drop at a rate of 1% per year. Later, between the ages of 40 and 50, testosterone levels can be low in nearly 50% of men. Beyond the age of 60, symptoms can be observed in over half of men. After 70 years of age, 70% of adults have low testosterone levels.
How does it affect the skin?
Symptoms usually comprise dryness of both skin and hair. Decreased testosterone leads to a loss of facial, underarm, body and pubic hair because it is indirectly involved in forming DHT (dihydrotestosterone), which speeds up the hair's metabolism by shortening the hair growth phase. It also interferes with sebum synthesis in follicles, making men’s skin more prone to dehydration. Skin becomes paler and more flaccid, so fine wrinkles appear.
When a process of progressive feminization begins, there is a change in body fat distribution and muscle strength is lost. Other symptoms, such as fatigue and a tendency to dysthymia and depression, also accompany this syndrome.
Precautions and recommendations
Not all men will suffer the symptoms of the decline in testosterone and nor should we believe it is an illness, because it is a natural process. But to prevent against premature aging, fragile hair and dry or atrophied skin, we can take the following steps:
- Look after your skin by moisturising your face and body every day. Use products containing emollitions that aid skin regeneration and supply nutrients such as antioxidants.
- Cleanse your skin gently to prevent flaking and irritation.
- Follow a healthy, balanced diet to prevent against excess weight and obesity. A rise in triglycerides and cholesterol can help speed up the process.
- Foster healthy living habits: do some exercise every day to reduce stress and mood swings.
- Over the age of 45, an annual visit to the urologist is recommended to run hormone checks and assess symptom severity.
