Book Andropause - Mythos oder Realität

Aging male

Eugen Plas, MD, FEBU, FECSM

The aging male cannot be compared to menopause in females, during which ovulation ends and hormone production quickly plummets. Men, on the other hand, start experiencing subtle hormonal changes from the age of 25 and by the time they are 45 these also include changes in male sex hormones with gradually decreasing levels of testosterone. At the same time, and therefore related to these hormonal imbalances, changes can be seen in body composition (higher proportion of fat, less lean muscle mass), bone metabolism and other metabolic processes, which can have a drastic impact on well-being and quality of life during the aging process.

Symptoms include the whole spectrum from decreased performance, poor concentration, lethargy, tiredness,  myasthenia (muscle weakness), problems sleeping, bone pain, problems urinating, erectile dysfunction and lack of desire to depression, hair loss, dry skin and thin skin.

Hormonal imbalances in older men are known under the term Late-Onset Hypogonadism (LOH). Chronic diseases or medication could, however, also lead to hormonal imbalances – alongside the gradual decrease in male sex hormones. It would therefore be necessary to undergo a special urological test, which also tests hormone levels, in order to determine the actual cause of your symptoms.

Contact me if you have any questions regarding your hormone status.