Male Menopause: A Reality Beyond the Myths

Professor Barry O'Reilly, a leading figure at aNuMe, a wellness and aesthetics clinic in Cork, sheds light on the often-misunderstood concept of male menopause or andropause. His insights are pivotal in changing the narrative around this topic, traditionally overshadowed by its female counterpart or dismissed as a midlife crisis.

Understanding Male Menopause

• Real Symptoms: Men undergoing andropause experience a range of symptoms including depression, low energy and libido, weight gain, hair loss, brain fog, sleep issues, and a lack of motivation and self-confidence.

• Robbie Williams' Experience: Singer Robbie Williams' openness about his struggles with ageing and hormonal changes underscores the seriousness of the condition, challenging the usual dismissiveness surrounding male menopause.

Testosterone Decline

• Gradual Reduction: Men lose about 1% of testosterone yearly from age 40, leading to various health issues.

• Comparison with Female Menopause: While the term 'manopause' is often taken lightly, the condition shares many parallels with female menopause, albeit with a more gradual onset and less visible changes.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

• Common Symptoms: Similar to women, men experience weight gain, fatigue, mood swings, and other symptoms like erectile dysfunction and breast enlargement.

• Diagnosis Process: Diagnosis involves patient history and measuring serum testosterone levels, including free and total testosterone.

Hormonal Changes and Lifestyle

• Impact on Relationships: The peak age for divorce aligns with the typical age for menopause and andropause, indicating the profound impact of hormonal changes on life and relationships.

• Importance of Acknowledgement: The lack of recognition for male menopause contributes to issues like male suicide rates in middle-aged men.

Treatment and Support

• Holistic Approach: Clinics like aNuMe offer comprehensive assessments of mental, physical, and sexual health, alongside treatments like hormonal replacement, if necessary.

• Wellness and Aesthetics: Treatments include hair enhancing, anti-wrinkle injections, and muscle-building technologies.

Seeking Help

• Embracing Health and Wellness: Men, especially younger ones, are encouraged to proactively manage their health, appearance, and wellness.

• Advanced Therapies: Technologies like the Starformer chair offer solutions for erectile dysfunction and chronic back pain.

Summary

Male menopause, or andropause, is a significant health condition affecting men in midlife. It demands greater recognition and understanding, paralleling the experiences of women in menopause. With comprehensive care and open discussions, men can navigate this phase with better support and health outcomes.