Male menopause is called andropause.  It is real .   It’s that midlife crisis.  Typically occurring between age 40 and 80.  Similar to the female syndrome, andropause may have a variable, if any effect on men.  

In the blood stream testosterone levels do begin to decline.  Unlike the decline in estrogens that women experience, the decline in testosterone occurs over a longer period of time and manifests with more subtle changes.

Men, you may notice fatigue, muscle aches or weakness, joint pains, loss of interest in usual activities, greater emotional sensitivity, you may indeed experience the night sweats we women are so noted for, and you might also experience episodic palpitations.

Time to see your doctor.  Get a thorough evaluation and don’t be shy about disclosing all of your symptoms.  It isn’t uncommon for men to seek attention for pain, but it is difficult to ask advice about these more subtle symptoms.

The problem is that these subtle symptoms don’t lend themselves to easy diagnosis either.  Occasionally, a diagnosis, perhaps not incorrect, of depression is made.  This might be only part of the story though. 

It may help to have an advocate with you.  Your wife or significant other, who likely will better be able to articulate some of your symptoms.  Not that you can’t speak for yourself guys, but I have noticed a certain tongue-tidedness that comes over many gentlemen when they come in for a "check-up".  Our society is only beginning to make it more culturally appropriate for men to seek regular medical advice.

Something other than pain that brings some men in for evaluation is the one sign of andropause that is being talked about.  That is erectile dysfunction.  This is being broadcast all over the print and electronic media.  Unfortunately, it is usually being presented by viral looking young men, so the message is often mixed. 

This form of sexual dysfunction can occur at any age due to a lack of the male hormone, testosterone.  Or, more likely, in andropause it is because of a declining level.  The problem is that in many men there’s more to it than that.