News Section | Health
Male menopause really does exist
Menopause is not limited to women, it hits men too, a new study has found.
The study, reported in the Daily Mail, has found that some men experience a decrease in hormones when they hit middle age.
And reduced levels of testosterone can lead to everything from lowered libido to fatigue, just like menopause does, reports the New York daily News.
However, male menopause is an uncommon condition that affects only a small minority: 3 percent of men actually experience physical symptoms from less testosterone, according to the study, and lower testosterone levels are a natural part of aging.
Older men generally have lower hormone levels than younger ones, with testosterone levels decreasing about 1 percent a year after age 30, according to the Mayo Clinic.
By the age of 70, the levels may be as much as 50 percent lower. Other medical conditions, like obstructive sleep apnea, also can cause testosterone levels to decline.
Medical experts say men should get a physical to see if they need testosterone-replacement therapy.
The study has been published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
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