Male Menopause: Symptoms and Supplements for Relief

Male menopause

I am 58 years old and have generally been in good health.
I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis last October.
After undergoing 10 weeks of acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine, my T3, T4, and TSH levels are now normal.
However, I still experience palpitations, occasional sweating, and fatigue with excessive sleepiness.
I am unsure if these symptoms are residual effects of thyroiditis or signs of male menopause.
My testosterone level is 499 ng/dL, which is within the normal range.
I have no issues with morning or nighttime erections, and I do not have insomnia.
A few months before my thyroiditis diagnosis, I had atopic dermatitis, and my face and neck were completely dry with no sweating or oil production, leading to peeling skin.
After treatment with traditional Chinese medicine, my skin has returned to normal.
I would like to ask if my current symptoms of palpitations, sweating, and fatigue are related to male menopause.
I have been taking DHEA for five weeks, and it seems to have improved my mood; I find it easier to manage panic during palpitations and sweating.
I started taking CoQ10 last week, but I have not noticed any effects yet.
Can these two supplements help alleviate my symptoms? How long should I take them before seeing results? Additionally, how long does male menopause typically last? I hope you can provide some insights.
Thank you.

David, 50~59 year old female. Ask Date: 2010/02/18

Dr. Shen Zhengnan reply Geriatrics

Hello David, as far as I know, "male menopause" is not an official medical diagnosis, and there is no such term in psychiatry.
The symptoms you mentioned, such as palpitations, night sweats, and fatigue, may be common anxiety symptoms in psychiatry.
If these symptoms persist for too long or are severe enough to affect your daily activities and work, it would be advisable to seek help from a psychiatrist.
Thyroid dysfunction can also cause similar issues, but since you mentioned that your test results are normal, the likelihood of this being the cause should be relatively low.
Regarding the two supplements you are using, I do not have clinical experience with them and cannot provide answers related to them.
In psychiatry or psychology, menopause generally implies adjustment issues related to life cycle transitions.
For most people in their fifties and sixties, this period marks the end of middle age and the onset of older age, and it is natural to experience emotional disturbances during this time, including reflections on past life and anxieties about aging.
If these emotional disturbances are mild and temporary, they usually do not pose significant issues; however, if they are more pronounced, it is important to monitor for symptoms of anxiety or depression.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2010/02/18

More Info

Understanding male menopause, often referred to as andropause, is crucial as men age, particularly around the age of 50 and beyond. This phase can be characterized by a variety of symptoms, including fatigue, mood changes, decreased libido, and physical changes such as weight gain or loss of muscle mass. The symptoms you're experiencing, such as heart palpitations, occasional sweating, and fatigue, could indeed be related to this transitional phase, especially considering your age and the hormonal changes that can occur.

Your diagnosis of Hashimoto's thyroiditis and the subsequent normalization of your thyroid hormone levels (T3, T4, TSH) is a significant factor to consider. Thyroid dysfunction can lead to a range of symptoms that overlap with those of andropause, including fatigue and mood disturbances. It’s essential to differentiate whether your current symptoms are residual effects of thyroid dysfunction or manifestations of male menopause.

Regarding your testosterone levels, a reading of 499 ng/dL is within the normal range for men, which typically falls between 300 to 1,000 ng/dL. However, testosterone levels can fluctuate, and symptoms of low testosterone can still occur even when levels are within the normal range. If you are experiencing symptoms commonly associated with low testosterone, it may be worth discussing further evaluation with your healthcare provider.

The use of supplements like DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) and CoQ10 (Coenzyme Q10) can be beneficial for some individuals. DHEA is a hormone that serves as a precursor to both testosterone and estrogen and may help improve mood and energy levels. Some studies suggest that DHEA supplementation can enhance well-being and alleviate symptoms of depression in older adults, but results can vary widely among individuals. It typically takes several weeks to months of consistent use to notice significant effects, and it’s essential to monitor for any side effects or changes in your condition.

CoQ10 is an antioxidant that plays a vital role in energy production within cells and may help improve heart health and reduce fatigue. While some individuals report feeling more energetic after starting CoQ10, the timeline for noticeable effects can vary. It may take several weeks to see improvements, and ongoing use is generally recommended for sustained benefits.

As for the duration of male menopause symptoms, it can vary significantly from person to person. Some men may experience symptoms for a few months, while others may have them for several years. The intensity and duration of symptoms can be influenced by various factors, including lifestyle, overall health, and hormonal balance.

In summary, your symptoms of heart palpitations, sweating, and fatigue could be attributed to a combination of factors, including your thyroid condition and potential male menopause. The supplements you are taking may provide some relief, but it’s essential to maintain open communication with your healthcare provider to monitor your symptoms and adjust your treatment plan as necessary. Regular follow-ups and possibly further hormonal evaluations may help clarify the underlying causes of your symptoms and guide appropriate interventions.

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