Men's Health

Aging Male Syndrome (AMS)

A man with aging male syndrome (AMS), also called male menopause, andropause, viropause, male climacteric, and late onset hypogonadism.

Men go through AMS between the ages of 35 and 65 (normally between 40 and 55) when their hormone levels (especially testosterone) go down. Testosterone is a hormone that helps maintain sex drive, sperm production, muscle mass, and strong bones. Testosterone levels decrease over time. This decline is normal in healthy males as they age. Unlike women who lose their fertility (ability to get pregnant) when they reach menopause, men do not lose their fertility. All men have different experiences, usually determined by your present lifestyle.

A decline in testosterone can affect a man’s body. AMS has many signs:

	Feeling fat/weight gain
	Problems sleeping
	Less interest in sex
	Feeling irritable or angry
	Loss of motivation
	Loss of drive at work
	Erection problems
	Nervousness
	Problems with memory and concentration
	Indecisiveness
	Lower self-confidence
	Tiredness
	Muscle loss
	Increased urination
	Depression
	Mood swings
	Loss of energy
	Bone loss
	Hair loss

Tests for Testosterone Levels

If you’re having these symptoms of low testosterone, talk to your doctor. You can get your testosterone level tested. It’s a simple blood test. Get the test in the morning, when the testes release more testosterone.