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 saliva or blood test. Get the test in the morning, when the testes release more testosterone.
