Male menopause symptoms are similar to those experienced by a female as she is going through menopause in her middle age. There is one big difference to the outcome though - women will lose their fertility whilst men will not.

The symptoms however are remarkably the same, it's just that male menopause is rarely talked about whilst female menopause is almost an everyday phrase.

Male menopause or andropause as it is otherwise known (men shy away from men's menopause at the best of times, calling it menopause can be rather offensive) is when there is a decrease in the testosterone hormone level. This can occur during or just after a man hits middle age and some common symptoms and effects are anxiety, depression and sexual dysfunction.

The most common age for andropause to start showing symptoms is in the 45-55 age range and continuing up to 70 years old and beyond.

Male menopause symptoms can include (and they vary from person to person):

- Low libido
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Irritability/mood swings
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Listlessness
- Erectile dysfunction

Men experience less intense menopause symptoms compared to women. Men also tend to cope with it in a differing manner than female (i.e. they may lash out more whilst women will bottle up their feelings inside).

Male menopause symptoms can put a strain on a relationship, particularly if he is experiencing erectile dysfunction which obviously has a direct impact on his partner. Men may experience a low libido and erectile problems.

Of course, it is wise to visit a doctor if these male menopause symptoms begin to have a negative impact on your life and relationships. Although men are known now to acknowledge male menopause, more and more doctors are opening up to the fact that it does exist (even if they don’t want to call it menopause, that is where the term andropause has come in) in some form, and that it should be treated with the care and respect that women receive when they are going through menopause.