Subtle signs of male menopause including dry skin and need for coffee

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Between the ages of 30 to 40, testosterone levels naturally decrease at a rate of about one per cent annually - which has become known as the male menopause. Testosterone levels surge in youth, driving the development of male characteristics such as facial and pubic hair, a deeper voice, and the growth of the penis and testes..

Its role extends far beyond sex drive and sperm production, significantly influencing bone and muscle mass. While this gradual decline is unlikely to cause immediate issues, a testosterone deficiency, where the testicles fail to produce sufficient testosterone, can lead to various unwanted side effects later in life, often referred to as 'the Manopause', or male menopause.

According to Dr Jeff Foster, GP and health director at Manual, this condition is more prevalent than commonly believed.

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"There are nearly a million men in the UK currently known to have the condition, and 25 per cent of all men will have low levels at some point in their lives," he told The Sun. "Testosterone deficiency is like the game Buckaroo."

The biggest cause is age, lots of other little things can drop our testosterone further. He added: "For example, some increased body weight and maybe a bit more alcohol can lead you to develop high blood pressure or asthma, both of which can reduce testosterone."

"Low levels of testosterone are typically linked with a reduced sex drive, but there are actually several other less obvious signs that your levels might be on the low side:

1. You’re irritable Feeling more annoyed than usual. "It could be a sign to look at your hormonal balance," Dr Martin Thornton, GP and Bluecrest's chief medical officer, says.

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But, stress, sleep problems, including sleep apnoea, and thyroid issues could also cause this irritability, so it's a good idea to see a doctor.

2. Your skin and hair feel dry.

It might not be not something you associate with testosterone deficiency, but Dr Foster says. Men may develop dry, flaky skin and/or coarse or dry hair. "Some men who are more prone to having eczema can also find this flares up," he adds.

3. Your hair is thinning.

Have you noticed your hair becoming thinner? "Testosterone is essential for maintaining hair follicles, so reduced levels may cause hair thinning or loss, particularly on the body," explains Kiran.

But he points out that if you're not experiencing other symptoms associated with low testosterone, male pattern baldness could be the culprit. Notably, genetic factors can influence this condition and it isn't always related to testosterone levels, while dietary shortages of vitamins like biotin, zinc, or iron might also contribute to the problem, according to Kiran.

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4. Your joints hurt.

"Men with low testosterone often report joint pain, feeling like it takes days longer to recover from exercise, and their niggling injuries just don't get better," shares Dr Foster.

Yet, he advises a dose of realism as joint pain can be a symptom of ageing. "Even if you treat testosterone, it won't make you 20 years younger, and everyone finds it takes longer to heal and recover as we get older," he remarks.

5. You're getting man boobs.

Noticing an increase of fatty tissue around your chest area?

This could be indicative of more than just the typical 'middle-aged spread', suggests Dr Thornton. It could be a sign of low testosterone could be a signal, but other factors can also cause this. "Raised oestrogen levels, often caused by obesity, can lead to this. Certain medications, particularly those for blood pressure and depression, can also result in a build-up of fatty tissue in these areas," he adds.

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6. You’re relying on coffee.

Constantly turning to caffeine to keep your energy levels up? "It doesn't have to be complete exhaustion, but some men find they just start to rely on caffeine to get them through their day," says Dr Foster."