Male menopause, or manopause, isn’t taken seriously enough in this country, which is why Professor Barry O’Reilly is very keen to treat the hormone imbalances that can have a serious impact on men’s wellbeing.
Professor Barry O’Reilly, clinical director and founder of Cork wellness and aesthetics clinic aNuMe, feels that while there has been considerable focus on female menopause in recent years, the male equivalent – often called “manopause” or “andropause” – is still treated as a joke by many people.
Yet testosterone is just as significant for men as estrogen is for women, and from the age of around 40, men lose about one per cent of their testosterone each year. This gradual decline can lead to various physical and emotional symptoms. The symptoms of manopause closely mirror those of female menopause, including weight gain (particularly around the abdomen), fatigue, low libido, bone density loss, insomnia, reduced muscle mass, mood swings, and even depression. Other signs may include erectile dysfunction and breast enlargement.
According to Prof. O’Reilly, cultural expectations in Ireland and other places discourage men from discussing their emotional or physical struggles, yet these can have a serious impact on a man’s well-being. The stigma around emotional expression can make it even harder for men to seek help during this period of life.
“For women, menopause has an objective definition—the end of menstruation,” Professor O’Reilly points out. “But men don’t have that clear-cut event. Instead, their hormonal changes are more gradual, often leading to a sense of worthlessness or frustration.”
Unlike female menopause, which involves a rapid hormonal shift, manopause is a more gradual process. Yet, like women, men’s lifestyle choices play a major role in triggering or exacerbating symptoms. “By the time men reach 50, they often find themselves at a crossroads,” says Prof. O’Reilly. “They may be at the peak of their careers, but they start wondering, ‘Is this it?'”
In Ireland, the peak age for divorce is 53, which coincides with the timing of both male and female menopause. Prof. O’Reilly believes that many of the changes we go through in midlife are linked to hormonal shifts and lifestyle changes that can be managed or even prevented. “We need to talk about this more openly,” he insists.
“Imagine a household where the woman is going through menopause, the man is dealing with manopause, and the teenagers are going through their own hormonal struggles—it could create a chaotic environment, with everyone unknowingly dealing with their own issues.”
Unfortunately, societal pressures around masculinity make it even harder for men to talk about their sexual or emotional struggles. Reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, and other symptoms can deeply affect a man’s sense of self-worth. “They may feel like they’ve lost their ‘manhood,'” Prof. O’Reilly explains. “But at the same time, they may feel their partner is disinterested in them because of their weight gain or lack of energy. This can be compounded by feelings of inadequacy at work, where younger colleagues may be surpassing them, or by the loss of their parents.”
The impact of these changes can be devastating, and it’s no surprise that male suicide rates in Ireland, particularly among men aged 40-59, are alarmingly high. Prof. O’Reilly underscores the importance of addressing these issues, as male menopause remains largely unrecognised worldwide, with the US being ahead of the curve in offering support and treatment for men’s ageing issues.
A diagnosis of manopause usually involves a thorough medical history, similar to the process for women, as well as testosterone level tests. These tests measure both free and total testosterone levels, which is essential for an accurate diagnosis, but many Irish men don’t seek this testing.
“The US takes a holistic approach to men’s health, looking at everything from mental and physical well-being to sexual health and hormone levels,” he says. “At aNuMe, we do the same, offering everything from hormonal treatments to support for mental health, diet, exercise and aesthetic treatments.”
For men experiencing the effects of manopause, Prof. O’Reilly recommends seeking specialised clinics like aNuMe that focus on hormone health, wellbeing and ageing. They offer services like hair treatments, anti-wrinkle injections, fat reduction, muscle building, and even snoring laser therapy. “Why shouldn’t men take care of their health, appearance, and wellness?” Prof. O’Reilly asks. “It’s about embracing your health at any age.”
While younger men may be more open to exploring wellness and aesthetic treatments, older men often seek support to enhance their hormone health, nutrition and physical appearance. Treatments like PRP for hair restoration and laser therapy for issues like erectile dysfunction are becoming increasingly popular.
“At aNuMe, we’re committed to helping both men and women age better through customised, holistic packages that focus on all aspects of their health,” says Prof. O’Reilly.
Visit aNume Medical Clinic at Suite D, Penrose House, 2 Penrose Quay, Victorian Quarter, Cork, T23 V38E. Tel: 021 2012196. Website: anumemedicalclinic.com
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