The myth of male menopause

Just like with women, men's hormones change later in life. Older men might feel irritable, less interested in sex, or -- in some cases -- be completely free of any symptoms whatsoever. This change is often called "male menopause," but, as this Mayo Clinic article suggests, that term isn't exactly accurate.

The primary difference between menopause as seen in women, and the hormonal changes in men, is the time frame during which these changes take place. According to Todd Nippoldt, MD, "In women, ovulation ceases and female hormone reproduction plummets over a relatively short time frame. In men, there's a gradual decline in the production of male hormones."

Additionally, men's levels of testosterone vary widely. Most lose about 1 percent per year after the age of 40, with a more noticeable drop between 45 and 50 -- and some hardly lose any at all. Still others, who had low testosterone levels to begin with, may not notice a change.

So, are you experiencing a mid-life crisis? It's certainly possible. But are you going through menopause? Not really.