For Men in Their 40s and 50s, Decreased Libido May Signal Male Menopause
Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Many men in their 40s and 50s experience decreased libido due to declining testosterone levels, a condition known as male menopause.
- Symptoms can include insomnia, muscle loss, and increased abdominal fat, potentially alongside metabolic diseases like hypertension and diabetes.
- Experts advise seeking professional diagnosis and treatment for sexual dysfunction, emphasizing that lifestyle changes and medical intervention can improve the condition.
For men in their 40s and 50s, a declining sex drive may not stem from marital fatigue but from the natural hormonal shifts of aging. Dr. Yoon Hana, South Korea's first female urologist, explained on the YouTube channel 'Healthy IN' that this period can bring on what is known as male menopause.
As women experience menopause, men also undergo a decrease in testosterone levels starting in their mid-40s. This hormonal decline can lead to more than just a reduced libido; it may also manifest as insomnia, loss of muscle mass, and abdominal obesity. These symptoms can be compounded by existing metabolic conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and abnormal blood lipid levels.
Adding to these challenges are the pressures of work stress and chronic fatigue, which can naturally push sexual activity lower on a man's list of priorities. Dr. Yoon also clarified the criteria for premature ejaculation, defining it not merely by duration but by an inability to control ejaculation, causing distress for either partner. She noted that ejaculation occurring within one to three minutes might warrant medical consideration.
"Sexual dysfunction is a natural change that can occur with age, so it's important to seek an accurate diagnosis and consultation rather than suffering in silence," Dr. Yoon advised. "It can be sufficiently improved through lifestyle changes and appropriate treatment."
Sexual dysfunction is a natural change that can occur with age, so it's important to seek an accurate diagnosis and consultation rather than suffering in silence. It can be sufficiently improved through lifestyle changes and appropriate treatment.
Originally published by Dong-A Ilbo in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.