Menopause isn't something that only women experience

(5/13/07 - KTRK/HOUSTON) (KTRK) -- You usually think about middle-aged moms dealing with menopause. But it affects men as well as women.

Dr. Bill Fisher, a former astronaut, can be found as an emergency physician at busy Memorial Hermann. In between shifts, he's training to climb Mt. McKinley.

"Knowing I have to be in shape or I will fail helps push me along," he said. "I think I need that."

So it may be a surprise to learn this 61-year-old man's man has been going through male menopause.

"I don't think most men are truly aware that this happens," he said. "People joke about it."

But it's real. Starting in the 40s, a man's testosterone can decrease by 1% a year.

"So it's not noticeable," said Dr. Fisher. "It sort of sneaks up on you."

The symptoms will sound familiar: Drop in energy weight gain, especially the spare tire, muscle mass decrease, depression, irritability, and decreased sex drive.

"Enthusiasm and passion for work was down," said Steve Lazzara, who had these symptoms. "I just didn't have the want to it and it kinda faded away and I knew something was going on."

Lazzara went to Dr. Richard LeConey, who had these symptoms himself.

"I was different and I was also gaining weight where I shouldn't be, right in the middle of my gut," said Dr. LeConey.

"They just assume it's just, I'm getting old," said Dr. Fisher.

How can you tell if it's getting old or testosterone? A simple blood test. Lazzara found his was low and started taking testosterone absorbed through the skin. Now at 62, he has more energy, has started a new business, and says the depression is gone.

"It was a weight had been lifted off my shoulders," he said. "It was a tremendous change."

Dr. Fisher, who uses the patch, also felt better.

"I would say it took about a week before I could feel a difference and over about six months, the problem with weight went away," he said.

Doctors use the testosterone creams, gels or patches, which are absorbed through the skin.

"If the dose is correct, there should be no negative side effects," said Dr. LeConey.

But they're talking testosterone replacement.

"This is not taken for body building and it isn't for people with normal levels," said Dr. Fisher.

But when you get the level right, a man can see more muscle and...

"A little decline in the body fat, particularly around the waist," said Dr. LeConey. "Another benefit they've shown is type 2 diabetics, it helps with glucose control.

"Of course, the sexual aspects are there also," added Lazzara.

"There's the grouchy old man prototype or stereotype," said Dr. LeConey.

But that too can go away for many men.

"They feel better about themselves, better self esteem, have a better outlook," said Dr. LeConey.

"It's made a big difference in my life," said Lazzara.

But many men don't know about it.

"This is basic stuff," said Dr. Fisher. "It's just that usually the family doctor and the person whose doing your physical aren't checking for things like testosterone."

If you have four or more of the symtoms, you may have testosterone deficiency. Or it may be another medical problem that you should have checked by a doctor.
(Copyright © 2007, KTRK-TV)

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