Is Male Menopause Real? Yes, But...

(CBS)  Male menopause, real or not? For most men, it's probably not, researchers say.

Although all women experience a significant drop in estrogen as they age, only 2 percent of men experience a drop in testosterone, say scientists from the University of Manchester in England.

This study contradicts previous findings that linked feelings of depression, lack of energy and a decrease in sex drive in middle aged and elderly men to low testosterone levels.

Testosterone therapy in men has increased 400 percent in the last ten years. And there is certainly a demand for topical testosterone cream, according to a report by CBS San Francisco affiliate KPIX. Some men say the extra "T" makes them feel young and energetic.

In the current study, 3,369 men between the ages of 40 and 79 were surveyed. Low testosterone levels, otherwise known as hypogonadism, were found more frequently among men above the age of 70 and among those with other health problems, such as obesity.

However, most of those surveyed who experienced physical and psychological symptoms associated with "low T" did not, in fact, have low testosterone levels.

Researchers, who published their findings in the New England Journal of Medicine, hope that the study will help keep guard against the over-diagnosing of hypogonadism based upon symptoms that are simply a natural part of the aging process.

Three key symptoms are generally associated with low testosterone: erectile dysfunction, reduced sex drive, and decreased frequency of morning erection.

Six non-sexual symptoms are also associated with the diagnosis, according to the study: difficulty in engaging in vigorous physical activity, inability to walk about a half of a mile, difficulty bending down, low energy, tiredness, and just feeling sad.

Testosterone therapy has risks, particularly in older men, study researcher Frederick C. W. Wu, MD told WebMD. The findings could help doctors identify who could benefit from it.

NEW YORK June 18, 2010