Mood swings, hot flashes, sleeplessness- everybody knows about the changes that happen to women as their levels of estrogen drop and they go through menopause. But do men experience a similar set of unwanted changes as midlife approaches and their hormone levels decline?

If testosterone levels are low, testosterone replacement therapy may help relieve such symptoms as loss of interest in sex (decreased libido), depression, and fatigue. But, as with hormone replacement therapy in women, testosterone replacement therapy has potential risks and side effects. Replacing testosterone may worsen prostate cancer, for example.

If you or a loved one is considering androgen replacement therapy, talk to a doctor to learn more. Your doctor may also recommend certain lifestyle changes, such as a new diet or exercise program, or other medications, such as an antidepressant, to help with some of the symptoms of male menopause.