Low estrogen may play a role in ‘male menopause’

FILE - This undated photo provided by Eli Lilly & Co. shows the drug Axiron, an underarm gel used for boosting levels of testosterone. Men's bodies convert some of the male sex hormone into estrogen, and levels of both decline with age. Until now, there was no way to tell which hormone was responsible for complaints of diminished libido, strength and energy. Millions of men have been prescribed testosterone gel, patches or shots for these problems, but it's not known how much they need or whether this hormone replacement therapy is good, bad or neutral, according to Dr. Joel Finkelstein of Massachusetts General Hospital. He led a federally funded study, published in the Thursday, Sept. 12, 2013 New England Journal of Medicine. (AP Photo/Eli Lilly & Co.)TV ads tout testosterone treatments for "low T," but surprising new research shows a different hormone may play a role in less sex drive and more fat as men age. Estrogen — the female hormone — is needed by men, too, and the study gives the first clear evidence that too little of it can cause certain "male menopause" symptoms.