Association Between Male Menopause Severity and Presenteeism: A Cross-sectional Study (March 2025)-Association Between Male Menopause Severity and Presenteeism: A Cross-sectional Study

Association Between Male Menopause Severity and Presenteeism: A Cross-sectional Study

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This study investigates the link between male menopause symptoms and presenteeism in middle-aged Japanese men. Male menopause, or andropause, includes physical, mental, and sexual symptoms that typically affect middle-aged to older men. These symptoms might include fatigue, mood changes, decreased libido, and erectile dysfunction, and are often caused by factors such as aging, stress, and hormonal changes.<br /><br />In the study, 3,795 working men aged 40–59 were surveyed using the Aging Male Symptoms (AMS) scale for male menopause symptoms and the Work Functioning Impairment Scale to measure presenteeism. The research found a significant association between the severity of andropause symptoms and an increase in presenteeism, characterized by reduced productivity at work. Higher AMS scores were correlated with elevated presenteeism, indicating a dose-response relationship between symptom severity and work impairment.<br /><br />Research findings suggested that the psychological components of male menopause especially affected presenteeism, with symptoms like depression and insomnia closely linked to decreased work performance. Physically, symptoms such as muscle pain and fatigue impaired the ability to perform work duties effectively, further affecting productivity. Although sexual symptoms were less directly linked, they likely contribute through related psychological and physical changes.<br /><br />The study highlights the importance of recognizing male menopause as a factor in occupational health. By understanding men's health changes and promoting medical consultation, workplaces could potentially mitigate presenteeism and improve overall employee well-being and productivity.<br /><br />Despite its insights, the study has limitations, including its reliance on self-reported data and AMS scale limitations, potential unmeasured variables, and the challenge of generalizing findings beyond the specific sample. Nevertheless, addressing male menopause symptoms in occupational health strategies could be key in reducing presenteeism and boosting productivity among middle-aged male workers.

Keywords

male menopause

andropause

presenteeism

middle-aged men

Aging Male Symptoms scale

work productivity

depression

fatigue

occupational health

employee well-being