Andropause, also known as male menopause, is a condition that can affect men as they age. It is characterized by a gradual decline in testosterone levels and can cause various symptoms such as:
The decline in testosterone typically starts after age 30 and continues throughout a man's life. However, some men experience more severe decreases in their 40s through 60s. This more significant change is referred to as andropause.
There are a few potential causes of andropause:
The changes that occur with andropause are gradual, so symptoms may go unnoticed for years. But if bothersome symptoms develop, it is worth getting hormone levels checked by a doctor.
In addition to the overall symptoms mentioned already, some other signs of low testosterone from andropause may include:
The symptoms can vary quite a bit from man to man. So even if you do not have all the "typical" symptoms, andropause may still be an issue if testosterone levels are declining.
If you suspect you may be experiencing andropause, the first step is to get your testosterone levels tested by your healthcare provider. This involves a simple blood test.
If hormone levels come back low, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes like eating healthy, exercising, and losing weight to help boost natural testosterone. In other cases, testosterone therapy is recommended to get levels back up. This can be administered through:
I hope this overview on andropause in males was helpful! Let me know if you have any other questions. Wishing you health and happiness!