Andropause

The dictionary defines andropause as the “decrease in function of male reproductive organs that occurs with aging”. This definition is neither wrong nor right. Scientifically speaking, a man's testicles never completely stop producing spermatozoids. If it is correct to say that menopause is marked by the end of ovulation, menstrual periods and fertility for most women in their early fifties, the two phenomenons are not identical. If all women are menopaused, only 10 % of men will be andropaused. On the other hand, men do not become infertile: it is mainly a question of hormonal insufficiency. 

The decrease in sexual activity that accompanies andropause has most likely contributed to the popular belief that it is a form of “male menopause”. Moreover, men experience andropause about the same age as women experience menopause. Another common point, andropaused men suffer the same physical problems such as hot flashes, and psychic problems such as mood swings and depression.

How Can We Identify Andropause

Just like menopause, andropause happens only in men of a certain age. It is therefore almost impossible to suffer from andropause at 30 because andropause generally affects men in their fifties and older. To know if the symptoms you feel are andropause-related, ask yourself the following questions:

• Has a decrease in libido been noticed?
• Has a decrease in energy been noticed?
• Has a decrease of muscular strength or physical resistance been noticed?
• Has your height decreased?
• Has a weight gain been noticed?
• Has your joy of living decreased?
• Are your erections less hard?
• Are you sad or in a bad mood more often than before?
• Are sport activities more difficult to do?
• Do you take an after diner nap more often than before?
• Has your professional productivity decreased?
• Do you experience more difficulties in concentrating and more memory blanks?

If the answers to some of these questions are positive, we recommend that you see a physician who will do a complete health check-up as well as lab tests, if necessary, and confirm or not the presence of andropause. In any case, the physician will be able to help you find the cause of your symptoms.

What To Do?

The first thing to do is to insure that lifestyle habits such as smoking and medication do not decrease the level of testosterone which could cause effects similar to those of andropause. For example, an abusive consumption of alcohol has a direct impact on sexual life and testicles activity, as well as on diabetes.

Your social life must also be evaluated. A troublesome relation with a partner or with the family, a recent tragic event or professional stress can justify sexual functions failure and apathy.

In case of an andropause diagnostic, the physician will prescribe testosterone. As a matter of fact, since the testicles no longer produce enough testosterone, a supplement will allow to remediate the situation. The supplement can be prescribed in various forms: intramuscular injections, topical gel or tablets. Discuss the various options with your pharmacist or your physician to decide the most suitable option for your condition.

If you believe you are suffering andropause symptoms, do not hesitate to talk to your physician.

The dictionary defines andropause as the “decrease in function of male reproductive organs that occurs with aging”. This definition is neither wrong nor right. Scientifically speaking, a man's testicles never completely stop producing spermatozoids. If it is correct to say that menopause is marked by the end of ovulation, menstrual periods and fertility for most women in their early fifties, the two phenomenons are not identical. If all women are menopaused, only 10 % of men will be andropaused. On the other hand, men do not become infertile: it is mainly a question of hormonal insufficiency. 

The decrease in sexual activity that accompanies andropause has most likely contributed to the popular belief that it is a form of “male menopause”. Moreover, men experience andropause about the same age as women experience menopause. Another common point, andropaused men suffer the same physical problems such as hot flashes, and psychic problems such as mood swings and depression.

Just like menopause, andropause happens only in men of a certain age. It is therefore almost impossible to suffer from andropause at 30 because andropause generally affects men in their fifties and older. To know if the symptoms you feel are andropause-related, ask yourself the following questions:

• Has a decrease in libido been noticed?
• Has a decrease in energy been noticed?
• Has a decrease of muscular strength or physical resistance been noticed?
• Has your height decreased?
• Has a weight gain been noticed?
• Has your joy of living decreased?
• Are your erections less hard?
• Are you sad or in a bad mood more often than before?
• Are sport activities more difficult to do?
• Do you take an after diner nap more often than before?
• Has your professional productivity decreased?
• Do you experience more difficulties in concentrating and more memory blanks?

If the answers to some of these questions are positive, we recommend that you see a physician who will do a complete health check-up as well as lab tests, if necessary, and confirm or not the presence of andropause. In any case, the physician will be able to help you find the cause of your symptoms.

The first thing to do is to insure that lifestyle habits such as smoking and medication do not decrease the level of testosterone which could cause effects similar to those of andropause. For example, an abusive consumption of alcohol has a direct impact on sexual life and testicles activity, as well as on diabetes.

Your social life must also be evaluated. A troublesome relation with a partner or with the family, a recent tragic event or professional stress can justify sexual functions failure and apathy.

In case of an andropause diagnostic, the physician will prescribe testosterone. As a matter of fact, since the testicles no longer produce enough testosterone, a supplement will allow to remediate the situation. The supplement can be prescribed in various forms: intramuscular injections, topical gel or tablets. Discuss the various options with your pharmacist or your physician to decide the most suitable option for your condition.

If you believe you are suffering andropause symptoms, do not hesitate to talk to your physician.