You’ve probably heard of menopause, which is when a woman's periods stop, and she can't have babies anymore. It usually occurs in women in their late 40s to early 50s. A somewhat similar, but not the same phenomenon occurs in men too, also called as andropause, or ‘male menopause’. However, the UK National Health Services (NHS) says this can be misleading because it suggests the symptoms that men experience are the result of a sudden decrease in testosterone in middle age, similar to what occurs in the female menopause, which is not true.
So what exactly is andropause and why does it occur? Speaking with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Pallavi Prasad, Fertility Consultant, Nova IVF Fertility, Basaveshwara Nagar, Bengaluru, answers.
Also Read: Surprising Health Benefits of Menopause for Women
Understanding Andropause And Its Cause
“Andropause, also known as late-onset hypogonadism, is a condition that affects some ageing men as they enter their middle age and beyond,” says Dr Prasad, adding that it is characterised by a gradual decline in testosterone levels, which is the primary male sex hormone.”
While andropause is sometimes referred to as "male menopause," it is not the same as menopause, which affects women, she clarifies. The NHS explained, "Although testosterone levels fall as men age, the decline is steady at about 1% a year from around the age of 30-40, and this is unlikely to cause any problems in itself."
"A testosterone deficiency that develops later in life, also known as late-onset hypogonadism, can sometimes be responsible for these symptoms, but in many cases the symptoms are nothing to do with hormones," the UK Health Body added.
Why And When Does It Occur?
According to Dr Prasad, the primary cause of andropause is a natural drop in testosterone production that occurs with ageing. Testosterone levels can start to decrease as early as the mid-30s, but symptoms may become more noticeable in the 40s and 50s.
In addition, as testosterone levels decrease, there can be an imbalance between testosterone and oestrogen in the body, leading to various symptoms.
Andropause commonly occurs in men between their late 40s and 60s. However, it's essential to note that not all men will experience andropause, and the severity of symptoms can vary widely among individuals, says Dr Prasad.
Also Read: 7 Tried and Tested Ways To Naturally Increase The Level Of Testosterone Hormone
Symptoms People Should Watch Out For
Here are the common symptoms of andropause:
- Fatigue
- Mood swings, irritability, and depression
- Reduced libido or sex drive
- Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection (erectile dysfunction)
- Decreased sexual satisfaction
- Decrease in muscle mass and an increase in body fat
- Hot flashes or night sweats in some cases
- Insomnia or disrupted sleep patterns
- Difficulties with memory and concentration
- Decreased bone density, potentially leading to osteoporosis
Awareness Around Andropause Is Key
While most of us are aware about menopause and its symptoms, andropause is a subject not many touch upon.
Dr Prasad says, “Discussing andropause raises awareness about the physical and emotional changes that ageing men may experience. It helps men recognise that these changes are a normal part of ageing and not something to be ashamed of.”
The awareness in turn encourages men to seek medical advice and care when needed. Addressing andropause-related symptoms and treating issues like depression, sexual dysfunction, or bone density reduction can significantly improve a man's quality of life, leading to a healthier and happier life in later years, the doctor concludes.
