What Is Andropause?
Menopause is a significant change in a woman’s life, but did you know men can have an equally impactful shift in hormone levels as they age? Often dubbed “male menopause,” andropause is a syndrome marked by markedly lower levels of testosterone in men.
If you have noticed changes to energy levels, libido, erectile dysfunction, and changes to your mental health after age 40 or 50, andropause may be the reason why.
What Is Andropause?
Andropause is often called “male menopause,” but that name can be misleading. Although it can be marked by significant changes to a male’s mental health and sex drive, it often has little to do with hormones. Menopause, on the other hand, is directly caused by hormonal changes.
Andropause may or may not be linked to low testosterone levels. Testosterone levels naturally decrease by approximately 1% each year between the ages of 30 to 50. Low testosterone levels are unlikely to be the sole cause of andropause, but they cannot be ruled out, either.
Sometimes, testosterone production falls off faster or more dramatically. In other cases, the decreases follow a normal cycle, but it leads to a range of symptoms that create problems for men.
The cause of andropause is not always known, but that does not mean treatment is unavailable. Working with a doctor can help you uncover the root of your symptoms and find an effective solution.
What Are the Common Symptoms of Andropause?
A lot of symptoms are associated with testosterone levels. The challenge is that other things in your life can cause just about any of these symptoms. If you’re struggling with them, speaking with a doctor can help. A simple test can determine if testosterone is an issue for you.
With that said, these are the symptoms to keep in mind:
- Reduced sex drive
- Fewer spontaneous erections
- Breast swelling or discomfort
- Infertility
- Height loss
- Hot flushes
- Unexplained sweating
- Decreased energy
- Loss of motivation
- Depressed mood
- Poor concentration
- Increased fatigue
- Sleep disturbances
- Reduced muscle bulk and strength
- Increased body fat
Andropause Treatment Options
If your doctor determines that you do have low testosterone, treatments vary according to age, health complications, and lifestyle. For some, simple lifestyle changes can resolve the issue.
Things like cutting fatty foods from your diet, improving your sleep schedule, and maintaining regular exercise can increase testosterone production and resolve symptoms.
In other cases, your doctor will prescribe testosterone therapies. Testosterone supplements come in gels, pills, and other forms. The supplements increase your testosterone levels, lessening symptoms.
Find Help From Dr. Anand Shridharani
Whether you need help with testosterone or anything else related to sex hormones and organs, Dr. Anand Shridharani is here to help. He is a board-certified urologist who understands men’s unique health at every age. You can call the office in Chattanooga at 423-778-4636. You can also reach out online to schedule a visit.
