While “menopause” is a term that you are likely familiar with, “andropause” is probably a less familiar term for you. The term andropause is not recognized by the World Health Organization. However, it is commonly used to described the decline in testosterone production, that occurs in men as they age. Although the medical community is hesitant to describe this hormonal decline in medical terms, the phenomenon itself is very real and can have a serious impact on the way men live their lives.

The Idea of Male Menopause

Testosterone levels gradually decline as we age. Unlike menopause, this decline is more subtle. It has less defined stages than those which women experience.  There is a wider variation among men in how and when those changes occur, as well as the  resulting symptoms. In menopause, there is a distinct postmenopausal state where the ovaries have become inactive.  There is no prevailing “postandropausal” stage that seems to exist for men. For instance,  it is not uncommon for a healthy 80-year-old man to still produce sperm. In contrast,  a woman in any condition of health is almost certainly infertile by the same age. This is because these changes never result in a complete cessation of reproductive function.  The changes themselves occur gradually rather than suddenly, and because the nature of this phenomenon has only recently seen meaningful research that the debate over its classification continues.

Living with Andropause

Symptoms of andropause in men vary. They are consistent with symptoms of testosterone depletion from causes other than aging. The symptoms are similar to the ones experienced by women as they progress through the stages of menopause. These symptoms include; depression, weakness, fatigue, issues controlling weight, and sexual dysfunction. These symptoms can all greatly reduce your quality of life.

The decline in testosterone and the symptoms which result also feed into other medical conditions. For example, there is evidence to suggest a link between low testosterone and diabetes. Although the nature of that link needs to be researched, it is known that testosterone helps the body respond appropriately to insulin. A large number of men with Type 2 diabetes have low levels of testosterone. The nature of that connection is still being researched but this trend appeared to maintain whether the men tested were overweight or not.

Diagnosing Andropause

Sexual problems, fatigue, and depression are symptoms well worth talking to your doctor about — these are more than flu-like symptoms. But as with flu-likes, the trouble is that these symptoms could come about through other means than depleted testosterone. Your doctor will perform a physical exam and ask you questions about the signs and symptoms you’ve experienced, as well as your lifestyle, diet, and activity. Be open and honest in your responses. Blood tests will measure your testosterone level along with other vitamin and hormone levels that might be responsible for your symptoms. If you have low testosterone levels, they may recommend you to a hormone therapy clinic for treatment.

Testosterone Replacement Therapy

Injections, patches, implants, and topical gels are all examples of the different forms that testosterone replacement therapy comes in.

Testosterone is injected directly into your muscles. These injections are absorbed and dispersed through your muscles. Patches and topical gels are absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream. Testosterone pellets are placed under the skin. There are also mouth tablets which release testosterone into the oral tissues, where it then enters the bloodstream. The number injections you will need depends the treatment plan that has been developed for you.

Always remember to ask questions — your doctors and clinicians will be more than happy to explain anything you don’t understand.

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