Adults-Older People

Andropause

The word andropause is derived from Greek and means “when masculinity ceases”. It is used to describe a condition in men similar to the female menopause, except that it does not directly end fertility.

In men, the production of the hormone testosterone gradually decreases from about age 60. This has generally been accepted as a part of a normal ageing process, without notable impact on their physical condition. It has been argued by some however, that there can be a significant reduction in the level of “free” testosterone in quite young men - from 35 - 50 years of age - as well as older men and that this can result in quite major physical and mental reactions.

The symptoms which have been associated with andropause are similar to the effects experienced by some women undergoing menopause and include fatigue, loss of libido, sexual dysfunction, depression, irritability, aches and pains, sweating and flushing. Predisposing factors such as a history of vasectomy or mumps orchitis have been suggested as possibly leading to an early testosterone deficiency.
An abnormally low level of “free” testosterone can be detected by blood tests, and testosterone replacement therapy may be considered in such cases.