Andropause, also known as male menopause, is a decline in the production of androgen hormones in males. This condition may occur naturally with age, or it can occur as a result of diseases and injuries that cause the production of androgens to stop or decline. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of andropause can help men seek an early diagnosis so treatment can be started as soon as possible.
Prevalence
Andropause is most common in men over the age of 50. However, men can display symptoms of andropause as early as age 30. According to Dr. Shafiq Qaadri, author of "The Testosterone Factor," testosterone levels begin to decline at age 30 and continue to decline by 5 percent each year. Dr. Qaadri also reports that approximately 30 percent of men over the age of 50 have symptoms that could qualify them for a diagnosis of andropause.
Causes
Andropause is caused by a decline in testosterone production, which is the result of hypogonadism. Primary hypogonadism results from a problem in the testicles and is also called primary testicular failure. Secondary hypogonadism is caused by a problem in the pituitary gland or hypothalamus, which contributes to the production of testosterone. Primary hypogonadism can be caused by normal aging, undescended testicles, Klinefelter syndrome, mumps orchitis, testicular injury, hemochromatosis and cancer treatment. Secondary hypogonadism can be caused by pituitary gland disorders, Kallmann syndrome, HIV, medications, obesity and inflammatory diseases.
Risk Factors
Medical professionals from the Department of Family Practice and Community Medicine at the University of Texas determined that alcohol use and ethnicity are not risk factors for andropause. However, their research determined that older males who smoked are at risk of developing early andropause.
Signs and Symptoms
Andropause symptoms can include mood changes, sexual changes and changes in a person's masculine appearance. Mood changes include low mental energy, grumpiness, sadness, unusual anxiety, pessimism and proneness to solitude. Sexual signs and symptoms include decreased orgasm quality, erection weakness, decreased sexual sensitivity, loss of sexual desire and decreased sexual activity and performance. Someone with andropause may experience loss of pubic hair, increased obesity, reduced muscle mass, osteoporosis and decreased physical activity.
Diagnosis
There is no specific test that can be used to diagnose andropause. Instead, males who exhibit symptoms of this condition may undergo a full hormone profile. This profile checks levels of follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, thyroid-stimulating hormone and prolactin in the blood. Andropause questionnaires may contain questions about strength, libido, height and weight, and energy levels. Patient histories and physical examinations also play a role in the diagnosis of andropause.
Treatment
Testosterone replacement therapy is used to treat andropause and restore sexual functioning and a sense of well-being in men suffering from the condition. This type of hormone therapy increases testosterone levels and also replaces secondary hormones that are affected by low testosterone levels. Testosterone therapy can be given orally, transdermally (through the skin) or intravenously, giving men a wide range of options to fit their lifestyles. According to Dr. Michael Werner, a physician specializing in male infertility and sexual dysfunction, most testosterone replacement therapy is done through skin patches. These patches are easy to apply, provide a steady dose of hormones and have fewer side effects than other forms of synthetic testosterone.
