Health Issues
Andropause - The Male Menopause
If the man in your life is over 40 and has decreased libido, depression or fatigue, you might want to read this.
Andropause, also known as male menopause, has been underdiagnosed and undertreated over the years. This is mainly because it is a much slower and subtle process for men, unlike female menopause that results from abrupt reduction in hormones.
Andropause is an age-related decline in testosterone. Testosterone plays a major role in male reproductive development and it promotes formation of increased muscle mass, bone density and stamina in men. As young as 40, men produce less testosterone and Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) starts to increase. The SHBG makes the testosterone less available for the body to use. The usable testosterone is called bioavailable testosterone. This level can be measured by a blood test.
Every man experiences andropause differently; some may even have no symptoms despite decreased levels of testosterone. Symptoms of reduced testosterone levels may include:
Andropause Resources:
Mayo Clinic
www.mayoclinic.org search male menopause
ADAM quiz
www.andropausespecialist.com
(New York Andropause Centre)
If the man in your life is over 40 and has decreased libido, depression or fatigue, you might want to read this.
Andropause, also known as male menopause, has been underdiagnosed and undertreated over the years. This is mainly because it is a much slower and subtle process for men, unlike female menopause that results from abrupt reduction in hormones.
Andropause is an age-related decline in testosterone. Testosterone plays a major role in male reproductive development and it promotes formation of increased muscle mass, bone density and stamina in men. As young as 40, men produce less testosterone and Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) starts to increase. The SHBG makes the testosterone less available for the body to use. The usable testosterone is called bioavailable testosterone. This level can be measured by a blood test.
Every man experiences andropause differently; some may even have no symptoms despite decreased levels of testosterone. Symptoms of reduced testosterone levels may include:
- Physical symptoms: decreased muscle mass, decreased bone density, increased body fat, especially around the abdomen
- Sexual symptoms: low sex drive and erectile dysfunction
- Cognitive symptoms: poor sleep (due to hot flashes and night sweats), depressed mood, mood swings, anxiety, social isolation, irritability
Andropause Resources:
Mayo Clinic
www.mayoclinic.org search male menopause
ADAM quiz
www.andropausespecialist.com
(New York Andropause Centre)
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