Andropause, male menopause, or colloquially known as 'manopause' is a medical condition in men wherein they suffer from symptoms that are similar to menopause in women.
Andropause happens during a man's older years, when the levels of testosterone in their body start to decline. Knowing about andropause is especially important, since the symptoms of andropause can cause fatigue, depression, a lack of sexual desire, and other similar problems.
When does it happen?
Unlike menopause, andropause doesn't have a well-defined period. While it's true that testosterone levels go down as men grow older, other diseases, such as diabetes, can also cause testosterone levels to go down, so there are a lot of things that can cause andropause.
Here are the most common symptoms of andropause in men:
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Depression
- Sexual problems
The main difference between menopause in women and andropause in men is that for women, the flow of estrogen in their body stops completely. While in men, the decline is gradual, since testosterone never runs out in men, so it's a slower process. Andropause can occur as early as 45 years, and even as late as 70 years.
How do you know if you have andropause?
Having the symptoms of andropause doesn't automatically mean that you're testosterone levels are going down, as there are a lot of conditions that can also cause those symptoms.
The best way to find out if you have andropause would be to go to a doctor so that they can perform tests and make a proper diagnosis. Doctors usually perform a physical exam, ask about the symptoms, and try to rule out other probable causes of the symptoms. Sometimes, a blood test is also performed in order to measure the level of testosterone.
When it comes to treating andropause, testosterone replacement therapy can be used in order to deal with symptoms such as decreased sex drive, depression, and fatigue.
However, there are risks to testosterone replacement therapy, as it can increase the risk of prostate cancer, which is more common among older men. It's always best to consult a doctor to find out what form of treatment would suit you best.
Sources: dailymail.co.uk, webmd.com
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