You are in a relationship with an older man and start to notice that he is behaving differently than usual. If you are trying to conceive, your sex life is not going wonderfully either due to your partner’s lack of excitement. But what could be happening? Could it be that he is no longer attracted to you? Has he found another woman? There are so many doubts, when in fact there may be just one answer. Andropause has arrived!!

Andropause is usually related to and compared with menopause in women. Both are characterized by a decline in hormone levels. In women, it is estrogen; in men, testosterone. But unlike women, andropause doesn’t have a specific sign such as the cessation of menstruation. The signs occur gradually.

Typically, this decline in male hormones begins to occur between the ages of 40 and 55 and can subtly be observed through constant fatigue, low libido, and changes in mood. Unlike menopause, andropause can take years to fully develop and symptoms may come and go. But when these signs are noticed, it is essential to seek a doctor for appropriate tests and treatment.

Testosterone, which is the male hormone, is produced mostly in the testicles and a smaller portion in the adrenal glands. Therefore, your sexual health can indicate how your hormone levels are doing. It is important to warn that a urologist should be consulted regularly, for prevention, and not only when hormone levels are already out of control and symptoms are affecting a man’s life, especially his sex life.

Symptoms of Andropause

As we have indicated, symptoms do not always appear all at once or with the same intensity. Signs such as tiredness and fatigue, and the feeling of quickly losing energy are the first to be noticed, but usually there is only concern when sexual function is affected, leading to erectile dysfunction.

The main symptoms of andropause are:

  • Lack of libido and Erectile Dysfunction
  • Depression
  • Sudden Mood Swings
  • Decrease in strength and loss of muscle mass
  • Weakening of the bones

Notable changes such as hair loss and loss of other body hair, sleep disturbances, and an increase in abdominal circumference are also signs of andropause. Deficiency of the hormone testosterone can also result in health concerns such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and altered cholesterol levels. Due to the reduction in hormone production, sperm production is also affected.

When these symptoms are noticed, a urologist should be consulted, and blood tests will be done to check hormone levels. Treatment may involve hormone replacement, where careful monitoring is required to control adverse effects. Only a urologist can recommend the right medication, dosage, and duration of treatment for each individual. It’s not only women who need preventive care—men’s health and their sexual well-being also deserve attention!

See Also: Impotence in Men – Causes and Treatments Photos: Public Domain Pictures, PDPICS