What Are the Treatments for Andropause?
Andropause, or “male menopause,” is a medical condition affecting men mostly between ages 40 and 65. It is caused by low levels of the hormone testosterone. The drop in testosterone happens gradually over many years, and it can cause emotional and physical effects including a lowered sex drive, lower energy levels and changes in attitude. Andropause is a treatable condition, but left untreated it can lead to a higher risk of heart disease. Symptoms Symptoms of andropause include a decrease in bone density, body hair, strength, and muscle mass; and an increase in fat around internal organs. The condition also causes erectile problems, specifically a lower quality of erections and a lower number of nocturnal erections. Andropause causes some men to become depressed, angry or tired and to experience lower intellectual functioning. Because symptoms come on gradually, they can be mistaken for natural aging. Diagnosis Doctors use a blood test of testosterone levels to diagnose andropause. Th
