What Is Andropause? AKA The Male Menopause

Two middle age men running. As men age, they are prone to suffer from andropause.

The phenomenon of the biological clock isn’t exclusive to women, it seems men also are prone to age-related changes in hormone levels, sexual function, physical features, and quality of life. These changes, dubbed "andropause" (and sometimes "male menopause") are due to a progressive decrease in testosterone production. As men near middle age, the process speeds up and so may the frequency and effect of the symptoms. Common symptoms include fatigue, reduced muscle mass, erectile dysfunction, loss of libido, and even depression.

Occurrence and Background

How common is andropause? Baylor College of Medicine reports that at least 30% of men 60-70 years of age and 70% of men 70-80 years of age have low testosterone levels. [1] Although the root cause of reduced testosterone availability is decreased testicular function, pituitary concerns may also be a factor. [2] While andropause is a fairly new term, the concept is not. In China, observations have been reported for over 50 years. [3]

Symptoms of Andropause

The symptoms of andropause include loss of energy, depression, sluggish libido, sexual dysfunction, decreased muscle mass and strength, increased body fat, and overall weakness. While the symptoms of andropause might sound like another word for "aging," it's important to note that low testosterone can produce effects far more serious than a new set of aches and pains. According to Baylor College of Medicine and the University of Texas, the likelihood of heart disease, osteoporosis, and bone fractures all increase as testosterone levels decrease. [4]

Dangers of Testosterone Replacement

One of the most common treatments for andropause is testosterone replacement therapy. There are significant marketing forces at work to promote the use of testosterone therapy and they've made it available as a pill, injection, gel, or patch. Certain symptomatic improvements have been reported from hormone replacement therapy but artificial replacements do not mimic the body's natural rhythms. [5] The long-term safety of hormone replacement therapy has not been established and it is especially not recommended for men with prostate cancer or cardiovascular diseases. [6] Furthermore, questions have been raised regarding a potential correlation between long-term testosterone therapy and breast cancer in men. [7]

Can the Symptoms of Andropause be Reduced?

As men age, experiencing the symptoms of andropause may be unavoidable. However, there are steps you can take to lessen the severity. Most of the unpleasant symptoms of andropause get worse when compounding factors are involved. Smoking, being overweight, or having high blood pressure will all exacerbate the symptoms of andropause. If you smoke, stop. If you don't exercise, start. If you could stand to lose a few pounds, lose them. Andropause is change, and change can be difficult. Men who are at their best, physically and mentally, will be the best prepared to face andropause.

YouTube Video

Watch an In-Depth Video on How to Balance Your Hormones Naturally

Length: 86 minutes

References (7)
  1. Hijazi RA, Cunningham GR. Andropause: is androgen replacement therapy indicated for the aging male? Annu Rev Med. 2005;56:117-37. Review.
  2. Bain J. Andropause. Testosterone replacement therapy for aging men. Can Fam Physician. 2001 Jan;47:91-7. Review.
  3. Guo Y, Li H. [Male climacteric syndrome (andropause)]. Zhonghua Nan Ke Xue. 2004 Aug;10(8):563-6. Chinese.
  4. Tan RS, Salazar JA. Risks of testosterone replacement therapy in ageing men. Expert Opin Drug Saf. 2004 Nov;3(6):599-606. Review.
  5. Wespes E, Schulman CC. Male andropause: myth, reality, and treatment. Int J Impot Res. 2002 Feb;14 Suppl 1:S93-8. Review.
  6. Renneboog B. [Andropause and testosterone deficiency: how to treat in 2012?]. Rev Med Brux. 2012 Sep;33(4):443-9. Review. French.
  7. Medraś M, Szczesny M. [Male breast cancer]. Pol Merkur Lekarski. 2003 Aug;15(86):111-4. Polish.

†Results may vary. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician.


Top
Dr. Edward Group, DC
FOUNDER | HEALER | ADVOCATE

Dr. Group, DC is a healer and alternative health advocate, and an industry leader and innovator in the field of natural health who is dedicated to helping others. He is a registered doctor of chiropractic (DC), a naturopathic practitioner (NP), and proud alum of Harvard Business School and MIT Sloan School of Management. Dr. Group, DC is the founder of Global Healing – a mission and vision he has shared through best-selling books and frequent media appearances. He aims to spread his message of positivity, hope, and wellness throughout the world.

Related Posts
Everyone talks about aging gracefully but let's get serious. When your ears suddenly sprout hair, you leak a little every time you laugh, and you habitually adjust your television's volume...
I have recently been receiving many concerned e-mails and phone calls regarding the effectiveness of detox foot pads. Some reports are incorrectly stating that ALL detox foot pads are a...
Causes Symptoms Who's at Risk? Foods that Affect Absorption Improve Levels Iron deficiency knows no borders, it's common throughout the world and in all economic classes. According to the World...
Many people turn to melatonin in the pursuit of a peaceful night's sleep. However, only some find it helpful. You may have experienced side effects like grogginess, headaches, or vivid...
Here on Earth, we’re exposed to radiation all the time. The sun and stars give off electromagnetic energy, the soil contains naturally occurring radioactive materials, and there are traces of...
Yesterday, we had a contest on our Facebook page. We asked everybody to share their favorite healthy eating tips with everybody, and the winners got a free T-Shirt and copy...
Back to blog