Andropause - Are We Aware of Its Impact on Men?
Laura Schneider
2026-03-19
3 min. read
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When women reach the age of around 50, they experience menopause, but what are the changes in men at the same stage of life? It turns out that men also face problems related to aging. What is andropause and how does it affect men?
What is Andropause?
Defining andropause may seem somewhat challenging. However, it is incorrect to say that it is a disease. Andropause is a period in every man's life that most commonly occurs after the age of 50 and is associated with aging of the body. It is caused by numerous hormonal changes and results in the appearance of many symptoms related to the psychological, somatic, and sexual spheres. It is often said that andropause is the male counterpart of female menopause, but it is important to note that unlike menopause, which leads to a complete and irreversible cessation of hormonal and reproductive functions, andropause only causes their impairment or reduction.
Andropause - the principal triggering factors
The most significant factor leading to andropause is the age-related decline in testosterone levels, the primary male sex hormone. This process occurs gradually, with a 1% annual decrease in testosterone. This can result in other hormonal imbalances and sexual dysfunctions, yet the manner in which these symptoms manifest is individual and can vary from person to person. In addition to low testosterone levels, andropause also results in a decrease in the concentration of two other hormones that are equally crucial for men: dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and growth hormone. In certain instances, there may also be a decrease in the levels of estradiol, estrone, and melatonin. It is worth noting that particular factors can expedite the onset of andropause, such as diabetes, atherosclerosis, alcohol abuse, hypertension, smoking, sedentary lifestyle, and lack of physical activity, as well as an unhealthy diet rich in animal fats.
Symptoms of Andropause – Comprehensive Descriptions
Symptoms of andropause affect numerous aspects of men's lives. Testosterone is one of the fundamental hormonal compounds, which means it is involved in many processes in the body. The symptoms can be divided into four main categories. The first category includes somatic symptoms, i.e., physical signs. Men with andropause indicate that their most common problems are indeterminate pains, lack of appetite, sleep disturbances, and overall fatigue and weakness. The second group of symptoms relates to the psychological sphere, where patients mainly complain about concentration and memory issues. Furthermore, there is often a decline in mood, leading to increased irritability and anxiety. The third category consists of vasomotor symptoms, which primarily involve thermoregulatory disorders resulting in characteristic hot flashes and excessive sweating in later life. It is also worth mentioning heart palpitations. The most critical symptoms concern sexual function, where the most common are clear problems with erection, reduced libido, and a decrease in sexual desire. Men often notice a lack of satisfaction and reduced satisfaction with their intimate life. Over time, it can lead to impotence.
Andropause - Treatment Approaches
Despite understanding the mechanism of andropause, doctors still cannot find an effective way to normalize testosterone levels. There is talk of hormone therapy based on a systematic dose of androgens, however, the effectiveness of this approach has not yet been confirmed due to a lack of sufficient studies. Most doctors recommend supplementation with preparations that increase testosterone levels, known as testosterone boosters. Those interested in natural methods of increasing testosterone levels, I invite to read my previous article.
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