Male Menopause or Andropause - Does it exist?

Menopause is the time in a women's life when her period stop. This usually occurs between the ages of 45-55. Andropause on the other hand is a gradual and highly variable decline in male hormones, especially testosterone. This may lead to symptoms and may start as early as middle age. It is a highly variable physiological decline and not every man will develop a low hormone state called hypogonadism.

Testosterone level in men will decline with age. A relatively low testosterone level associated with symptoms leads to a state of andropause or late onset hypogonadism.

There are many causes of low male hormones or low testosterone. They range from chronic illness such as diabetes; psychological problems such as depression or testes problems such as testicular atrophy.

Symptoms of male menopause include decline in general energy level, libido (interest in sex), erectile dysfunction, poor short term memory, unrestful sleep and build up of abdominal fat.

Treatment is available in the form of testosterone replacement therapy. This must be coupled with life style changes such as weight reduction, smoking cessation, increase in exercise and healthy diet.