andropause

Andropause, also known as male androgen deficiency syndrome, is the male equivalent of female menopause. It results from diminished levels of testosterone in the body and exhibits a similar symptom complex to female menopause.

Andropause occurs because of a gradual drop in testosterone that happens naturally as men age. Free testosterone, or the biologically active form, begins declining when a man is in his thirties. By the age of 80, it is only 1/5 of what it was in his youth.

Testosterone is a hormone secreted by the ovaries, adrenal glands, and testes. It is the primary male sex hormone and controls a whole range of physiological functions throughout the body.

In addition to being responsible for male sexual development, it is critical in maintaining erectile function, libido, normal energy levels, and stabilizing mood.

Symptoms of testosterone loss are varied, but the most common include sleep disturbances, changes in sexual function such as the decreased desire for sex, erectile dysfunction, infertility, as well as physical and psychological changes.