Home SexualityMale sexuality What is andropause: Causes, symptoms and treatments

What is andropause: Causes, symptoms and treatments

by Alivia Nyhan
Published: Last Updated on

There is a time in life for both men and women when the production of sex hormones decreases, and a new stage begins with several changes. Unlike women, in which case the end of a cycle is reached, in men, there is no definitive interruption. This stage is known as andropause.

For this reason, if you have entered andropause, this does not mean that you lose the ability to fertilize; it only decreases the probability that it occurs as the years go by, depending on your habits and general health.

Many people wonder at what age andropause begins, and it usually occurs in the fourth decade of life. However, this can vary according to certain factors, and it is a process that you should not fear since it is very typical, and there are treatments to reduce the symptoms. If you are interested in knowing more, in this FastlyHealarticle, we inform you about the most relevant aspects of andropause.

What is andropause, and why does it occur?

Andropause is a process that all men go through when the secretion of testosterone, the male sex hormone responsible for the maturation of the sexual organs, the growth of body hair, the change of voice at puberty, the development of and maturation of bone structure and muscle mass, among others.

On average, the age at which andropause begins is between 45 and 55 years. Still, the changes in the body do not appear immediately but, in general, can take several years since, in the beginning, there is usually an annual reduction of 1 to 2 % of testosterone to about 30% in old age.

The reduction in the production of testosterone that originates in this stage is due to age reasons, as the more years of life one has, the activities of the organism decrease or become slower. It is also possible that there is an increase in the glycoprotein SHBG, which can inhibit sex hormones, mainly testosterone, making a high amount favor the presence of andropause symptoms.

While the decrease in testosterone is a natural issue, it is considered andropause. Still, there are pathologies, testicular surgery, or the intake of certain medications, such as anticonvulsants, that alter the levels of the sex hormone or SHBG and are not related to this male process, so you must go to a professional to make the correct diagnosis.

On the other hand, some conditions favor andropause to start before the age of 50:

  • Obesity
  • Diabetes
  • Alcoholism
  • Heart problems

Main symptoms of andropause

Being a physiological change in the man’s body, it is common to observe a series of situations that reflect this condition. In some cases, they are not so noticeable and may even go unnoticed, depending on the health status of each man. Likewise, attention should be paid to them since they could also be due to pathology or condition unrelated to andropause. The most common symptoms of this stage are:

  • Desire and sex drive decreases.
  • The amount of semen and the force of ejaculation is less.
  • Erections can be harder to get and last less time.
  • The testicles become smaller and, therefore, less likely to fertilize.
  • Bodyweight increases mainly due to the accumulation of fat in the waist.
  • Muscle mass decreases, and there is a loss of strength.
  • Emotional changes include insomnia, depression, irritability, sadness, and anxiety.
  • It increases the possibility of suffering from conditions such as osteoporosis or heart problems.

Can andropause be treated?

If you notice any symptoms of andropause or suspect that you are already going through this process, you must see your doctor verify this condition and rule out other possible causes of the decrease in testosterone. Keep in mind that it is something unavoidable in a man’s life; it is not something to be dealt with or afraid of. However, in some instances, the symptoms of andropause can be counteracted.

Before diagnosing your andropause, the specialist doctor will first ask you a series of questions about your lifestyle and later order a blood test to determine the level of the male hormone. Likely, he will also request extra tests to rule out other possible causes for the decrease in testosterone if you are too young to have entered this stage.

Treatment for andropause generally consists of administering some testosterone supplement to supply what is needed in the body. The doctor is the only one who can indicate the dose and the presentation that best suits your condition since it can be consumed orally, as a patch, as a gel or intramuscular injection. The latter is widely used for its rapid effect, which usually lasts up to 3 months depending on the dose.

Whatever the application method, hormonal treatment for andropause reduces symptoms, and you can get your sex life back. But you mustn’t self-medicate since incorrect treatment can lead to prostate problems, especially if you are suffering from a prostate tumor.

On the other hand, it is also possible that not all symptoms return to normal with this treatment. The specialist may choose a more specific method if he considers it necessary to correct erection problems.

Tips to help manage andropause

The transition that andropause entails does not have to be wrong; in fact, there are some tips that you can follow to alleviate the symptoms of andropause in some part, in addition, some of them also serve to make it less likely that this stage appears at an age early, you have to change a few habits and maintain good health. The points you could consider are:

  • Do not forget your sexual life; andropause is not a problem, and any inconvenience can be corrected with the indicated treatment.
  • Talk about what is happening with someone you trust, and discuss it with your partner to face the situation together or with someone going through the same thing.
  • Stay active; sports or an exercise routine help you physically and emotionally.
  • Reduce stress, choose a leisure activity or anti-stress exercises.
  • Eat adequate food and get enough rest.
  • It would help if you avoided or reduced the intake of alcoholic beverages and caffeinated products.

This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.

If you want to read more articles similar to At what age does andropause begin? We recommend that you enter our Sexuality category .

You may also like

Leave a Comment