GLOSSARY

Andropause

Andropause, also known as “male menopause,” describes the concept that hormone levels change and testosterone decreases as a result of age. This can cause androgen deficiency or “hypogonadism” that can contribute to depression, low libido, and erectile dysfunction.

What is andropause?

Andropause (also known as “male meno”) is characterized by a number of symptoms, including decreased libido, fatigue, androgen deficiency, and a gradual decline in male testosterone levels as they age. Andropause typically occurs in middle-aged to older people, and can trigger depression, a loss of sex drive, and erectile dysfunction.

Andropause differs from female menopause in that not all males experience it. This condition can have a number of secondary effects, including decreased motivation, lower self-confidence, increased body fat, and difficulty concentrating, among other things. Andropause can be detected by conducting a blood test to determine testosterone levels, and is typically diagnosed by a male fertility expert or urologist

Andropause and male fertility

Andropause has a direct impact on male fertility. People with testes experience a decline in sperm quantity and quality as they age, and typically have lower testosterone levels.

Medical experts may also refer to lower levels of males hormones as “late onset hypogonadism.” Indirect impacts of andropause on male fertility include erectile dysfunction and other urological disorders, which have an adverse effect on fertility. 

Symptoms of andropause

Common symptoms of andropause include an increase in body fat, erectile dysfunction, decrease in sex drive (libido), distrubance of sleeping patterns, irritability, muscle mass reduction, and more. One of the biggest hurdles in diagnosing andropause is the reluctance of many men to speak to their doctor about it. 

Treatment of andropause

Male fertility experts and urologists will typically recommend healthier lifestyle choices to combat andropause. This includes eating a balanced and healthy diet, stress reduction, getting enough sleep, and exercise. These healthier lifestyle choices can have a significant impact on treating andropause, and can result in an increase in overall fertility. Testosterone replacement therapy is another treatment option, but is controversial, as it has side effects that reduce fertility.

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