Male Menopause

Male menopause, sounds strange! Well, males also experience hormonal changes quite identical to female counterparts. Andropause is quite similar to menopause.

Andropause or male menopause is a term given to menopause like situation in ageing males. There is decreased secretion of testosterone and dehydroepiandrsterone and consequential reduction in the number of Leydig cells.andropause is often referred as hypogonadism.  

The common symptoms associated with male menopause are weakness, lethargy, fatigue, decreased sexual activity, libido, etc,

The contrasting difference is that in the case of males testes do not completely stop producing sperms unlike the ovaries. Males are seen to produce sperms till the age of 80 years or even above.

The use of the word andropause is a little controversial as WHO has not accepted it. The more recommended word is hypogonadism.

There are various conditions where andropause is generally noticed, eg. Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, etc. Other identical terms ADAM and PADAM are also used to refer to the condition. ADAM is the androgen deficiency of the aging male while PADAM is partial androgen deficiency of the aging males.

The males are also seen to develop a condition known as premature andropause in males who are exposed to exposure to estrogens- the female hormone.

Andropause affects the physical, psychological, social and spiritual aspects of the individual.

Well the diagnosis of andropause requires physical examination and various haematological tests to estimate the testosterone levels and other hormonal levels.

If the testosterone levels are decreased then testosterone replacement therapy proves to be beneficial and effective in recuperating libido, fatigue etc.

Like females undergoing menopause, males also experience certain changes in mood and require medical attention and compassionate care while experiencing andropause.