The drop in testosterone that characterizes andropause begins around the age of 40-45. It causes several symptoms that are often unknown to men.
The term “andropause”, often referred to as the feminine equivalent of there menopause which affects women in their fifties, is in fact very different of the latter. At menopause, the ovaries stop producing female hormones. The woman no longer has ovulation and the possibility of conceiving a child. In men, andropause does not involve a permanent cessation of hormonal secretion and reproductive function: “Man continues to produce sperm throughout your life. So there is no break, the term “andropause” is somehow an abuse of language“ explains Dr Vincent Hupertan, urological surgeon. Andropause refers more to a hormonal deficiency manifested by a slow and progressive decline in testosterone. “The most appropriate medical term is besides”testosterone deficiency syndrome” “ continues the doctor. Andropause is fickle and difficult to quantify. “The decline in testosterone begins around 40-45 years old with variable speed depending on the individuals“ indicates our interlocutor. According to figures from Urofrance, andropause affects 5 to 10% of men from the age of 60 and 20 to 50% from the age of 70.
Three types of symptoms at the time of andropause
Low testosterone in the male body causes several symptoms. Patients generally have the reflex to consult a specialist following sexual problems but other signs can be linked to andropause without the man making the connection: “Testosterone is important for the sexual aspect but essential is invisible. Testosterone is the hormone of life : it is important for calcium to be fixed in the bones, to maintain muscle mass or even for mental energy” explains Dr. Hupertan. Thus the drop in this hormone leads to numerous reactions in the body: sexual symptoms but also physical symptoms and psychological symptoms. 7 signs are characteristic:
- THE sexual disorders responsible for reduced libido and erectile dysfunction
- A disturbed sleep : night sweats, tendency to take long naps, reversal of sleep rhythm
- A physical fatigue marked
- A mental exhaustion
- A depression with difficulty concentrating, lack of self-confidence, irritability
- A weight gain can lead to visceral obesity and diabetes
- Of the’osteoporosis resulting in weakened skeletal bones and a high risk of fractures
These symptoms vary from man to man and differ depending on age.
How to better cope with andropause?
Unlike menopause, andropause is not inevitable. It is important to consult an andrologist or sexologist as soon as there are signs of fatigue and depression, in addition to sexual difficulties. “As most patients consult after sexual problems, there is a certain form of shame. Many don’t dare talk about it.” reports the doctor.
“A return to tone and well-being is possible”
When a patient takes the step of consulting and after observing the symptoms, the doctor prescribes a biology report with testosterone dosage to establish the diagnosis. If andropause is confirmed, a hormonal treatment is prescribed. The patient can then observe a “return to tone, well-being in everyday life, which goes well beyond the sexual aspect” reassures Dr. Hupertan. In addition to hormonal treatment, review your lifestyle can play a decisive role in slowing down the decline in testosterone and helping to regain daily vitality. It is advisable to pay attention to your diet, return to regular physical activity and reduce alcohol consumption and stop smoking.
Thanks to Dr. Vincent Hupertan, urological surgeon, men’s health surgeon, sexologist and andrologist, host of the podcast “PROSTATE MINUTE”