Andropause, also known as male menopause, is a condition that affects men as they age. It is characterized by a gradual decrease in testosterone levels and can cause symptoms similar to female menopause.
The symptoms develop slowly over time and can greatly impact a man's quality of life.
Andropause is caused by the natural decline of testosterone production in a man's testes as he ages. This typically begins after age 30 and drops by about 1% per year. In addition to natural aging, causes may include:
By age 70, testosterone levels can decrease by up to 50% compared to levels in a younger man. This drastic drop is what leads to disruptive symptoms.
If symptoms are impacting quality of life, testosterone replacement therapy may be an option. This can be delivered via injections, gels, patches or pellets. It helps return testosterone to natural levels seen in younger men.
Benefits many patients in our Vitality Wellness Clinic have experienced include:
Treatment also has risks, so a thoughtful conversation with a doctor is important.