All of you are perhaps aware of menopause, the natural cessation of women’s menstrual cycle; but did you know something similar occurs in men too, and it’s called male menopause? Yes, men also reach a stage where the testosterone levels fall significantly, resulting in many bodily changes. The male menopause (also called andropause) does not occur as early as female menopause, which is typically reached within one or two years after perimenopause (usually starts in the 40s).

What is Testosterone

Testosterone, the main male sex hormone, is responsible for changing the voice of an adolescent man, development of hair on his face and body, and growth of muscles. According to the sexologist doctors at Medithics Clinic in Kolkata, testosterone levels decrease at a rate of 10 percent in every 10 years after men reach the age of 30. Approximately 50 percent of the men have symptoms of low levels of testosterone when they are over 50.

What Causes a Decrease in Male Testosterone Levels

The primary factor responsible for a reduced level of testosterone in men is age. There are, however, other physical or medical factors (like injury or infection) that often play a role in reducing testosterone levels. As men grow old, their body releases a hormone called SHBG that binds to free testosterone in their blood. Since the level of testosterone decreases with age, binding of SHG decreases the free-floating testosterone level further in the blood.

What are the Symptoms of Andropause

As explained by the sexologists at our clinic in Kolkata, symptoms of andropause include the following:

  • Lack of energy or fatigue
  • Getting irritated easily
  • Increased body fat
  • Low sex drive
  • Difficulty getting or maintaining an erection
  • Loss of bone and muscle strength
  • Hot flashes
  • Depression

Male menopause is sometimes responsible for causing complications of the heart and may result in osteoporosis.

Is there any Treatment for Andropause

A decrease in testosterone levels is a common event that occurs in every man’s life. Fortunately, there are some simple ways by which you can slow down the process. As explained by the best sexologist in Kolkata, switching to a healthy lifestyle, eating healthy foods, and exercising regularly help in preventing problems associated with andropause.

For some patients, the sexologist may recommend testosterone replacement therapy, which can be administered through injections or given orally through pills. He may also prescribe testosterone gel, which is applied on the patient’s arms. Testosterone replacement is usually not advised to people with enlarged prostate, high levels of calcium in the body, or those who have kidney and liver disorders. Testosterone injection may result in a sudden rise in testosterone levels, which might cause mood swings.