Signs of Andropause

Andropause, also known as male menopause, is a condition in older men that results from a decrease in testosterone. The symptoms closely resemble the normal signs of aging, including energy loss, erectile dysfunction, sleep problems, weight gain, depression and muscle loss. Although thousands of patients have been diagnosed with andropause, and the condition is recognized by the American Medical Association, the World Health Organization has not yet recognized andropause as a legitimate condition.

Physical Changes

• The most noticeable physical changes are muscle loss and weight gain. Testosterone is the primary hormone used in building muscle mass, and when used as a treatment in hormone replacement therapy, it decreases fat levels. The loss of testosterone during andropause causes the opposite effect.

  Besides the chemical effects, side effects of andropause include depression and fatigue. These add to the weight gain and muscle loss by limiting the motivation to exercise.

Lowered Sex Drive

• This is one of the primary symptoms. The levels of testosterone have a direct effect on the libido and overall sexual health. Besides lowering the overall sex drive, andropause can also cause erectile dysfunction, the inability to perform sexually even when the desire for sex is present.

Increased Risk of Disease

• Deficient testosterone levels can lower the body's resistance to certain diseases. Testosterone can be converted to two types of hormones that increase bone health, estradiol and dihydrotestosterone. These hormones limit the chance for osteoporosis.

  Low testosterone as a result of andropause can also lead to heart disease, type II diabetes and metabolic syndrome.