Definition of Andropause

Andropause is a term used to describe a "male menopause," characterized by a decrease in testosterone. Although andropause is not an officially recognized medical term, the notion of andropause has existed since the 1940s.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of decreased testosterone include loss of muscle strength, decreased muscle mass, low sex drive, osteoporosis and increased upper body fat.

Time Frame

• In contrast to menopause, andropause may be a gradual process lasting for decades.

Risks

• Decreased levels of testosterone are associated with osteoporosis and increased cardiovascular risk.

Treatment

• Hormone replacement therapy could improve negative symptoms associated with andropause.

Warning

• You should not take hormone replacement therapy if you have breast cancer or prostate cancer.

Criticism

• The notion of andropause has been questioned by critics of medicalization, who argue that the process of medicalizing normal life processes such as aging allows the medical profession an increasing domain of social control.