Andropause and the menopause are often compared. Yet there are many differences between these two biological phenomena. Find out how the drop in testosterone really affects your body and what can be done to combat these symptoms.

What is andropause?

Andropause is a biological phenomenon characterised by a drop in testosterone in men. Occurring on average in people in their sixties, this reduction in sex hormones is not as inevitable as the menopause in women. It is a gradual decline in hormone production and not a complete and irreversible cessation of reproductive function.

The exact number of men affected remains hypothetical, but it is estimated that around 20% of men over the age of 60 have abnormally low levels of testosterone. The majority of the male population would not therefore be suffering from andropause.

As a reminder, testosterone is the predominant male sex hormone and plays an important role in maintaining muscle firmness and regulating body fat.

The symptoms

The symptoms of andropause are not very distinctive, making it relatively difficult to diagnose. To confirm the phenomenon, a hormone test will be necessary. However, there are a few warning signs that may prompt you to consult a specialist:

• Sexual problems and problems with sexual activity, such as a drop in libido or erectile dysfunction (impotence, etc.).
• A reduction in muscle mass and an increase in visceral fat
• Mood swings, irritability or depressive episodes
• Sleep disorders (insomnia, increased fatigue)
• Hot flushes
• Development of osteoporosis

You should be aware, however, that it is uncommon for all these symptoms to occur at the same time and that they are in no way characteristic of andropause. 

Risk factors

It is still difficult to pinpoint the causes of andropause. However, it has been shown that certain factors are associated with a drop in testosterone levels, such as :

• Excessive alcohol consumption
• diabetes
• Chronic stress
• Obesity and excess abdominal weight
• High cholesterol levels

What are the treatments?

Certain symptoms can sometimes be explained by the patient's poor lifestyle. So the doctor's first instinct will usually be to carry out an overall health check. If necessary, a healthier diet and increased exercise will be prescribed.

If this healthy lifestyle does not bring about any improvement, a short course of testosterone may be considered to increase libido and compensate for the reduction in hormones. The treatment can then be administered by transdermal gel, intramuscular injection or tablet.

But be careful! In the long term, hormone therapy could entail risks and encourage the development of breast and prostate cancer, as well as increasing the risk of stroke. Other side-effects, such as prostate hypertrophy or sleep apnoea, may also develop.