What is andropause ?

By similarity to menopause in women, andropause refers to the set of physical changes and symptoms that appear in the male when the levels of the hormone testosterone.

Only 30 % of men develop symptoms of andropause, and it is possible that fertility is maintained into old age, unlike what happens in women.

Another difference is that the menopause is a definite event, and that always occurs between 45 and 55 years, in man 's hormone levels descend gradually to around 1 % per annum from 40 years, and can last for decades. Furthermore not in all cases treatment symptoms justifying occur.

Symptoms

The symptoms of testosterone deficit usually appear after 50 or 60 years of age, and consist of loss of power and sexual desire obesity with increased body fat and decreased muscle mass and bone, tiredness, sweating, dry skin, irritability and insomnia.

The main cause leading the patient to the doctor's office is the appearance of erectile dysfunction and decreased libido, but it is noteworthy that also relates to an increase in the appearance of diseases such as metabolic syndrome ( elevation of glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides), diabetes, hypertension, osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease.

Treatment

Once confirmed in an analytical declining testosterone in the blood can be returned to normal levels by applying skin patch or testosterone gels, or less frequent injections in the most severe cases.

This treatment when he is well displayed and properly controlled by the urologist or endocrinologist, manages the symptoms of andropause disappear and improve the quality of life of patients.