We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Andropause?

Malcolm Tatum
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 7,558
Share

Often referred to as a state of androgen decline in the aging male (or ADAM for short), andropause refers to a set of health symptoms that are often grouped together under the popular cultural heading of male menopause. Many of the symptoms are connected to physical origins, such as the decline of testosterone production. Here is some background on the phenomenon of andropause, including some of the current treatment methods.

There is some amount of disagreement as to if andropause is truly a clinical condition. One school of thought holds that because many of the symptoms are tied directly to a change in the production of testosterone as a man ages, that the condition is indeed one that deserves classification. Other people believe that the chemical changes are relatively irrelevant to most of the symptoms and that the condition is more properly thought of as a social or cultural phenomenon. Whatever disagreement there may be about exactly how andropause should be classified, there is almost universal agreement that referring to the condition as male menopause is incorrect. Female menopause signals the end of the time of life when a woman is able to bear children, while andropause rarely prevents a male from fathering children.

There are a number of physical and emotional conditions that are associated with andropause. Changes in libido are common, with the quality of the male erection sometimes changing as well. Lower testosterone levels may also lead to a lack of energy in general, which in turn may cause some changes in the ability to concentrate, an increase of sensitivity to light and sound, and emotional depression. Many physicians recommend a series of testosterone replacement therapy. Essentially, this form of therapy has to do with injections or other means of absorbing replacement doses of testosterone. The dosage will vary, depending on the findings of the attending physician. Replacement therapy is aided with changes in diet and exercise patterns. Combined, these approaches help to improve general physical condition as well as mental outlook.

Since many men are reluctant to see a physician, especially when it comes to changes in sexual desire and performance, the number of men who are currently receiving treatment for andropause may or may not be representative of the male population in general. While all men experience a decline in testosterone production as the years go by, some men experience a slower decline. Often, the level of physical activity and fitness, as well as dietary habits, may minimize the severity of the symptoms associated with the condition.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Malcolm Tatum
By Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum, a former teleconferencing industry professional, followed his passion for trivia, research, and writing to become a full-time freelance writer. He has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGeek, and his work has also been featured in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and newspapers. When not writing, Malcolm enjoys collecting vinyl records, following minor league baseball, and cycling.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum, a former teleconferencing industry professional, followed his passion for trivia, research, and writing...
Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-andropause.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.