Hormonal disorders do not only affect women. On the other hand, in men, with advancing age, andropause or “male menopause” sets in, which comes with many changes.
Andropause is determined by the decrease in the level of testosterone, the most important male hormone, mainly responsible for the development of the male reproductive system, but which also has other functions. The decline of this hormone is accompanied by some symptoms. Andropause is a stage that sets in gradually, and the first changes can begin to manifest after 40 years. For most, the specific manifestations appear between 50 and 70 years.
Depression
Testosterone helps regulate mood, and the lower your testosterone levels, the more likely you are to experience some depressing moods. Common symptoms of depression include: persistent feelings of sadness, irritability, mood swings, anxiety, reduced ability to concentrate and lack of interest in things you once enjoyed. In some cases, depression can be the first symptom of low testosterone.
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Testosterone is responsible for men’s hormonal changes throughout life. It contributes to the change of voice, growth in height, the appearance of hair on the face and body, it is responsible for the sexual appetite, but also for the growth of muscles.
Insomnia
During the andropause period, together with the low testosterone level, insomnia or sleep disorders can also occur. Among the symptoms of insomnia are: difficulty falling asleep, night awakenings, and later, the appearance of drowsiness, problems concentrating during the day, irritability and nervousness. Try, as much as possible, to regulate your sleep schedule, go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. If insomnia persists, consult a specialist with confidence.
Decreased bone density
Low testosterone levels are also linked to the onset of osteoporosis, a disease that weakens and weakens bones. Osteoporosis occurs less often in men and symptoms may be absent. Osteoporotic fracture requires special attention and appropriate treatment, because it has serious complications.
Excess abdominal fat
The appearance of abdominal fat can be both a cause and an effect of low testosterone. If your testosterone levels drop, you may notice more fat around your middle than normal. At the same time, an enzyme in adipose tissue called aromatase converts testosterone into estrogen, and this can cause testosterone levels to drop even more. In short, the body receives a signal that it needs to retain more body fat.
Low sexual appetite
It’s normal to lose interest in intimate relationships from time to time, especially as you get older. But low libido for a long period can be a sign of andropause and can be manifested by: decreased interest in sexual activity, the inability to maintain an erection or a lower sperm count.
Read also: How the disease influences sex life
Many symptoms of andropause are caused by the body’s normal aging, which means they cannot be cured with treatment, but in some cases, your doctor may recommend testosterone replacement therapy or other treatments depending on your medical history.
