By the time men are between the ages of 40 and 55, they can experience a phenomenon similar to the female menopause, called andropause. Unlike women, men do not have a clear-cut sign such as the cessation of menstruation to mark this transition; however, both are identified by a drop in hormone levels. Estrogen in the female and testosterone in the male. Men have bodily changes that occur gradually and may be accompanied by changes in mood, a loss of energy, fatigue, physical stamina and sex drive. A recent study by the World Health Organization (WHO) tested androgen levels in males throughout their life and found that by the age of 70, androgen levels were only 10 percent of what they were at age 25.

What’s more, studies show that this decline in testosterone can actually put one at risk for other health problems, such as heart disease and loss of bone density. Perhaps the most troubling symptom associated with low testosterone is sexual dysfunction, including decreased libido and erectile dysfunction. In fact, one study reported that 52% of men between 40 and 70 years of age were impotent.
Since the “transition” in men is typically much more gradual and expands over many decades, most men find it difficult to recognize and/or admit that there is even a problem. Attitude, stress, alcohol dependency, injuries or surgery, medications, and obesity can substantially contribute to the reduction of the total testosterone level.

Andropause if often under diagnosed because symptoms can be vague and may vary among individuals. But this situation is changing. The utilization of a questionnaire and the availability of saliva and blood testing methods have made andropause much easier to diagnose and treat. In many instances, testosterone replacement can be highly effective and beneficial. More promising therapeutic options are available now than ever before. Transdermal preparations (of testosterone) are very effective in delivering desired doses because they have good bioavailability and can be well absorbed. Exercise, dietary changes, stress reduction and nutritional supplements have also been found to be effective. As a result of education and proper selection of therapeutic options, andropause may one day be the least concern of aging men.