Andropause, when male hormones drop

After the age of 50, some changes in the body also occur in humans. Phenomena much more gradual than in women and that can be faced without difficulty.

Loss of muscle mass, abdominal obesity, mood swings, insomnia, sometimes hot flashes. These symptoms well known to women in the period of menopause can also affect men in the so-called andropause.

After the age of 50, in fact, even the male body is affected by some changes. Contrary to menopause, however, andropause is still very little talked about.

What is andropause

Andropause consists of a series of hormonal variations, usually slow and progressive, which are physiologically established with advancing age starting approximately from 50-55 years. The main actor is testosterone, the production of which slowly decreases.

It is in fact a much more gradual phenomenon than at the end of childbearing age for women.

This is confirmed by Walter Artibani, Professor of Urology and Secretary General of SIU, the Italian Society of Urology: “Unlike andropause, menopause is easily recognizable by the interruption of the menstrual cycle. In men, on the other hand, there is great individual variability in the onset and extent of symptoms. The signals that indicate to the man that he is entering this period are in fact non-specific and may include fatigue, district obesity (ie the classic bacon), loss of muscle mass, reduction of libido and sexual performance, night sweats, mood changes mostly in a depressive sense ».

The role of the specialist

To control the progress of andropause, the execution of the hormonal profile is indicated, including the dosage in the blood of testosterone (testicular hormone), LH and FSH (pituitary hormones), and prolactin.

“Of utmost importance is obviously the clinical classification by the specialist who investigates in the round the sexual, voiding and general symptoms, with an overall assessment of the state of health. After all – underlines Walter Artibani – a healthy lifestyle and adequate physical activity help to counteract the phenomena related to andropause. The friends of a long and healthy sex life are physical activity, dietary moderation (excellent Mediterranean diet), sleep and mental well-being. The great enemies are obesity, sedentary lifestyle, dietary and alcohol abuse, cigarette smoking and substance use.

Therapies for hypogonadism

“Beyond lifestyle, there are specific situations in which the diagnosis of hypogonadism (i.e. when the endocrine system has an inadequate secretion of sex hormones) is proven and can benefit from testosterone supplementation. The latter must be prescribed and monitored by a specialist. In fact, there are situations in which testosterone deficiency can be early, before the age of 50: they are real pathologies that require careful evaluation and clinical management».

Joycelyn Elders is the author and creator of EmpowerEssence, a health and wellness blog. Elders is a respected public health advocate and pediatrician dedicated to promoting general health and well-being.

The blog covers a wide range of topics related to health and wellness, with articles organized into several categories.

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