What is Andropause in short?

What is it really?

Starting around his forties, the average man will have seen his biologically active testosterone levels decline up to 40% of what they were in his early twenties. It is the greatest hormonal shift a man will experience in his life, after puberty. As opposed to a woman’s menopause that causes an important hormonal imbalance over a few years, andropause sets in progressively over decades. Nevertheless, the gradual decrease of testosterone levels can negatively impact some patients and their quality of life. 

This decline of testosterone over time, named andropause, is associated with many signs and symptoms such as:

• decreased libido
• emotional, behavioral and psychological issues 
• loss of muscular mass and bone density 
• loss of muscular strength and stamina
• accumulation of body fat in the mid and upper body 
• shortened height
• lower energy levels
• frequent fatigue
• mood swings
• attention and memory deficits

Diagnosis and Hormonal Therapy

What happens in consultation

Andropause and its effects can be treated by testosterone supplementation. This course of treatment must be part of a global approach so as not to overlook any underlying issue that might contribute to the symptoms. Incidentally, the impacts of hormonal therapy cannot be dissociated from metabolism, nutrition and physical activity. 

Testosterone levels found in males play a crucial role in animal survival and reproduction and through it, species continuity. Humans are no different. Therefore, situations of intense stress, insomnia, sleep or activity disturbance will effectively reduce testosterone production by spurring testosterone’s steroid precursors to produce cortisol, the stress hormone.   This implies that diagnosing a low level of testosterone (hypogonadism) is not in itself reason enough to start testosterone replacement treatments. Many factors that are not related to aging can affect your testosterone levels. Making sure that no precipitating factors are at play that could be otherwise addressed is your doctor’s responsibility. 

If you wish to discuss whether hormonal treatment is a possible alternative for you, your doctor will take the time to go over options and proceed to a blood test to determine your current hormone levels. If a diagnosis is reached and a hormonal treatment is prescribed, regular follow ups with your doctor will be required to monitor your treatment.

At Créa-MeD

The number of medical consultations concerning the impact of andropause is on the rise. Patients are more and more aware that treatment options exist, and the Créa-MeD team is dedicated to treating the effects of andropause as well as its causes.

If the symptoms of andropause are getting you down and you are struggling to feel like yourself again, talk to your doctor! Aging is a natural process but it is possible to age and feel better.