Andropause

For years, it has been observed that most middle-aged men have been experiencing physical and psychological changes that are comparable to those of women's menopause. This is due to the gradual decline of testosterone, the male sex hormone. According to recent medical studies, testosterone levels decline by about one percent annually between the ages of 40 and 70.

The term "male menopause" is actually a misnomer as it means cessation of menstruation which obviously is something men cannot experience. The term "andropause" or "partial androgen deficiency in ageing men (PADAM)" has since gained more widespread acceptance.

The causes of "andropause" have not been fully understood. However, some known contributing factors are:

• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Medications
• Poor diet
• Lack of exercise
• Poor circulation
• Psychological problems

Symptoms of "andropause" include:

• Pot-belly (accumulation of body fat in the tummy and chest)
• Irritable
• Depression
• Osteoporosis (brittle bones)
• Loss of sex drive
• Difficulty in attaining and sustaining erections (Erectile dysfunction)
• Prone to heart attacks and strokes
• Lethargy
• Mood swings
• Insomnia
• Constant fatigue