Andropause, or male menopause, occurs in approximately 50% of men by age 55. Unlike female menopause where there is a definitive landmark - cessation of menses - andropause is an indolent, almost imperceptible decline in numerous body functions. The symptoms of andropause are actually quite similar in many ways to symptoms of menopause.

The cause of andropause is a decrease in the male hormone testosterone. As with estrogen in women, a decline in testosterone leads not only to various adverse symptoms, but also to an increased risk of multiple organ diseases such as:

• Heart disease
• Osteoporosis
• Stroke
• Diabetes
• Prostate Cancer (Probably )

Following are the symptoms and associated medical impacts of andropause:

• Decreased libido- sex drive
• Erectile dysfunction
• Ejaculatory problems
• Sleep disturbance
• Depression
• Heart disease
• Osteoporosis
• Prostate hypertrophy & cancer
• Muscle weakness
• Fatigue
• Irritability
• Slow wound healing
• Decreased memory & concentration
• Thinning skin

Men who find a high percentage of the following statements true are candidates for further evaluation and possible testosterone replacement therapy:

• Decreased sex drive- libido
• Erections less strong
• Lack of energy
• Decrease in strength and endurance
• Loss of height
• Decrease in “enjoyment of life”
• Sad and/ or grumpy feelings/ behavior
• Deterioration in sports ability
• Fall asleep after dinner
• Decreased work performance

Testosterone replacement therapy in men can safely be administered by injection, transdermal cream, gel or patch and subcutaneous pellets. All of these options utilize bioidentical testosterone which is not the same thing as “anabolic steroids” which are illegal and unsafe .