What, Exactly, Is Andropause?

Andropause is not a word you hear all that often, especially in comparison to its female equivalent, menopause. So what, exactly, is andropause? Andropause refers to symptoms related to the decline in testosterone that occurs in middle-aged men. Testosterone starts to gradually decrease as men age, usually dropping about one percent each year after the age of 30. Some men don’t experience andropause, but for others, it may cause a very noticeable shift in their lives. They may experience a disturbance in their sleep patterns as well as weight gain, irritability, fatigue, and even depression or mood swings. In addition, andropause can notably affect a man’s sex life, often causing a lower libido and erectile dysfunction. Engaging in a healthy lifestyle, including eating a balanced diet and getting regular exercise, can help, as can bringing hormones back up to optimal levels with bioidentical hormone therapy. Read more…