Andropause: Myth or Reality?

Dr. Gerardo Gimenez Ramirez




Andropause is a very heard word nowadays. Many people ask themselves what it is and men are afraid of it. Though it does not represent a cease or pause of masculinity, it involves a series of symptoms and signs produced by a diminished production of male sexual hormones (androgens) that affect men once they reach middle age, 40 and up. It is also known as Androgenic Deprivation of the Aging Men (ADAM by abbreviation) or Aging Men Hypogonadism.

Testosterone, the main androgen, is the protagonist of this disorder. This hormone is responsible for the differentiation of the embryo into male sex (by the Y gene men have), secondary sexual features that develop during puberty (masculinization of the body), sperm production, maintenance of anatomical structures (muscle, bone, blood, vessels, erectile corpora of the penis) and a very large part of behaviors (impulsivity, aggressiveness and sexual desire).

Considering the androgenic effect of this hormone, its deficiency can be assessed (when it is suspected) by a scale denominated AMS (Aging Males Symptoms) and, of course, determining total and free testosterone levels in blood. Only this way, and having a complete examine which includes the prostate gland, can the physician diagnose the precise hormonal replacement with pharmacological formulations to be considered, especially deposit injections.

Items evaluated in AMS are:

  • Low sense of general well-being.
  • Muscles and joints pain.
  • Excessive sweating.
  • Sleeping disorders.
  • Increase of the need to sleep, generally tiredness.
  • Irritability.
  • Nervousness.
  • Anxiety.
  • Physical tiredness / lack of vitality.
  • Decreased muscle strength.
  • Depression.
  • Sense of having passed out the best ages.
  • Sense that he is over and goes down.
  • Diminished beard growth.
  • Decrease of sexual encounters skills and frequency.
  • Lowered frequency of morning erections.
  • Loss of sexual desire / libido.
  • And other major symptom

If you suspect that you are suffering a combination of any these symptoms, visit your primary care physician as these symptoms may reflect a deterioration in your quality of life and lead to other medical problems such as osteoporosis.

Medical science advances everyday and increases therapeutic alternatives thus it’s good to see your primary care physician regularly.