With ageing, men can experience a decrease in the male sex hormone testosterone.
There can be cognitive symptoms of andropause, such as depression, irritability, and short-term memory problems.
There can, however, also be physical manifestations of lowered testosterone, which Dr Younis pointed out.
“Physical symptoms include difficulty sleeping, erectile dysfunction, and a lack of energy,” said Dr Younis.
Additional symptoms can include a “loss of muscle mass which can make exercise harder”.
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Moreover, a man can experience a “loss of sex drive, tiredness, and changes in how fat is distributed across your body”.
Dr Younis elaborated on the last point: “You may develop a more prominent belly or swollen breast tissue.”
These symptoms of a testosterone deficiency typically come on “gradually”, so Dr Younis cautioned: “They may not be easily identifiable.”
Dr Younis explained: “Testosterone levels drop by about one percent per year from around age 30.
“However, lifestyle and psychological factors… can also cause or contribute to many of these symptoms.”
Examples include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Stress
- Lack of exercise
- Weight gain
- Poor sleep
- Drinking too much alcohol.
While testosterone drops from the age of 30, these signs don’t typically appear until a person’s late 40s and early 50s.
“Any discomfort caused by symptoms usually doesn’t continue for a lifetime,” said Dr Younis.
“But [the symptoms] can last for up to 15–20 years as your body adjusts to having lower testosterone levels.”
If treatment is needed to ease symptoms of andropause, then lifestyle changes are recommended.
Tips include:
- Follow a healthy, balanced diet
- Reduce alcohol consumption
- Don’t smoke
- Exercise regularly
- Find ways to relax
- Lower stress levels
- Improve sleep.
Dr Naveed Younis is a Consultant Endocrinologist and General Physician (GP) at Spire Regency Hospital in Macclesfield, Cheshire.
