For many years, scientists have been interested in a relatively little-known biological phenomenon: andropause. A type of male “menopause” that will affect some men and decrease testosterone after the age of 50.
What if Menopause Affects Men Too? This period of life, marked by ovulation and the definite cessation of menstruation in women, has a male “equivalent” according to some scientists: andropause. This relatively little-known biological phenomenon affects some men, and testosterone declines after the age of fifty. “Andropause is an age-related testosterone deficiency”.Dr. Lucas Fraton, urologist and andrologist at Rennes University Hospital, explains.
“Andropause doesn’t exist”
According to scientists, it would be more accurate to talk about male hypogonadism. A decline in testosterone is exacerbated by factors such as diabetes, obesity or a sedentary lifestyle. “In people with these or other chronic illnesses, testosterone levels may drop more than expected.”notes the BBC.
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Unlike menopause, andropause does not involve the cessation of reproductive function in men. “Any explanation of andropause must begin with the fact that it does not exist.”Answers the BBC, Doctor Alexandre Hohl, former president of the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolology. The term “andropause” was coined by analogy with menopause, but it differs by several criteria”The French Urology Association warns opium.
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According to scientists, it would be more accurate to talk about male hypogonadism. A decrease in testosterone is exacerbated by factors such as diabetes or obesity. “In people with these or other chronic illnesses, testosterone levels may drop more than expected.”notes the BBC.
Andropause does not affect all men
In an article published in 2022, D Researchers at the Mayo Clinic – an American university hospital and research federation – Explain the incident It affects only 10 to 25% of older men. “By age 50, 5% of men are affected, and after age 80 it’s one in four men”Doctor Lucas confirms Fratton.
When these symptoms become very severe, they can endanger the health of those suffering from them. In these cases, testosterone treatment exists. “Testosterone injections can be prescribed and reimbursed by Social Security”, points out Lucas Fratton. Also “Treating all men is out of the questionwarns Afu. Prostate risk remains real and any man prone to receiving androgens should be screened for prostate cancer.”.
