Testosterone is the hormone responsible for deep voices, muscle mass, and facial and body hair patterns found in males. However, as men get older the level of testosterone in the body and production of sperm gradually becomes lower, and they soon experience physical and psychological symptoms as a result of these low levels. This is part of the natural aging process and it is estimated that testosterone decreases about 10% every decade after men reach the age of 30.

Symptoms of andropause may vary from person to person, nevertheless some common symptoms of men going through andropause include: low sex drive, difficulties getting erections or erections that are not as strong as usual, lack of energy, depression, irritability and mood swings, loss of strength or muscle mass, increased body fat and hot flashes.

Andropause is unlike menopause in that the decrease in testosterone and the development of symptoms are more gradual than what occurs in women. Approximately 30% of men in their 50s will experience symptoms of andropause caused by low testosterone levels. A person experiencing andropause may have a number of symptoms related to the condition and could be at risk of other serious health conditions such as cardiovascular problems and osteoporosis (brittle bones) without proper treatment.

While there are other conditions that are associated with low testosterone levels (e.g., hypogonadism, which causes retardation of sexual growth and development; diabetes; high blood pressure), your doctor will likely do tests to rule out these possibilities before making a diagnosis of andropause.

It is important to note that many of the symptoms associated with andropause are also a normal part of aging, and they may not be reversible with treatment.