Andropause and Symptoms of Low Testosterone in Men

Andropause and Symptoms of 

Low Testosterone in Men

Dr. Kathryn Retzler

Portland Oregon Anti Aging and 

Bioidentical Doctor

Many men think hormone problems are only seen in women. Unfortunately, hormone imbalance, especially low or suboptimal testosterone, can cause significant, progressive symptoms in men. Because testosterone production declines gradually, symptoms of low tesosterone are often unnoticed, or are dismissed as signs of “just getting older.”

Testosterone production begins to decrease after the age of 30 or 35. In addition to aging, low or sub-optimal testosterone levels are often the result of poor diet and lifestyle choices, unmanaged stress, and lack of exercise. Recent studies suggest the prevalence of low testosterone in men over 35 years may be as high as 38.7% ⁽¹⁾, with more than 50% of men having low testosterone by age 70 ⁽²⁾, and 86% of men by age 80. The prevalence may be even higher if free testosterone levels (the amount that's available to the body's tissues) are used for diagnosis.

(1) Mulligan T, Frick MF, Zuraw QC, et al. Prevalence of hypogonadism in males aged at least 45 years: the HIM study. Int J Clin Pract. 2006 July 1;60(7):762-769.
(2) Harman SM, Tsitouras PD. Reproductive hormones in aging men I. Measurement of sex steroids, basal luteinizing hormone and Leydig cell response to human chorionic gonadotropin. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 1980;51:35-41.

Andropause – The Male Menopause

The term "andropause" is often referred to as "male menopause". The medical community acknowledges the existence of "androgen decline in the aging male, or "ADAM," although some old-school physicians may not believe in treating low testosterone levels in men.

Symptoms of andropause usually arise gradually due to the progressive decline in testosterone, often coupled with an increase in estrogen production. Symptoms of andropause include:

• Accelerated aging
• Decreased athletic or work performance
• Lower sex drive
• Erectile dysfunction
• Diminished strength or muscle mass
• Memory problems

• Lower competitive edge and motivation
• Decreased energy and stamina
• Declining mental clarity
• Irritability or depression
• Prostate enlargement
• Weight gain (especially in the waist or breasts)

Besides testosterone supplementation, treating contributing causes of low or suboptimal testosterone is fundamental. This may include diet and lifestyle changes, nutrient supplementation, stress management, and increasing the amount or type of exercise.

If testosterone levels are low and symptoms exist, there are many options to restore testosterone to youthful levels. Choosing a specific form of testosterone supplementaton depends on effectiveness, preference of a particular delivery system, cost, and potential insurance reimbursement. It's important to perform follow-up lab testing with supplementation, in order to minimize risks and keep levels safe and effective.

For additional information about testosterone supplementation, see “Testosterone Supplementation Options” on the Resources page of our HormoneSynergy Website.