We all know that females have a fixed ovarian reserve that tends to get depleted with time, eventually resulting in menopause. Although males do not experience menopause, they do face a somewhat similar problem, in which their testosterone levels tend to drop significantly. This is commonly referred to as andropause. We have elaborated on the topic in this blog, with the help of the experts specialising in male and female infertility treatment in Ghaziabad. However, before starting, let us first try to understand what is testosterone and why it is important
Testosterone and its importance
Testosterone is a male reproductive hormone that also plays a vital role in the development of male sexual characteristics post-puberty, such as deepening of the voice, increase in muscle mass, growth of facial and body hair, and other features. As men tend to grow old, testosterone levels tend to drop, along with the ability to produce sperm. As this happens, it is likely to give rise to certain symptoms. The process is natural and very slow, with only a 10 per cent decrease in testosterone levels every decade, in men above 30 years of age. This means a 1 per cent decrease with every passing year.
Women start to lose eggs as soon as they start to have their periods, and their reserves decrease rather rapidly, as compared to men. While every woman is bound to hit menopause sooner or later, experts specializing in IVF treatment in Ghaziabad suggest that only 30 per cent of men above 50 years of age are likely to face the problem. Such men are likely to experience a variety of symptoms, including increased susceptibility to conditions like osteoporosis.
What causes andropause?
As mentioned earlier, andropause refers to a drastic decrease in testosterone levels. There are two main factors that may be held accountable for it. Firstly, testosterone production tends to decrease with age, and secondly, your body may start overproducing certain hormones like SHBG (sex hormone-binding globulin), which drains testosterone from the blood and binds it together, leaving behind a small amount of bioavailable testosterone, which can be used by your body. It has been found that men experiencing andropause have depleted levels of the latter. Factors that can increase the risks of the same include:
- Advanced age
- Obesity
- Underlying malignant condition
- Orchiectomy
- Excessive alcohol intake
- Diabetes
Symptoms that you need to look out for
Just like any other medical condition, the symptoms of andropause vary from one man to another and you may experience either one or a combination of different symptoms. Some of the most common of these include:
- Unexplained decrease in sex drive
- Erectile dysfunction, marked by the inability to achieve or maintain an erection
- Fatigue and lack of energy
- Depression and anxiety
- Loss of muscle mass
- Unintended weight gain
- Hot flashes and irritability
To know more about the condition, consult Zeeva Fertility experts today.
