The andropause is known by a variety of terms including the male menopause, androgen deficiency in the ageing male and late onset hypogonadism. It is far more common than generally thought; research has shown that around half of men over the age of 50 may have abnormally low levels of testosterone in their bloodstream.
The andropause is a condition manifest by a collection of symptoms in association with a low level of the male hormone, testosterone. Adequate testosterone levels are important in helping to maintain sexual interest and activity, healthy bones, muscle, body shape and state of mind. In addition testosterone is important in maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system and in part may protect against diabetes.
Generally in normal, healthy men, levels of testosterone in the bloodstream gradually fall after the age of 30. The decline may be more rapid in some men than others and may be accelerated by injury, illness and disease.
