Written by Kashish Sharma | Published : March 2, 2023 11:45 PM IST
Menopause in women is marked by the end of the reproductive cycle. There is a distinct fall in the levels of reproductive hormones oestrogen and progesterone. There are many physical, psychological and emotional changes a woman goes through as she hits menopause. Science has observed a menopause-like phenomenon in males as well where a fall in reproductive activity has been noted.
Much like women, some men who are 50 years of age or above might also show a decline or drop in their reproductive hormone testosterone which is attributed to an ageing effect. The condition is often termed andropause. However, studies have called the term misleading as it might not be accurate to relate the process to menopause.
Experts have exercised caution in comparing the androgen decline with female menopause as it might not affect every man and is unlike menopause which happens to every woman. Secondly, unlike in women, this does not completely shut down reproductive functions in a man such as sperm production. A man’s intimate life might, however, see some complications.
Most experts preferably use the term hypogonadism for this condition when the male reproductive organs might begin to age and lose function. The affected men might experience symptoms slowly and not as dramatically as seen in women. Much like women, the symptoms can be physical, psychological and emotional such as hot flashes, mood swings, sweating and others.
Studies have called the concept of ‘male menopause’ a complex concept that might not be entirely true. Apart from ageing, there are many other factors that can lead to testosterone declines such as alcohol consumption, smoking, anxiety, heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes and others.
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