Andropause Diagnosis

Symptoms

Symptoms are generally vague and usually develop and progress slowly. Men and their doctors therefore commonly attribute symptoms to ageing or stress.

Symptoms and clinical signs associated with low testosterone levels can be divided into three areas: sexual, psychological and those affecting the body in general (somatic).

Sexual - reduced sex drive and interest, poor erections, small, shrunken testicles.

Psychological - low or depressed mood, irritability, poor concentration and memory, fatigue and tiredness, sleep problems, passivity.

Somatic - weakness and loss of strength, reduced muscle mass, increased abdominal fat and girth, sweats and flushes, aching joints and muscles, dry skin, reduced body hair and beard growth.

Cause

Conditions affecting the testicles, which produce testosterone, or the controlling areas in the brain (the hypothalamus and pituitary gland), may result in deficient production and blood levels of testosterone. Some chronic diseases, medicines, drug and alcohol abuse and lifestyle factors have been associated with low testosterone levels.

Diagnosis

Men with symptoms of the andropause can be diagnosed using a simple blood test.

• Diagnosis for Andropause
• Treatment for Andropause