SYMPTOMS OF ANDROPAUSE
Andropause is most commonly characterized by a subtle and gradual onset and very slow progression of symptoms. Often these changes are attributed to the natural and unavoidable consequences of aging. However, not all men show andropause symptoms as they age and not all men show a significant decrease in androgens as they age. The andropause syndrome is characterized by:
- Diminished sexual desire and erectile quality. In particular, a decrease in nocturnal erections is a significant sign of decreased androgens.
- Mood changes. This can also be associated with decreases in intellectual activity, fatigue, depression, anger and poor spatial orientation.
- A decrease in lean body mass, along with decreases in muscle mass and strength.
- A decrease in body hair.
- A decrease in bone density resulting in osteoporosis. Osteoporosis can often lead to increased incidence of bone fractures and breaks.
- An increase in fat surrounding the internal organs.
It is important to remember that not all of these symptoms need be present to identify andropause. Also, it is important to remember that they do not all appear to the same degree in all men. Some men may suffer from one or two of these symptoms and suffer from other symptoms only minimally or not at all.
Using a screening questionnaire can be helpful in diagnosing andropause. The most useful questionnaire is the ADAM Questionnaire. It is very simple and very effective at identifying those men who suffer from andropause. However, not all men who screen positively for these symptoms have andropause. The symptoms may be the result of other causes so that a positive diagnosis can only be made with appropriate blood testing.
