Andropause: Not the same as menopause but needs to be addressed

Testosterone is not purely for sexual function. It is the elixir that keeps the brain sharp, affects one's mood, muscle bulk and weight management and also collesterol and sugar levels. Photo: 123rf.com

First of all it is important to make clear that andropause isn't the male version of menopause, says consultant urologist Dr Datesh Daneshwal.

Andropause is a condition where men experience a decrease in their testosterone levels that is not normal. While all men do start losing testosterone after the age of 30, the decrease isn't very significant (about 1% a year) and should not affect their well-being. Very different from menopause which signifies a sudden decrease in a woman’s hormone levels that causes ovulation to cease.