The period of life characterized by a decline in hormonal balance in women is known as menopause. A similar period also exists in men and is called andropause. After 45-50 years of age in men, there is a significant drop in the level of the male sex hormone, testosterone, and the hormone androgen, which leads to reduced libido and sexual function, as well as to a decline in mental activity. Androgen is a hormone secreted by the adrenal gland that stimulates the activity of the male sex organs and promotes the development of secondary male genitalia. Andropause is actually androgen deficiency, hence its name. NEWS_MORE_BOX The condition is also characterized by increased fatigue, desire to sleep, emotional problems, depression, osteoporosis, weakening of muscles, slowing down of metabolic processes and others. Unlike menopause, when women stop being reproductively capable, andropause does not particularly affect men’s fertility. The onset of andropause can be detected by symptoms such as reduced frequency of morning erections, decreased libido and erectile dysfunction, combined with changing hormone levels. In hypogonadism, low levels of the male sex hormone, a drop in total testosterone below 11 nmol/l and free testosterone below 220 pmol/l is observed.
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