Andropause, the male form of menopause, is an age-related decline in the hormone testosterone. It usually occurs around age 60 but can occur before. Symptoms may include: loss of muscle tone, fatigue, decreased confidence and competitiveness, loss of sex drive, erectile dysfunction, and depressed mood.
Testosterone deficiency is diagnosed using these signs and symptoms, and confirmed through laboratory testing. Testosterone levels can sometimes be raised by using very specific natural supplements, or through replacement therapy using bioidentical compounded testosterone. Bioidentical refers to hormones that have the same exact molecular structure and function as hormones made in the human body.
Testosterone levels and certain blood parameters are monitored frequently after starting testosterone treatment. Once levels are restored back to physiologic levels found in younger males, men usually experience a dramatic reversal of symptoms.