NO, it isn't a myth nor is it a jab at ageing men. Andropause is as real as menopause among women. It is a condition caused by a decrease in the male hormone testosterone.
Male menopause or andropause usually affects males in their 50s. Its effects are quite similar to females who are going through their menopausal period. A male who is undergoing andropause will lose his erectile function as it naturally becomes weaker with a decrease in muscle mass index.
This results in sexual deprivation as it lowers the sex drive. He will also experience mood swings and gain excess fat usually around the belly area and chest.
ANDROPAUSE IS NATURAL
Every man will go through this process despite having led a healthy lifestyle and following health regiments by the book.
Andropause is a normal process and bound to happen to every male but you can prevent it from happening early by taking testosterone replacement therapy.
A striking difference can be seen among males in European countries who take up testosterone replacement therapy, usually to keep the sex drive going, compared to Malaysian males who seem more accepting of andropause when the time comes.
This could also be due to a lack of awareness of replacement treatment, or they just don't care and accept their condition as it is.
This treatment has people worried about its side effects. About 10 to 15 years ago, the concern among men was that it could cause prostate cancer as prostate cancer is associated with an increased level of testosterone. However, recent studies have shown that if one has the therapy and monitors one's prostate-specific antigen level on a regular basis, the risk of having prostate cancer is less than 0.5 per cent.
I would also strongly advise any man aged 50 and above with andropause symptoms to check their testosterone level and seek treatment if need be.
*The writer is a consultant urologist at Columbia Asia Hospital – Cheras.