While female menopause is widely discussed, its male equivalent remains little known and rarely discussed. Yet, many men, starting in their forties, see their bodies send them signals… which they ignore or attribute to fatigue. Decreased energy, mood swings, or loss of sexual desire: what if it was andropause? Here are seven essential facts to better understand this often-ignored but very real period.
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Andropause is not an urban legend
Contrary to popular belief, andropause does exist . It refers to a gradual decrease in testosterone levels in men, generally starting between the ages of 45 and 50. This hormone plays a key role in physical tone, libido, muscle mass , and even emotional balance .
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It’s not a fertility issue
The first misconception to dispel is that andropause does not cause infertility . Men continue to produce sperm, although their quality may decline slightly with age. It is mainly sexual functions —desire, erection, ejaculation—that may be disrupted, without preventing the possibility of conceiving .
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Libido can drop without warning
A decrease in sexual desire is a common symptom of andropause. Without any apparent cause, desire diminishes, which can lead to tensions in your relationship . It’s important not to feel guilty: this phenomenon is hormonal , and has nothing to do with a lack of willpower or love .
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The body sends many signals
Night sweats, persistent fatigue, headaches, drier skin, hair loss : taken in isolation, these signs may seem trivial, but when taken together , they paint a telling picture . Andropause also affects blood circulation, physical recovery capacity , and sleep quality .
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The mind is not spared
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