The term “andropause” is not a male equivalent of menopause, we use it figuratively to refer to the deficit of free testosterone (T) in the adult.
We know that the main male hormone, testosterone (or androsterone) has antidepressant properties. In addition, it has recently become known that the positive effects of testosterone mediate a stress-responsive region of the hippocampus.
Also, as their testosterone levels are 20 to 30 times lower than in men, women are twice as vulnerable to mood disorders such as depression.
Testosterone levels in men
After the age of 40, testosterone levels decrease by 1.6% per year (a figure that varies from person to person). In general, between the ages of 20 and 80, total testosterone values decrease by 35%, while free testosterone values decrease by 50%.
In addition, with age, there is an increase in SHBG, i.e. sex hormone binding globulins. When this increase occurs, there is less circulating free testosterone.
Another factor to consider is dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a metabolic product of testosterone that contributes to the development of benign prostatic hyperplasia. It is the most abundant steroid hormone in the body. With age, DHT concentrations decrease, and by the age of 45 its production is half that of a 20-year-old.
All the changes that men experience as they age lead to a situation of decreased bioavailable hormone, with psychological consequences. Some of the symptoms are:
- Dysphoric mood or loss of interest or pleasure in almost all usual activities.
- Sadness or apathy.
- Lack of initiative and irritability.
- Decreased sexual motivation.
- Loss of energy and fatigue.
- Feelings of worthlessness and guilt.
- There may be weight loss and poor appetite or increased appetite with weight gain.
- Insomnia or hypersomnia.
According to specialists in Endocrinology, depending on the patient’s personality and tolerance to stress, these symptoms can lead to pathological sadness.
In general, the patient is reluctant to consult, and this fact will cause his self-esteem to be even more affected.
A proper differential diagnosis is necessary since some medications can have effects on libido and sexual performance.
What is clear is that the effects of male hormones are significant on the patient’s mood, affectivity, entrepreneurship, sleep quality, and overall mental processes.