* A decrease in your physical endurance and strength.
* Low energy levels.
* Decreased sex drive.
* Mood swings and angry, depressed moods.
* Height changes from bone density loss.
* A lack of enjoyment of the things you normally find pleasure in.
* Lowered sport and or work performance due to decreased muscle mass and strength.
* Less powerful erections.
* An increase in upper and central body fat.
Is Andropause Serious?
Yes. In addition to the lowered quality of life that may be experienced, there are many health risks associated with lowered testosterone levels for example osteoporosis and increased risk of heart attack.
Andropause and Cardiovascular Risk
* The loss of testosterone may contribute to a hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis). Although this has not yet been conclusively established, some trials have suggested that there may well be more truth in this than was previously recognized. Further testing is needed to obtain absolute proof but it may be wise to err on the side of caution.
Andropause and Osteoporosis.
* Osteoporosis is a condition in which bone tissue is lost at a rate that exceeds the body's normal regeneration rate. Testosterone is believed to be instrumental in this regeneration process and low levels of the hormone may be a contributing factor in bone density loss. In older men the levels of bone density decrease by as much as 15%. Recent evidence suggests that one on eight men over the age of 50 have osteoporosis.
* As your bone density drops you will be increasingly at risk of bone fractures and breakage. Weak areas include the ribs, spine, wrists and hip areas. Outward manifestations of a loss of bone density include rounded shoulders, loss of height and possible back pain. As much as a third of patients with hip problems do not regain their full range of motion, so Andropause could seriously affect the quality of life.
