Is your life on pause?
As you approach the age of 40, you may feel your life is coming to a pause. This is the time when your waist starts to grow and you start to feel a lack of energy and low sex drive. Somehow you just don’t feel like yourself any more. This is called andropause, the male equivalent of the female menopause.
Who pushed the pause button?
Andropause is caused by a drop in testosterone levels. Testosterone levels in a man peaks at the age of 30, and slowly starts to decline between the ages of 40 to 60. Statistics show that one out of two men between the ages of 40 to 60 years old will experience this condition. When this happens, the man’s health and sense of well-being are also affected.
The role of testosterone
Testosterone is the male hormone that makes a man a man. Produced in the testes and adrenal glands, testosterone plays a crucial part in the survival of mankind as it regulates sexual function. It also generates the growth of body tissue and affects metabolism, liver function and prostate gland growth.
Taking play out of life
When testosterone levels are low, every aspect of your life will be affected. You could have the following symptoms:
Low sex drive
• Decreased libido
• Erectile dysfunction
Lack of energy
• Depressed mood
• Decreased cognitive function (lack of focus)
• Decreased general wellbeing
• Loss of muscle mass and strength
