Is andropause worse than Menopause? This is a difficult question to answer, as there are so many different factors at play.  Whilst menopause marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years and happens to every woman after a certain age. Andropause doesn’t necessarily cause a shutdown of the male reproductive system, and symptoms will not affect everybody. 

What is Andropause?

Male menopause, or Andropause involves a drop in testosterone production in men aged 50 and above. Testosterone is produced in the testes, and it does a lot more than fuel the sex drive. It supports mental and physical energy, maintains muscle mass, and regulates the body’s fight-or-flight response.  Symptoms of Andropause 

• Weight gain/ redistribution 
• Trouble sleeping
• Loss of muscle mass
• Lowered self-confidence
• Depression or sadness
• Lowered energy
• Erectile Dysfunction

What is Menopause?

Menopause happens to every woman in the world passed a certain age, and simply marks the end of the reproductive years. Like Andropause, it stems from a steady decline of natural hormones due to age, but it can come with a few more notable, and unpleasant symptoms. Symptoms of Menopause

• Menstrual cycles end
• Hot flashes
• Trouble sleeping
• Weight gain
• Feelings of anxiety or depression
• Irritability 
• Dry skin/ hair 
• Memory loss

As you get older, it becomes imperative for both men and women to learn and understand Menopause and Andropause, as the conditions associated with both changes, can be life-altering. 

The Difference between Andropause and Menopause

Is Andropause worse than Menopause is one question that professionals are asked all the time.  Now, whilst both conditions stem from hormonal changes, one of the main differences between the two is fertility. Menopause causes complete infertility as the ovaries stop producing/ releasing eggs. Andropause does not cause infertility, but it may decrease a man’s sex drive.  Another main difference is the rate in which the hormones deplete. A woman’s estrogen will decrease rather rapidly, therefore leaving behind some rather unpleasant side effects. Testosterone in man will decrease gradually, and it may take years until a significant amount of loss causes symptoms.  It is also worth noting that whilst all women will experience symptoms of menopause to some degree, not all men will experience symptoms of Andropause. Now, the symptoms of Andropause, for those that experience it can be unpleasant and may involve you having to make a few simple lifestyle adjustments to help you or seek medical help to manage them.  A few lifestyle changes that may help include:

• Eating healthy 
• Exercise
• Reducing stress

For more information, see our blog on Andropause, which covers what it is and how symptoms can be treated. Andropause is commonly affiliated with hypogonadism, another condition related to a drop in testosterone, which may require slightly different treatment.  For help and support on both Menopause and Andropause, speak to your GP about treatment methods. Or contact us to see if Bioidentical Hormone Therapy could help you. Bio ID works to identify and replenish the exact hormones you are deficient in and prescribes a tailored treatment plan to alleviate symptoms of Andropause and Menopause and restore the body to optimum performance.