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Male menopause: It really does exist!

April 04, 2011 15:13 IST

Menopause is not limited to women -- it hits men too, say researchers.

Scientists at the Centre for Men's Health in London say that women aren't the only ones who have to worry about shifting hormones wrecking havoc as they age, men also suffer from andropause -- a menopause-like condition -- as they get older.

They found that 20 percent of 10,000 men over 50 were affected by a hormonal imbalance, according to the Daily Mail.

Much like the fairer sex, men experience dips in hormone levels as they age. Testosterone deficiencies cause some to experience similar symptoms to menopause, including energy loss, diminished libido, memory loss and night sweats.

But while the condition may be more pronounced in women undergoing hormonal changes, male symptoms are often much more gradual.

Erectile dysfunction is one common indicator -- a condition some men are embarrassed to get checked out.

Others are hesitant to believe they might be undergoing andropause at all, according to Dr. Malcolm Carruthers, who runs the Centre for Men's Health.

"Testosterone deficiency syndrome is a common and serious condition that is not being diagnosed or treated," the New York Daily News quoted him as saying.

 

Source: ANI