Andropause--lessons from the European Male Ageing Study

Abstract

Andropause or late-onset hypogondism (LOH) is a situation where a middle-aged or older man has low serum testosterone (T) in conjunction with diffuse symptoms reminiscent of those of genuine male hypogonadism (e.g. reduced sexual function, loss of vigor, muscle weakness, depression). Opinions about the diagnostic criteria, prevalence and treatment options of andropause vary considerably amongst experts. We review here some salient findings on the prevalence, diagnostic criteria and impact on health of andropause, obtained from the European Male Ageing Study (EMAS), a multicenter study of ageing among community-dwelling middle-aged and older men.

Keywords: Ageing; Dysfonction sexuelle; Hypogonadisme tardif; Late-onset hypogonadism; Serum testosterone; Sexual function; Testostérone sanguine; Vieillissement.