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Andropause: a misnomer for a true clinical entity
A Morales1, J P Heaton, C C Carson
1Department of Urology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
The Journal of Urology
|February 25, 2000
Summary
Androgen decline in aging males (ADAM) is a condition with subtle symptoms like fatigue and decreased libido. Early recognition and treatment by urologists are crucial for managing this common hormonal change in older men.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Endocrinology
- Urology
Background:
- Androgen production naturally declines in aging males.
- This decline is often mislabeled as male menopause or andropause.
- A more accurate term is androgen decline in the aging male (ADAM).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the epidemiology and endocrinology of ADAM.
- To provide recommendations for the diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of ADAM.
- To highlight the importance of ADAM recognition in urological practice.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature search using MEDLINE, Pubmed, Current Contents, and Pharmaceutical Abstracts.
- Inclusion of relevant peer-reviewed publications on andropause, adult hypogonadism, and aging.
- Review and summarization of collated data from research and conference proceedings.
Main Results:
- ADAM involves decreased serum androgens, growth hormone, melatonin, and dehydroepiandrosterone.
- Clinical signs include fatigue, depression, reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, and cognitive changes.
- These physical and intellectual alterations correlate with androgen levels and can be corrected by hormonal manipulation.
Conclusions:
- ADAM's onset is unpredictable and symptoms are subtle, leading to underdiagnosis.
- Urologists frequently encounter older men who may have ADAM.
- Familiarity with ADAM's evaluation, treatment, and monitoring is essential for urologists.