Andropause – colloquially called male menopause – (synonyms: ADAM; Ageing male; Aging male; Androgen deficit, partial – male; Climacterium virile; Decline in the aging male; Climacterium virile; PADAM; PADAM syndrome (Partial androgen deficit in the aging male); ICD-10-GM E88.9: Metabolic disorder, unspecified) describes a progressive, comparatively slow, and only partial decline in male androgen secretion and concentration. The sex hormones involved are pregnenolone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), androstenedione, and especially testosterone.
Andropause is also known as PADAM – partial androgen deficit of the aging male. It is a natural aging process, which, however, in some men may be accompanied by a gradual reduction in sexuality, mood and energy. As with women, men’s andropause begins at a stage of life that often makes great demands.
The International Society for Sexual Medicine (ISSM) has proposed that the term “testosterone deficit” be used as a universal concept. This is defined as a clinical and biochemical syndrome characterized by a deficit of testosterone or testosterone action with relevant symptoms and signs.
The onset of andropause is between the ages of 45 and 65.
Comorbidities (concomitant diseases): typical comorbidities that may be associated with hypogonadism (hypogonadism) are diabetes mellitus type 2, metabolic syndrome, renal insufficiency (kidney weakness), liver disease, cardiovascular disease, malnutrition or undernutrition.
