Loss of libido, erection problems, depression… “Andropause”, menopause in men, is a common but little-known phenomenon.

“At the age of 55 I started tides night. My wife, who was going through menopause, was going through the same thing.”says director Remi Burkel, now 62 years old.

When did he then feel fatiguebelonging depressive and above all complete lack of sexual desireanxiety increased. “But like many men, it was the fact that I could no longer exert myself that made me realize there was a problem.”

He then did research and discovered the term “andropause“and consults his GP, who prescribes him pills to “Start again like you did at 40”.

Intrigued by this phenomenon, Remi Burkel began creating documentary (“Andropause, the great crush?”, soon on French television).

He finds that many men suffering from the same symptoms choose to remain silent about them. “I had a feeling that something like this had happened. shame“, he describes AFP.

“Growing old”

“We usually talk about andropause to draw a parallel with menopause, but it is not the same clinical picture.”– says Dr. Pierre Deveau, andrologist, head of the department of sexology at the Faculty of the Paris Center.

While menopause in women around the age of 50 is characterized by the cessation of production of ovarian hormones (estrogen and progesterone), in men there is gradual decrease in testosterone levels.

But even with a decrease, reproductive functions are preserved. “Instead of andropause, it is more correct to talk about an age-related decrease in androgen levels (dala) or testosterone deficiency”emphasizes Dr. Devoe.

“We believe that in 60 years about 20% men there is not enough testosterone, but production never stops completely unless chemical castration has been carried out, for example in the context of prostate cancer.”he continues.

Not all men suffer from this. The clinical manifestations of this variable decrease in hormone levels are usually grouped under the famous phenomenon: “to grow old”: “We feel more tired, we have a little brioche, less libido, less explicit ejaculations…”– the doctor lists.

“Taboo”

Daniel Golyar, a 68-year-old pensioner from Drôme-Provençal, thinks so “the adventure of life.” “It took me a while to realize this phenomenon. Loss of sexual appetite can be associated with aging, both for the man and the couple.”he analyzes.

But this is for sure: the topic remains “taboo“When I say the name andropause, people look at me weird.”he smiles.

“The men I talk to about this usually respond with dirty jokes.” also notes Valentin Husser, 75, who “put it’s high time to confess what’s happened”.

“When I found a relationship again, around 60-65 years old, after a rather ascetic life, I realized that what gave me the enthusiasm of youth no longer manifests itself,” He says. So he shares “something other” with the last companion: tenderness, humor…

Replacement dosage

There are solutions to reduce symptoms. To make a diagnosis of age-related testosterone deficiency, the doctor, after interviewing the patient and conducting medical checkupmay prescribe a replacement dose of this hormone.

He may combine medications to treat erectile disfunction. “Care should be global, if everything is not okay in the head, not everything will be okay in the body either,” warns Marc Galliano, a Paris-based andrologist who advocates teaching boys about sexual health from an early age.

“Testosterone levels naturally decline every year from the age of twenty, 40% of men over 40 experience erection difficulties… a man who knows how this works will turn heads.”he assures.