The 'male menopause' has become a term often seen in the media. But medics say the term is unhelpful - this is why.
'Male menopause' is sometimes used to refer to the decrease in the male sex hormone (androgen) testosterone which men experience with ageing. However, the term 'male menopause' is misleading as men do not experience a sudden drop in hormones as women going through menopause do, says Dr Naveed Younis, a consultant endocrinologist and GP.
Instead, testosterone levels gradually decrease, and this is clinically referred to as andropause or androgen deficiency in the ageing male (ADAM). Short-term memory, mood swings and a more prominent belly are symptoms of andropause.
