Male Sexual Desire Disorder - Age-Related Hypogonadal Syndrome

Terminology and Definitions

Hypogonadism refers to the results of decreased function of the gonads; happens at any age and for a variety of causes; and is classified into two forms on the basis of the source of the problem, that is, either of testicular origin, or as a effect of disorder in the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. Sex-related phenomena linked with hypogonadism are described in the Hormones section of this chapter.

The term andropause points a special type of hypogonadism that is linked to aging in men and is said to consist of the following: diminished sexual desire and erectile function, fall in intellectual activity, fatigue, depression, decrease in lean body mass, skin alterations, decrease in body hair, decrease in bone mineral density resulting in osteoporosis, and increase in visceral fat and obesity. The word andropause is an attempt to draw a parallel in men to the experience of menopause in women. Whereas menopause occurs abruptly, andropause is said to occur quite slowly. As well, menopause is related with the irreversible end of reproductive life, whereas in men spermatogenesis and fertility continue into old age. In the opinion of some observers, trying to equate the two is rather questionable.

The existence of andropause is a subject of argument partly because of great difficulty distinguishing this syndrome from age-related confounding variables such as nonendocrine sicknesses (both acute and chronic diseases), poor nutrition (inadequate or excessive food intake), smoking, alcohol use, and medications. Some observers have less doubt about the existence of a disorder but prefer to use a different name: ADAM (androgen decline in the aging male), or PADAM (partial ADAM which refers to androgen decline that is still within the normal range).

To underline the fact that many hormones decline with age, the word adrenopause has also been used to describe the diminution of the adrenal androgens DHEA and DHEAS, and somatopause to describe the same in the somatotrophic hormone, growth hormone (GH).

About The Author

David Crawford is the CEO and owner of a Male Enhancement Facts company known as Male Enhancement Group which is dedicated to researching and comparing male enhancement products in order to determine which male enhancement product is safer and more effective than other products on the market. Copyright 2009 David Crawford of Male Enhancement Reviews This article may be freely distributed if this resource box stays attached.