Prostate health becomes a major concern during andropause as men get older. Studies show 10% to 15% of men over 60 have low testosterone levels, and these numbers climb even higher with age . A 75-year-old man's testosterone levels typically drop to less than half of what healthy 20-30 year olds have . This condition goes by the name "male menopause" or more precisely, Androgen Deficiency in the Ageing Male (ADAM). The condition affects all but one of these men aged 40-79, with rates between 2.1% and 5.7% .
Men's testosterone levels naturally drop by about 1-2% each year after turning 30 . Most men start noticing andropause symptoms in their late 40s to early 50s . The symptoms can range from decreased libido and erectile dysfunction to mood swings, depression, irritability, and focus problems . On top of that, men might demonstrate physical changes like fatigue and weight gain as their testosterone keeps dropping. Men who worry about these changes should learn about how andropause affects their prostate health. They should also know about diagnostic tests and treatment options, including lifestyle adjustments and medication when needed.
What is Andropause and Why It Matters After 60
Female menopause has been studied extensively, but andropause remains a more subtle yet equally important phase in men's lives. The natural decline in testosterone becomes more relevant to men's health after 60. Men need to learn about this condition to maintain optimal andropause prostate health as they age.
How andropause is different from female menopause
The term 'male menopause' can be misleading because it suggests a similarity to female menopause that doesn't exist. Women experience a sharp drop in oestrogen levels between ages 45-55. Men, however, go through a much more gradual hormonal change [1]. Women have a clear medical transition to menopause. Men see their testosterone levels drop slowly over many years [1].
Female menopause brings a dramatic fall in oestrogen levels. A man's testosterone level during andropause might stay within normal range [1]. This key difference explains why the NHS calls 'male menopause' "an unhelpful term sometimes used in the media" [2]. Men face a steady testosterone decline of approximately 1.6% each year starting in their mid-30s instead of a sudden hormonal change [1].
Understanding the gradual testosterone decline
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Men's testosterone levels drop in a predictable way throughout life. Medical research shows levels decrease about 1-2% per year after age 30 [1]. By age 75, a typical man has lost about 30% of the testosterone he had at 25 [3].
Doctors define normal blood levels of total testosterone between 275 to about 900 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) [1]. Readings that stay below 275-300 ng/dL usually indicate low testosterone, though labs may have different ranges [1]. This slow decline affects many body functions because testosterone plays vital roles in sexual function, bone health, fat metabolism, muscle mass and strength [3].
Many men keep their testosterone levels within normal ranges throughout their lives. Weight gain, lifestyle choices, and chronic diseases can affect how quickly levels drop [1]. Andropause supplements might help manage symptoms during this process.
Why symptoms become more noticeable after 60
Andropause effects become clear after 60 because testosterone has been declining for decades. Research shows 10% to 15% of men aged 60 and older have low testosterone levels, and this number increases with age [1]. About 20% of men in their 60s show signs of androgen deficiency, and this jumps to 50% for men in their eighties [3].
Men over 60 notice more symptoms because:
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Years of gradual testosterone decline finally reach a point where effects become clear [3]
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About 2 out of 10 men show testosterone below normal range by age 60 [3]
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This increases to 3 in 10 in their 70s and 80s [3]
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Studies reveal 18.4% of men over 70 have hypogonadism compared to just 3.1–7.0% in men aged 30–69 [3]
The ongoing decrease in serum testosterone leads to many physical changes that become obvious after 60. These changes affect body composition with less lean body mass and more fat mass. Men experience lower energy, reduced muscle strength, decreased libido and erections. They might also face increased osteoporosis, mood changes, and reduced cognitive function [3].
One challenge in studying andropause is the lack of established normal testosterone levels for different age groups. The wide range of testosterone in healthy men means a single value might work for large groups but not for individuals [3]. A man used to high-normal testosterone levels might feel unwell when levels drop, even if they're still technically normal [3].
Men worried about these changes might want to take a testosterone test UK to understand their hormone levels and explore appropriate andropause medication or lifestyle changes.
Recognising the Symptoms of Andropause in Older Men
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Men in their sixties should know how to spot andropause symptoms. Their testosterone levels start dropping, which brings noticeable physical and mental changes. Learning these signs helps with early treatment and better management of andropause prostate health issues.
Sexual symptoms: low libido and erectile dysfunction
Sexual changes are the most common signs of andropause. Men often notice less interest in sex and more difficulty with performance. A decrease in sexual desire serves as an early warning sign [4]. Most men see these changes slowly happen and think it's just ageing rather than a hormone issue they can treat.
Men with andropause often develop erectile dysfunction. They find it harder to get or keep erections that work for sex [5]. This symptom can really affect their relationships and how they feel about themselves. Doctors still don't fully understand how testosterone and erections work together, but most agree there's a link [4].
These sexual issues often push men to get their first medical check and ask about andropause medication or testosterone test UK.
Physical symptoms: fatigue, weight gain, muscle loss
Andropause affects more than just sex - it changes how the whole body works and looks. Men often complain about feeling tired all the time, with a deep exhaustion that rest doesn't fix [3]. They end up with less energy and can't exercise like before [3].
The body starts changing in several ways:
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Fat builds up around the stomach and weight increases [3]
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Muscles get smaller and weaker [6]
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Some men develop 'man boobs' (gynaecomastia) [3]
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Body hair thins out and skin texture changes [3]
These changes create a tough cycle. Men feel too tired to work out, so they lose more muscle and gain more weight. This makes their testosterone drop even more [3]. Starting andropause supplements or changing lifestyle habits early might help stop this cycle.
Mental symptoms: mood swings, memory issues
"Male menopause" affects your mind as much as your body, but people often miss these signs. The emotional and thinking problems can really disrupt daily life. Mood changes, irritability, and unexpected emotional reactions become common [3].
Mental health changes include:
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Feeling sad or depressed [2]
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More anxiety and nervousness [7]
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Quick temper and emotional numbness [4]
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Less drive and self-confidence [2]
Brain function changes too. Men have trouble focusing and keeping up with conversations [4]. They notice memory problems or feel mentally foggy [3]. These thinking problems worry men who still work past 60 since it might affect their job performance.
Many people blame these mental changes on stress or midlife crisis instead of seeing them as possible signs of andropause at age 60 [3].
How symptoms vary between ages 60–70 and 70+
Andropause symptoms get stronger and more common as men age. About 2 in 10 men between 60 and 70 have low testosterone [7]. The early signs might be subtle - just feeling less energetic with slight mood changes.
The situation changes after 70. Low testosterone affects 3 in 10 men [7]. Symptoms get worse and multiply. Low testosterone rates jump from 3.1–7.0% in men aged 30–69 to 18.4% after 70 [3].
Men over 70 face bigger physical changes. Their muscles get much weaker, balance becomes harder, and bones might get thinner (osteoporosis) [7]. Memory and concentration problems also get worse.
Health gets more complicated in the seventies. Problems like diabetes, obesity, and heart disease can make andropause worse. These conditions and low testosterone feed into each other [7], making health care more challenging for older men.
Healthcare providers use these age differences to create better treatments for men's health issues related to andropause at different life stages.
The Link Between Andropause and Prostate Health
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The prostate gland is vital for male reproductive health but changes a lot as testosterone levels shift during andropause. Men in their sixties need to understand andropause prostate health to manage what it all means for this complex relationship.
What is the prostate and how it changes with age
The prostate is a small, walnut-sized gland that sits just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. This gland wraps around part of the urethra, which carries urine from the bladder through the penis [1]. The prostate makes seminal fluid that feeds and carries sperm [1].
Men's prostates change size as they age:
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A walnut-sized prostate is normal in their 20s
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The gland grows a bit larger by age 40
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Most men have a lemon-sized prostate by age 60 [1]
This growth, called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), affects half of all men in their 50s and up to 90% of men over 80 [8]. A larger prostate can squeeze against the urethra and cause various lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) [8]. Men might need to urinate more often, feel sudden urges, wake up at night to pee, or notice a weaker flow—these symptoms can really affect daily life [8].
How testosterone levels affect prostate function
Testosterone's effect on prostate health is quite puzzling. This hormone helps keep the prostate working normally through most of a man's life. All the same, things get more complicated when men enter andropause at 60 and beyond.
Research shows testosterone itself probably doesn't raise prostate cancer risk [9]. Men on testosterone replacement therapy don't seem more likely to develop prostate cancer [9]. But testosterone can help existing cancer cells grow if you already have prostate cancer [9].
Scientists have learned about this delicate balance through the "saturation model." The theory suggests prostate cells only need a certain amount of testosterone to work well—extra amounts don't make much difference once cells reach this level [9][10]. One study puts it this way: "When androgen levels are low, the androgen receptor is encouraged to 'go solo' in the cell...causing cancer cells to grow and spread. However, as androgens rise, the androgen receptors are forced to 'hang out as a couple,' creating a form that halts tumour growth" [11].
Men with naturally low testosterone seem less likely to get prostate cancer [10]. But if they do develop cancer, it tends to be more aggressive [10][12]. This unexpected finding shows why doctors need to be careful with andropause medication, especially for men who already have prostate issues.
Understanding PSA tests and prostate screening
PSA tests measure a protein that prostate cells produce and help screen for prostate problems [13]. While normal PSA levels vary, doctors usually look more closely at readings above 4.0 ng/mL [14].
PSA levels can go up for many reasons besides cancer, such as:
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Urinary or prostate infections
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An enlarged prostate (BPH)
Men taking testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) for andropause symptoms need regular PSA monitoring [3]. Regular PSA tests and rectal exams should track prostate health during TRT [3]. This matters because we don't fully understand the long-term effects of TRT treatment yet [3].
You should think carefully about the pros and cons of PSA testing. Early detection of prostate cancer might make treatment easier, but false positives can lead to unnecessary procedures [14]. The NHS doesn't routinely offer PSA testing but makes it available to men over 50 who ask their GP about it [15].
Men dealing with andropause symptoms might benefit from natural remedies for male andropause to support prostate function while managing testosterone. This all-encompassing approach recognises that andropause supplements and lifestyle changes can work alongside medical treatments for both andropause and prostate issues.
What Causes These Changes in Men Over 60?
Andropause prostate health changes happen due to a mix of biological, lifestyle, medical and psychological factors working together. Men can take better care of their hormone health by knowing why it happens.
Natural testosterone decline
A biological fact drives andropause: the body makes less testosterone as we age. Research shows testosterone drops about 1% each year after 40 [16]. The testicles produce less of this hormone because Leydig cells decrease [17]. The body just doesn't make testosterone as well as it used to.
Most men's hormone levels drop to what they were before puberty by age 80 [17]. Yet only 10% to 25% of men end up with testosterone levels doctors would call low [16]. This explains why some men feel andropause symptoms more than others at the same age.
Lifestyle factors: diet, alcohol, smoking, stress
Men over 60 lose testosterone faster based on their daily habits. Four key lifestyle choices speed up this process:
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Not eating foods with nutrients needed for hormone production
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Drinking too much alcohol, which raises Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG)
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Smoking more than 10 cigarettes daily [2]
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Too much stress and poor sleep [2]
These habits raise SHBG levels, which means less testosterone for the body [2]. These factors are the foundations of natural remedies for male andropause.
Health conditions: diabetes, obesity, heart disease
Health issues make testosterone decline worse without doubt. Studies show clear differences in men with certain conditions:
Extra weight changes hormone levels dramatically—30% of overweight men have low testosterone, while only 6% of men at healthy weight do [2]. About 25% of men with Type 2 diabetes have testosterone deficiency, compared to 13% without diabetes [2].
Chronic kidney problems, liver cirrhosis, heart disease, and sleep apnoea also affect hormone balance [2]. A body mass index above 30 can look like low testosterone [16], making it harder to diagnose and treat. Men who want to know more can get a testosterone test UK.
Psychological triggers and midlife stress
People don't talk enough about the mental side of andropause age 60. The classic "midlife crisis" brings worries about getting older and life achievements that create stress [2]. This mental pressure can lower testosterone through stress hormones [2].
Work problems, relationship issues, money worries, or concerns about ageing parents cause psychological stress [6]. This creates a tough cycle: low testosterone affects mood, while anxiety and depression lower testosterone even more [18]. This connection shows why addressing andropause men over 60 needs both physical and mental support.
How Andropause is Diagnosed in the UK
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A proper diagnosis is the life-blood to manage andropause prostate health and helps men get the right treatment for their hormone-related concerns.
When to see your GP
You should see your GP if andropause symptoms start to affect your daily life [19]. Watch out for sexual difficulties like decreased libido and erectile dysfunction. Physical changes such as fatigue and muscle loss, or mental health issues including mood swings and depression need medical attention [5]. Most men put off getting help because they feel embarrassed. The best outcomes happen with early medical help [20]. Your doctor will check if your symptoms come from stress, anxiety, or other health issues [6].
Blood tests: testosterone, SHBG, LH, FSH
These are the main tests your doctor will use:
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Total testosterone levels (best taken at 9am during peak levels) [21]
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Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG) shows free testosterone availability [3]
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Luteinising Hormone (LH) and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) control testosterone production [3]
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Prolactin levels help rule out other hormonal imbalances [5]
The NHS needs two morning blood samples that show total testosterone levels of 8nmol/L or less to confirm a diagnosis [21].
Other assessments: BMI, PSA, ECG, bone density
Your doctor might also check:
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Body Mass Index to see how your weight affects hormone levels [3]
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Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test, especially for men over 50 [3]
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ECG to check heart function [3]
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Bone density scans to look for osteoporosis [3]
What to expect from a testosterone test UK
Testosterone testing works best with morning blood samples—usually around 9am—because testosterone peaks naturally then [22]. You might need to skip food overnight before the test [5]. Results usually come back in about 7 working days. Some specialist tests take longer [22]. Your GP might send you to an endocrinologist if your results show low testosterone with noticeable symptoms [6].
Treatment Options: From Lifestyle to Hormone Therapy
Managing andropause prostate health ranges from basic lifestyle changes to medical treatments. Men with symptoms get the best results from a step-by-step approach.
Natural remedies and andropause supplements
Several nutrients help boost testosterone production. Vitamin D supplementation (3,332 IU daily) works well - one study found testosterone levels went up 25% after a year [4]. On top of that, zinc supplements help raise testosterone in men who lack it [4]. Taking magnesium (450 mg daily) boosted testosterone by 24% in just four weeks [4].
Herbs can work well too. Research shows men who took 600 mg of ashwagandha root extract daily saw their testosterone rise 10-22% [4]. The same goes for fenugreek extract (600 mg daily) - it raised testosterone by 12.2% in men aged 43-70 [4].
Diet and exercise for hormone support
A balanced diet rich in nutrients helps your overall health and eases andropause symptoms [23]. The best foods are whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats, and anything high in zinc, omega-3, vitamin D, and calcium [24]. Exercise is a big deal - a 12-week study showed that increased physical activity raised testosterone levels much more than just cutting calories in overweight men [4].
When is testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) needed?
TRT might be right for men with symptoms and low testosterone levels [3]. The NHS suggests TRT especially for men who have:
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Sexual dysfunction (erectile issues, low desire)
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Type 2 diabetes
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BMI greater than 30 or waist over 102 cm
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Take medications like opioids or anti-epileptics [3]
Your GP might send you to an endocrinologist if you have serious symptoms and blood tests show low testosterone [6]. TRT comes as injections, gels, patches, and oral tablets - most men prefer gels and patches [3].
Risks and side effects of TRT
Studies on TRT risks show mixed results. Some research points to higher cardiovascular risk, while other studies find no clear connection [7]. TRT raises prostate-specific antigen levels but hasn't been linked directly to prostate cancer [7].
Side effects might include higher red blood cell count (which could increase blood clot risk), headaches, weight gain, acne, and worse baldness [3]. Men should avoid TRT if they have breast cancer, advanced prostate cancer, thick blood, severe heart failure, or untreated sleep apnoea [3].
Monitoring and follow-up care
Doctors need to check cardiovascular risk before starting TRT [3]. Once treatment begins, regular blood tests track testosterone levels, haemoglobin, cholesterol, and liver function [4]. PSA tests and rectal exams help monitor prostate health [3].
Follow-up usually means checking the prostate after three months of therapy and every six months after that [25]. This careful monitoring helps get the most benefit with the least risk.
Conclusion
Men over 60 face significant health changes during andropause. This natural drop in testosterone affects their overall health, though symptoms vary from person to person. The relationship between andropause, prostate health and general wellbeing helps men take charge of their health during this transition.
Testosterone gradually decreases throughout life, but symptoms become most noticeable after 60. Many men start to notice sexual problems, tiredness, mood swings, and physical changes they hadn't predicted. On top of that, prostate issues often show up at the same time, which creates health challenges that need proper attention.
Getting diagnosed early through proper testing is the life-blood of good management. Men who have ongoing symptoms should get a testosterone test UK instead of brushing off their concerns as normal ageing. Blood tests that measure testosterone, SHBG, LH, and FSH levels give great insights, while PSA tests tell us a lot about prostate health.
Treatment options differ based on how severe symptoms are and each person's health profile. Many men see results with natural remedies for male andropause like changing their diet, taking specific supplements, and exercising regularly. These lifestyle changes often help without needing medical treatment. Some men with more serious symptoms might need testosterone replacement therapy under a doctor's watch.
Men going through andropause should focus on three vital points. Their symptoms usually improve with the right treatment. Regular checkups help track progress and safety. The prostate needs extra attention during this time.
Better understanding helps men tackle andropause symptoms head-on instead of accepting a lower quality of life. With proper testing, lifestyle changes, and medical help when needed, men over 60 can stay healthy, protect their prostate, and enjoy this phase of life confidently.
Key Takeaways
Understanding andropause and its connection to prostate health empowers men over 60 to take proactive steps towards maintaining their vitality and wellbeing during this natural transition.
• Andropause affects 10-15% of men over 60, with testosterone declining 1-2% annually after age 30, causing sexual dysfunction, fatigue, and mood changes.
• Prostate enlargement occurs in 50% of men in their 50s, rising to 90% by age 80, making regular PSA screening essential for early detection.
• Lifestyle changes can significantly improve symptoms - vitamin D, zinc, exercise, and weight management often prove as effective as medical treatments.
• Early diagnosis through morning testosterone testing enables timely intervention before symptoms severely impact quality of life and relationships.
• Treatment ranges from natural supplements to hormone therapy, with careful monitoring required to balance benefits against potential cardiovascular and prostate risks.
The key to successful andropause management lies in recognising symptoms early, seeking proper medical evaluation, and implementing a comprehensive approach that combines lifestyle modifications with appropriate medical intervention when necessary.
FAQs
Q1. What are the main symptoms of andropause in men over 60? The primary symptoms of andropause include decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, weight gain, muscle loss, mood swings, and memory issues. These symptoms often become more noticeable after age 60 due to the cumulative effects of declining testosterone levels.
Q2. How does andropause affect prostate health? Andropause can impact prostate health as testosterone levels decline. While lower testosterone may reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer, it can also contribute to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or enlargement of the prostate. Regular prostate screenings become increasingly important during this time.
Q3. At what age does andropause typically begin? Andropause is a gradual process that typically begins around age 30, with testosterone levels declining by about 1-2% per year. However, symptoms often become more noticeable in the late 40s to early 50s, with significant impacts frequently observed after age 60.
Q4. How is andropause diagnosed in the UK? Diagnosis typically involves a combination of symptom assessment and blood tests. GPs may order morning testosterone tests, along with measurements of SHBG, LH, and FSH. Additional assessments may include BMI calculation, PSA testing, and bone density scans.
Q5. What treatment options are available for andropause? Treatment options range from lifestyle changes to medical interventions. These include dietary improvements, regular exercise, stress reduction, and nutritional supplements. For more severe cases, testosterone replacement therapy may be considered under medical supervision, with careful monitoring of potential risks and benefits.
References
[1] - https://www.cancer.gov/types/prostate/understanding-prostate-changes
[2] - https://goldmanlaboratories.com/blogs/blog/andropause-men-over-60?srsltid=AfmBOopHSUtpaytaV_Kl8ss1FTSLFjpOACyUn7twQClepJPLOxaW6pdz
[3] - https://www.baus.org.uk/patients/conditions/7/male_menopause_androgen_deficiency_in_the_ageing_male/
[4] - https://goldmanlaboratories.com/blogs/blog/natural-remedies-andropause?srsltid=AfmBOorga4WcS9aKHKgYlwrVB0KE2s3aFcR6_4ZJsILUHOOOlhCRMM0N
[5] - https://goldmanlaboratories.com/blogs/blog/andropause-men-over-60?srsltid=AfmBOorzJ4UuJKF0Lag488Lky0WA-8rv1yhrg6e3lKJtvXKzyFNEmo6y
[6] - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/male-menopause/
[7] - https://www.healthspan.co.uk/advice/body/the-real-side-effects-of-testosterone-replacement-therapy-for-men/?srsltid=AfmBOop63J9XuES3urmA2Xwf98oCPl0mQkHTEfR7qhnJR7oq7GzZ60XQ
[8] - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12376221/
[9] - https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prostate-cancer/in-depth/testosterone-and-prostate-cancer/art-20589655
[10] - https://prostatecanceruk.org/about-us/news-and-views/2017/11/testosterone-and-prostate-cancer-risk-the-plot-thickens
[11] - https://corporate.dukehealth.org/news/study-solves-testosterones-paradoxical-effects-prostate-cancer
[12] - https://news.cancerresearchuk.org/2017/11/04/low-testosterone-levels-linked-to-reduced-risk-of-prostate-cancer/
[13] - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/prostate-specific-antigen-testing-description-in-brief/psa-testing-and-prostate-cancer-advice-for-men-without-symptoms-of-prostate-disease-aged-50-and-over
[14] - https://www.cancer.gov/types/prostate/psa-fact-sheet
[15] - https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/psa-test/
[16] - https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/mens-health/in-depth/male-menopause/art-20048056
[17] - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3390065/
[18] - https://www.topdoctors.co.uk/medical-articles/unveiling-andropause-understanding-men-s-midlife-hormonal-changes/
[19] - https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/male-menopause/
[20] - https://www.livi.co.uk/your-health/man-o-pause/
[21] - https://www.optimale.co.uk/articles/how-to-get-a-testosterone-test-on-the-nhs/
[22] - https://labtestsonline.org.uk/tests/testosterone-test
[23] - https://www.insidetracker.com/a/articles/thriving-through-andropause-strategies-for-optimal-well-being
[24] - https://lowcountrymale.com/best-andropause-supplements/
[25] - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1472881/
