Dad Jokes Falling Flat? Andropause: Men Experience the Climacteric Too

While Donguibogam speaks of the decline of essence and the kidney, modern medicine explains this as a decrease in androgen, especially testosterone. Testosterone in our bodies is not merely involved in male sexual function. In fact, it is a crucial hormone that profoundly impacts almost every aspect of men's health. It maintains muscle mass, strengthens bones, supports erythropoiesis, and even regulates mood, cognitive function, and energy levels. The hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in the brain acts as the control center that delicately regulates these testosterone levels. As one ages, the function of this axis naturally weakens, or testosterone levels can decrease due to stress, sleep deprivation, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, and chronic disease. Medically, this is referred to as andropause or androgen deficiency syndrome.

When testosterone levels drop, men experience various physical and psychological changes. The most common are decreased libido and erectile dysfunction, alongside feeling heavily lethargic and suffering from chronic fatigue. Changes in body shape may also appear, with reduced muscle mass and a protruding abdomen. Furthermore, concentration declines, memory fades, and emotional fluctuations can intensify, leading to irritability over trivial matters or feelings of depression. In severe cases, the risk of osteoporosis due to decreased bone mineral density increases, and the risk of developing cardiovascular disease is also known to rise. It is notable how closely all these symptoms match the phenomenon of the spring of essence drying up and yang qi becoming exhausted in modern men. Rather than dismissing this as simple aging, it is important to listen to your body's signals and begin appropriate management. Approaching this from an integrative perspective alongside an accurate diagnosis from a specialist is the wisest path.