Smoking Can Cause Earlier Andropausal Symptoms

A study by two American universities shows that every puff (not every cigarette, take note smokers) could bring about an earlier onset of symptoms of andropause, which is the equivalent of menopause in men.

The study showed that andropause set in at an average age of 50, for patients who smoked 10 or more cigarettes a day compared to 55 for non-smokers.

Dr Richard Chen, Consultant, Endocrinology, Changi General Hospital, said: "Andropause is a clinical syndrome of declining testosterone in older men with advancing age, with a set of distinct symptoms such as reduced libido, diminished drive, lack of motivation, tiredness, poor concentrating ability and sometimes even mood changes."

There are no statistics available for those afflicted with andropause in Singapore.

But while menopause affects all women, medical experts say andropause hits 20 to 30 percent of males above 50 years old.

The study also indicated that most men were unaware they were undergoing andropause, and often attributed it to the normal ageing process.