Every level of the regulation, synthesis and action of androgens should be considered when assessing, diagnosing and treating andropause. It is important to distinguish the symptoms of andropause from those of male mid-life crisis. While the former symptoms most commonly present in the 45- to 55-year age group and are brought on by androgen deficiency, the latter typically occur between ages 35 and 45 years and constitute a psychological, existential crisis. Although andropause and mid-life crisis are often confused by lay people and professionals, to the detriment of the diagnosis and treatment of both conditions, they have widely different clinical pictures, which can and should be distinguished. The present paper defines the syndrome of andropause and considers the many factors that may contribute to its causation.
