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Life

'Menopausal' men could get sexual boost from HRT

By Linda Geddes

29 October 2008

New Scientist. Science news and long reads from expert journalists, covering developments in science, technology, health and the environment on the website and the magazine.

(Image: Scyza, stock.xchng)

TIREDNESS, depression and lack of libido all seem inevitable parts of male ageing, but what if an age-related lack of testosterone is at the root of all these symptoms? Increasingly, doctors say such an “andropause” exists and that its effects may go beyond feeling a bit tired – obesity and diabetes also appear to be linked. The good news is that testosterone supplements might help treat the problem.

Though testosterone is sometimes prescribed for ageing men in Europe and the US, until recently even the existence of andropause was considered controversial. Treating it was seen by many as…

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