andropause: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (C1/C2)Medical/Clinical, Formal, Occasionally in Popular Science/General Media
Quick answer
What does “andropause” mean?
A gradual decrease in testosterone levels in middle-aged to older men, often accompanied by physical and psychological symptoms.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A gradual decrease in testosterone levels in middle-aged to older men, often accompanied by physical and psychological symptoms.
A period or state in a man's life analogous to menopause in women, characterized by hormonal changes, potential symptoms like fatigue, mood changes, and reduced libido, and occurring typically between ages 40 and 55.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is similar. 'Andropause' is the standard term in both, though 'male menopause' is a common informal alternative in both regions.
Connotations
Slightly more clinical/formal connotation than the colloquial 'male menopause'. No significant regional difference in connotation.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both dialects, confined to specific contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “andropause” in a Sentence
[Patient] experiences andropause.[Symptom] is associated with andropause.The diagnosis of andropause.A treatment for andropause.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “andropause” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The term is not used as a verb.
American English
- The term is not used as a verb.
adverb
British English
- The term is not used as an adverb.
American English
- The term is not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- He sought advice for andropausal symptoms.
American English
- Andropausal changes can affect mood and energy.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in HR or wellness discussions about employee health.
Academic
Common in medical, psychological, and gerontology texts discussing male aging.
Everyday
Uncommon in casual chat. Used in more informed discussions about health and aging.
Technical
Standard in endocrinology, urology, and men's health literature, though sometimes with caveats about the term's precision.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “andropause”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “andropause”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “andropause”
- Spelling: 'andrapause' (incorrect). Usage: Assuming it's as sudden or universal as female menopause. Grammar: Using as a verb ('He is andropausing' – non-standard).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but the term itself is debated. The underlying phenomenon of age-related testosterone decline is real, though its presentation and significance vary greatly among men.
Symptoms, if they occur, can begin from the late 40s onwards, but the hormonal decline is very gradual and can start earlier.
Yes, if symptoms are significant and linked to low testosterone. Treatment may include testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), but it requires careful medical diagnosis and monitoring due to potential risks.
In informal usage, they are synonymous. However, 'male menopause' is a problematic analogy because menopause is a specific, definite event, while andropause in men is a slow, variable process.
A gradual decrease in testosterone levels in middle-aged to older men, often accompanied by physical and psychological symptoms.
Andropause is usually medical/clinical, formal, occasionally in popular science/general media in register.
Andropause: in British English it is pronounced /ˈandrə(ʊ)pɔːz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈændrəˌpɔːz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[He's] hitting the male menopause.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'ANDRO-' (relating to men, like android) + '-PAUSE' (a stop, like in menopause). It's the 'pause' or change in a man's hormonal life.
Conceptual Metaphor
AGING IS A JOURNEY WITH STAGES (entering andropause), HEALTH IS BALANCE (hormonal imbalance of andropause), MALE MENOPAUSE IS THE MALE VERSION OF A FEMALE PROCESS (analogy to menopause).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a key distinction between female menopause and male andropause?