Andropause is often called the male version of menopause.

Men go through their own change because of reduced testosterone production. As you age, you lose muscle and that causes you to gain weight. One of the reasons men lose muscle mass is that they produce less testosterone as they grow older. If you notice a “pot belly,” “beer belly,” or a “spare tire,” low testosterone might be part of the cause. Low testosterone is associated with weight gain around the belly.

It’s not known how many men have andropause, but testosterone levels are estimated to decline by 1% per year after the age of 50. In some men the decline is much faster. Nearly 50% of men over the age of 80 have lower than normal testosterone levels.

You may have andropause if have less energy, a decreased sense of well-being, a decreased sex drive, weaker erection strength, decreases in strength and muscle mass, changes in height (due to osteoporosis), and increased body fat.

These same symptoms are shared by a lot of medical conditions so, as always, you need to see your doctor to know for sure.