Wednesday August 30, 10:17
PM
Smoking can bring
about earlier onset of andropausal symptoms
SINGAPORE : Smoking has been linked to several health
problems.
A study by two American universities now shows that every puff
could bring about an earlier onset of symptoms of andropause, or
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.
Still, Singaporean doctors are encouraged by the number of people
seeking help, with some seeing up to four new patients every
day.
Dr Ng Kok Kit, Associate Consultant, Dept of Urology, Changi
General Hospital, said: "More men are coming forward with symptoms
and problems and check whether they do have andropause which we
will require to do a symptom score as well as a blood test to find
out. If they are positive, then we are able to treat them. There
are another group of men that come with the problems but rather
than for andropause per se, they usually have some sexual
problems."
Dr Ng said some 1,000 patients had been given testosterone
supplements since 1996 and about 70 percent reported an improvement
in their symptoms. - CNA/ch
