Testimony
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They had never heard of andropause before being interviewed. Men recount their physical, intellectual and sexual changes to “Libé” at the turn of their sixties. Third episode of our series, Didier, 63 years old, retired bookseller, who lives in Marseille.
More taboo than menopause, andropause nevertheless affects 2% to 18% of the male population depending on age and numerous criteria, according to The Journal of Sexual Medicine (University of Oxford). Reduced libido, disappearance of morning erections but also hot flashes, night sweating, sleep problems, weight gain in the stomach, depressive feelings and loss of energy… The clinical picture strangely resembles menopause, without however attracting a lot of media attention. During our investigation into andropause, men agreed to testify to tell us about this stage of their life.
“I had to open my dictionary to learn what andropause was. So, if I reflect on the last three years, they have been rich and intense, not always for the best: I have had health problems, which continue because I am still under treatment. And as I had a long career, I found myself retired earlier than