Andropause and quality of life: findings from patient focus groups and clinical experts

Abstract

Objectives: To develop a condition-specific quality of life (QoL) questionnaire to assess the symptoms of the decline in testosterone that occurs as men age, otherwise known as the andropause. Methods: Two focus groups of patients with low testosterone levels and an expert panel of physicians in the treatment of male testosterone deficiency. Results: The patient focus groups confirmed that men are unlikely to realise they have low testosterone levels until this is diagnosed and that they are unlikely to share their experiences with peers. Both patients and physicians considered decreased energy levels and impaired sexual performance had the greatest adverse impact on well-being. Patients generally felt that testosterone replacement therapy led to improved energy levels and, to a lesser extent, improved libido and erectile function. Evaluation of the responses resulted in the identification of seven key domains (energy, emotional, social, social emotional, mental functioning, physical functioning and sexual functioning) that should be considered when assessing the impact of andropause on QoL. Conclusions: Understanding the impact of low testosterone levels on QoL is critical to diagnosis and effective treatment. The use of an andropause-specific QoL questionnaire will facilitate quantification of patient experiences and may thus improve subsequent therapy.