When most people hear the word “menopause,” they think of women. But men also experience significant hormonal changes as they age. This process is often referred to as male menopause or andropause, though in medical terms it’s better described as age-related testosterone decline or late-onset hypogonadism. Unlike female menopause, which involves a rapid drop in estrogen, male hormone changes happen gradually, sometimes making symptoms harder to recognize.
At Obsidian Men’s Health, we help men identify whether their symptoms are the result of normal aging, low testosterone, or a combination of both, and provide treatment options designed to restore energy, vitality, and sexual wellness.
What Is Male Menopause?
Male menopause isn’t a sudden event. Testosterone levels typically begin to decline by about 1% per year after the age of 30. For some men, this decrease is barely noticeable. For others, the cumulative loss leads to significant symptoms that affect energy, mood, sexual function, and overall health.
Unlike women, men typically don’t experience a complete cessation of hormone production. Instead, testosterone production gradually slows, and the body becomes less efficient at using the testosterone that remains. This difference explains why the term “andropause” or “testosterone deficiency” is often more accurate than “male menopause.”
Common Symptoms of Male Menopause
The signs of testosterone decline often appear subtly, but together they can create a major impact on daily life.
- Fatigue and reduced stamina: Men often describe feeling drained despite adequate sleep.
- Lower libido: A fading interest in sex is one of the hallmark symptoms of declining testosterone.
- Erectile difficulties: Testosterone supports erectile function, and its loss can make erections less firm or less frequent.
- Mood changes: Irritability, depression, or loss of motivation are common.
- Loss of muscle mass and strength: Testosterone supports lean muscle; its decline often leads to sarcopenia (muscle loss).
- Increased body fat: Particularly around the abdomen, creating a higher risk of metabolic dysfunction.
- Cognitive effects: Some men report brain fog, trouble concentrating, or memory lapses.
Not every man will experience all of these symptoms, but when several occur together, testosterone testing is warranted.
Comparing Male Menopause and Female Menopause
| Aspect | Male Menopause (Andropause) | Female Menopause |
| Hormone Involved | Gradual decline in testosterone | Rapid decline in estrogen and progesterone |
| Onset | Begins gradually around age 30–40 | Typically occurs around age 45–55 |
| Symptom Progression | Slow, cumulative changes | Relatively sudden onset of symptoms |
| Fertility | Reduced but possible | Ends completely after menopause |
| Treatment Options | Testosterone replacement therapy, lifestyle interventions | Hormone replacement therapy, lifestyle interventions |
This comparison helps explain why men may not always recognize their symptoms as hormone-related; the changes happen slowly, often over decades.
Diagnosis: How Male Menopause Is Identified
Diagnosing testosterone deficiency or hypogonadism involves more than a blood test. At Obsidian Men’s Health, we look at:
- Testosterone levels: Morning blood tests are most accurate for measuring total and free testosterone due to the diurnal rhythm of testosterone production.
- Other hormone levels: Assessing other hormones such as estradiol, LH/FSH and TSH can help with the diagnostic process.
- Symptom evaluation: Fatigue, sexual changes, and mood disturbances are assessed in detail.
- Medical history: Conditions like obesity, diabetes, or sleep apnea can accelerate testosterone decline.
- Lifestyle factors: Alcohol use, poor sleep, and stress may mimic or worsen symptoms of low testosterone.
Only when low testosterone levels and symptoms align do we diagnose late-onset hypogonadism and consider treatment.
Treatment Options for Male Menopause
While aging is inevitable, the symptoms of male menopause do not have to be accepted as “normal.” A variety of treatment strategies can help men restore vitality and sexual wellness.
- Lifestyle interventions: Weight loss, regular exercise, stress reduction, and improved sleep can naturally boost testosterone levels and improve symptoms.
- Medication review: Some prescription drugs (such as opioids or steroids) lower testosterone; adjusting these may help.
- Treatment of underlying conditions: Managing sleep apnea, diabetes, or cardiovascular disease can reduce the burden on testosterone production.
- Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT): For men with confirmed low testosterone, TRT can restore levels to a healthy range. This often improves energy, libido, erectile function, muscle mass, and mood. TRT can be delivered via gels, injections, patches, or pellets, depending on preference and medical needs.
The Obsidian Difference
At Obsidian Men’s Health, we go beyond simply checking a testosterone level. We evaluate your symptoms, lifestyle, and overall health to build a comprehensive picture. If male menopause is affecting your quality of life, we’ll discuss all treatment options, from lifestyle adjustments to advanced TRT. Our goal is not just to treat a number on a lab test, but to help you regain the strength, confidence, and vitality you thought was gone for good.
To take control of your sexual health, schedule a consultation with one of our physicians.
