Andropause: What Men Need to Know About Midlife Hormonal Shifts
When we talk about midlife health, most of the conversation revolves around women and menopause. But men also go through hormonal changes — we just don’t talk about it nearly as much. That’s where andropause comes in.
Andropause, sometimes called “male menopause,” refers to the gradual decline in testosterone levels that many men experience starting around ages 40–55. Unlike menopause, which can happen over a few years, andropause is slower and more subtle, which is why it’s often overlooked or mistaken for “just getting older.”
At Island Wellness Clinic, I’ve seen how confusing these changes can be for men. The truth is, you don’t have to settle for feeling less energetic, less motivated, or less like yourself. Let’s break it down.
What Is Andropause?
Andropause is the natural, age-related decline in testosterone — the hormone responsible for energy, mood, muscle mass, and sexual health in men. By age 50, testosterone production can drop by about 1% per year (Travison et al., 2007).
Because this decline is gradual, men may not notice the shift right away, but over time, symptoms build up and start to impact daily life.
Common Symptoms of Andropause
Every man experiences andropause differently, but common symptoms include:
- Mood swings and irritability
- Fatigue and lower energy
- Reduced motivation or focus
- Changes in muscle mass and body composition
- Lowered libido and sexual health changes
- Sleep disturbances
What surprises many men is that these symptoms aren’t “just stress” or “just age” — they are often linked directly to hormone imbalance.
Why Mood Swings Happen
When we think of testosterone, most people think of muscles and sex drive. But testosterone also plays a major role in brain chemistry. It influences serotonin and dopamine — the neurotransmitters that regulate mood and motivation (Zarrouf et al., 2009).
As testosterone levels fall, men may feel more irritable, anxious, or down. These changes can feel sudden and unsettling, especially if you don’t realize hormones are behind them.
How Andropause Differs from Menopause
While both men and women experience midlife hormonal shifts, there are key differences:
Gradual vs. abrupt – Men’s testosterone declines slowly, while women’s estrogen drops more sharply in menopause.
Subtle symptoms – Men may dismiss symptoms like fatigue or low libido as “normal aging,” making andropause less likely to be diagnosed.
The important takeaway? Just because the changes are slower doesn’t mean they aren’t significant.
What Men Can Do About It
The good news is that andropause is not something you just have to “deal with.” There are steps you can take to restore balance and feel like yourself again.
Lifestyle support: Regular exercise, strength training, balanced nutrition, stress management, and quality sleep all help maintain testosterone levels.
Medical support: Hormone testing can confirm whether andropause is the cause of your symptoms. In some cases, hormone therapy may be recommended.
Mind-body care: Breathwork, mindfulness, and counseling can support mental and emotional well-being.
When to Seek Support
If mood swings, fatigue, or other symptoms are interfering with your work, relationships, or quality of life, it’s time to get checked. At Island Wellness Clinic, we specialize in midlife health for both women and men.
Through virtual consultations, I help patients across Florida identify whether hormones are at play and create a plan to restore energy, balance, and confidence.
Final Thoughts + a Quick Q&A Recap
Andropause may not be widely discussed, but it’s very real — and treatable. Just like women in midlife, men deserve support to feel balanced, energized, and themselves again.
Ready to take the first step? Book your consultation today at Island Wellness Clinic.
Q: At what age does andropause start?
A: Most men begin to notice symptoms between ages 40 and 55, though testosterone decline can start earlier and continue gradually with age.
Q: Is andropause the same as menopause?
A: Not exactly. Menopause is a relatively sudden drop in estrogen for women, while andropause is a gradual decline in testosterone for men.
Q: What are the first signs of andropause?
A: Common early signs include fatigue, irritability, reduced sex drive, and difficulty concentrating.
Q: Can lifestyle changes help with andropause?
A: Yes. Regular exercise, strength training, good sleep, and a balanced diet all support healthy testosterone levels.
Q: When should I see a doctor about andropause?
A: If symptoms like mood swings, fatigue, or low libido are impacting your daily life, it’s time to get your hormone levels tested and explore treatment options.
Q: Does Island Wellness Clinic offer support for men with andropause?
A: Yes — I work with men across Florida and nationwide through virtual consultations, helping them understand their hormone health and create a personalized plan.
🌐 Book your consultation today.
🔗 References
Travison, T. G., Araujo, A. B., Kupelian, V., O’Donnell, A. B., & McKinlay, J. B. (2007). The relative contributions of aging, health, and lifestyle factors to serum testosterone decline in men. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 92(2), 549–555. https://doi.org/10.1210/jc.2006-1859
Zarrouf, F. A., Artz, S., Griffith, J., Sirbu, C., & Kommor, M. (2009). Testosterone and depression: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Psychiatric Practice, 15(4), 289–305. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.pra.0000358315.88931.fc