Andropause in Men: Symptoms, Causes, and Support for Healthy Aging

Understanding Andropause in Men

November 29th is observed globally as International Men’s Day, a time when conversations around men’s mental health, suicide prevention, and positive masculinity gain visibility. Yet, an important aspect of men’s health often remains overlooked—andropause in men.

Sexual and hormonal health has long been a quiet topic in our society. While menstruation and menopause are now discussed more openly, male menopause (andropause) continues to stay in the shadows. Many men are unaware that the physical and emotional changes they experience with age may be linked to hormonal shifts, not personal weakness or failure.

Raising awareness about andropause is essential to improving men’s overall well-being and quality of life.

What Is Andropause?

Andropause refers to the gradual decline in testosterone levels in men, usually beginning after the age of 40. Testosterone plays a vital role in energy levels, mood, muscle mass, sexual health, and cognitive functioning.

Unlike menopause in women—which involves a sudden hormonal drop and the end of fertility—andropause progresses slowly. Fertility does not stop completely, and symptoms vary widely from one man to another. Some men may notice significant changes, while others experience only mild effects.

This condition is also referred to as late-onset hypogonadism, and with timely recognition, it is highly manageable.

What Causes Andropause?

Did you know that testosterone production naturally decreases by about 1% annually starting around age 30? Well, you heard that right. Andropause doesn’t start on a random day; it begins gradually during a man’s 30s. This decrease in testosterone production is due to the reduced Leydig cell function in the testes. Several factors can contribute to this condition, such as obesity, diabetes, chronic stress, poor diet, lack of exercise, and medications. These factors accelerate this decline by increasing sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), which limits free testosterone availability. While considering lifestyle factors, it is also essential to consider genetics. Genetic predisposition and conditions such as metabolic syndrome heighten risk, making not all men equally affected.

• Reduced libido

• Erectile dysfunction

• Breast tenderness

• Reduced body hair

• Changes in energy or fatigue despite good rest

• Frequent mood swings ranging between irritability and sadness

• Loss of muscle mass

• Increased body fat, especially in the abdominal region

• Hot flashes

• Changes in sleep patterns

• Decreased bone density

• Poor concentration

Most of the time, when men go through these symptoms, such as cognitive fog, or feeling tired despite resting well, or being angry and irritated for no reason, they feel confused. An internal struggle begins in them as they find their daily functioning at a crossroads due to these sudden changes. This is where the awareness of andropause comes into play. Knowing that one is going through andropause can enable them to understand themselves, make peace with what is happening, and take the necessary steps to ensure a healthy being. Doctors analyze blood samples, and tools such as the ADAM questionnaire are used to diagnose andropause.

Treatment and Management of Andropause

The foundation of managing andropause lies in sustainable lifestyle changes and medical guidance.

1. Quality Sleep

   Sleeping 7–9 hours daily supports hormonal balance. Adequate sleep can naturally increase testosterone levels by 15–20%.

   
   

2. Physical Activity

   Regular exercise—especially resistance training and cardiovascular activity—helps maintain muscle mass, energy, and mood.

   
   

3. Balanced Nutrition

   A nutrient-rich diet with adequate protein, zinc, vitamin D, and healthy fats supports hormonal health and resilience against age-related changes.

   
   

4. Avoid Unhealthy Habits

   Limiting alcohol intake and quitting smoking can significantly improve hormonal balance.

   
   

5. Stress Management

   Chronic stress worsens andropause symptoms by increasing cortisol levels. Mindfulness, meditation, relaxation techniques, and meaningful social connections play a crucial role. Psychological support can be helpful when stress feels overwhelming.

   
   

6. Regular Health Checkups

   Routine medical checkups after the age of 40 help detect hormonal or metabolic concerns early, allowing timely intervention.

   
   

7. Hormone Therapy (When Medically Advised)

   Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)—through gels, patches, or injections—may ease symptoms in 70–80% of cases. However, this should only be initiated under medical supervision due to potential side effects.

Psychological Support During Andropause

Andropause can be scary and confusing. It can be quite stressful for someone who already has a lot on their plate. If you’re a man struggling with physical symptoms associated with andropause, we highly advise you to consult a medical practitioner, as they will be able to guide you better in terms of the physical concerns.

We want to support you through this stressful time. We want to ensure that you’re not alone in your struggles. Koott is there for you. Our psychologists have the right resources to help you pack your bags and embrace this rocky journey. We promise to make this change less scary, less confusing……..and most importantly, less lonely for you.

The 2025 theme of International Men’s Day is "Celebrating Men and Boys." 

We celebrate you every day………for showing up every day, for being strong every day, for helping others in many ways every day, for bearing the wounds on your back every day, for accepting vulnerabilities silently every day, for learning to break the age hold beliefs of masculinity and embracing a positive look at your being every day, we celebrate you for being just YOU every day.

Book your session with Koott today.