Male Menopause: Does It Exist? The Debate, Signs, And How To Cope
For many people, menopause can be a transformative stage of life. People assigned female at birth (AFAB) typically experience menopause, the end of their reproductive years, around age 50, although the transition to menopause tends to begin in the mid-40s.
While menopause may be nearly universal among people with female reproductive systems, attention has shifted to the concept of “male menopause” in recent years.
About male menopause
Male menopause, also called andropause, is a phase when levels of testosterone decrease in people assigned male at birth (AMAB). This reduction in testosterone can be much more gradual than reductions in estrogen in people who experience menopause, leading some healthcare providers to debate whether male menopause is a “real” event.
This article discusses the debate surrounding male menopause, key signs that may be associated with this stage of life, plus five strategies to cope with male menopause and other potential effects of reproductive aging.
Is male menopause real?
Research suggests male menopause, also called andropause, is real, though health professionals and their patients may use different terms to describe the condition and its symptoms.
Men and other people with male reproductive systems experience hormonal changes as they age, particularly when they reach their late 40s and early 50s. While testosterone levels fall as men age, this change may be gradual, with about a 1% yearly decline compared to female menopause, when estrogen production declines rapidly.
Consequently, some healthcare providers find the term “male menopause” unhelpful, as it disregards the rate of hormonal changes experienced among men in middle age. More accurate names for male menopause may include:
- Age-related low testosterone
- Male hypogonadism: a condition in which the body does not produce enough testosterone due to decreased activity of the gonads (testes). This condition is also called androgen deficiency, which is more broadly characterized by lower levels of male sex hormones (androgens), or testosterone than are needed for good health.
In the case of male hypogonadism or androgen deficiency, low testosterone is not age-related but instead the result of a condition where the testicles do not produce enough testosterone.
Signs of male menopause
Because age-related changes in testosterone levels typically happen over many years or decades, some men won’t notice any signs of male menopause.
In other cases, however, an unusually low level of testosterone could lead to the following symptoms:
- Decreased libido (sex drive) and infertility
- Depression, fatigue, and insomnia
- Mood swings and irritability
- Erectile dysfunction
- Increases in or redistribution of body fat
- Loss of muscle mass and bone density
These symptoms may also indicate another physical or mental health condition, so working closely with a doctor can help to rule out any other potential factors.
How to cope with male menopause
Depending on which doctor you consult and your specific symptoms, you may encounter different opinions and names for male menopause. Regardless of how you label your experiences, your symptoms deserve proper care and treatment.
The following five strategies can help you manage age-related changes in male sex hormones, become more connected to your body, and improve your mental health.
1. Get a blood test
If you’re experiencing the symptoms of male menopause, your doctor will likely order a blood test to confirm if you have low testosterone. Typically, they’ll assess the following levels:
- Total testosterone levels
- Luteinizing hormone (LH) levels, which can help determine if anything within the pituitary gland is causing the low testosterone
- Prolactin levels, as high prolactin can indicate pituitary gland complications or tumors
This article is not a substitute for medical advice. Consult your doctor for guidance on the best blood tests for your symptoms.
2. Prioritize a healthy lifestyle
As you age into menopause and beyond, most doctors and mental health professionals may emphasize the importance of a healthy lifestyle.
“Health” is a broad concept with various meanings for different people. Beyond eating and exercising for your body, consider what health means to you as you enter your next life stage.
For most people, healthy aging is a continuous process prioritizing physical and mental health, independence, and quality of life. In addition to the physical aspects of health, consider how you can integrate the emotional, social, and spiritual dimensions of health into your daily life and self-care routine. Some potential activities may include:
- Regular meetings with friends can help build and maintain your sense of community
- Doing something you love every day, whether it’s dancing, gardening, or watching an episode of your favorite TV show
- Spending time outside
- Relaxing activities like yoga, meditation, or just taking a nap
Any of these activities can be adapted to the demands of your schedule and your physical and emotional needs. Aging may be continuous, but healthy aging can be flexible, rewarding, and fun.
3. Join a support group
Both online and in-person, many people find solace and hope in support groups for male menopause, low testosterone, and other age-related challenges. You can look for these groups through an online search or social media. You may also ask your doctor or therapist for recommendations.
If you prefer face-to-face interactions, many hospitals and community clinics run support groups for people with various needs. Whatever the format, these groups can provide strong social support and connection to people with similar values and goals.
The long-term effects of social support can be plentiful and potentially life-changing. When you give and receive support from others, research suggests the exchange can improve your self-esteem, resilience, and immunity. It can also reduce the risk of high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and age-related cognitive disorders.
4. Learn more about treatments for low testosterone
If you’re experiencing male menopause or other causes of low testosterone, there are several treatments for your symptoms. Your doctor may walk you through a personal treatment plan, but some common options include:
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT): HRT is often delivered as an injection or gel to people with testosterone deficiency.
- While HRT can relieve loss of sex drive, fatigue, depression, and other symptoms, replacing testosterone may worsen prostate cancer and increase the risk of heart disease. Before beginning any treatment, consult your doctor for guidance.
- Psychotherapy and medications: A combination of talk therapy and, if necessary, psychiatric medication can reduce stress and anxiety and help you manage mental health conditions that may exacerbate the symptoms of male menopause.
- Lifestyle changes: This can include regularly eating and exercising for your body, but also having fun and spending quality time with loved ones.
5. Consider meeting with an online therapist for extra support
Many people experience age-related changes in their hormones and other areas of life, including their careers, relationships, hobbies, and goals for the future. Wherever you find yourself in this stage of life, a professional therapist can be a source of comfort as you navigate the challenges and rewards of aging.
While some prefer in-person therapy, many patients invest in their mental health from the comfort of their homes. Using an online platform like BetterHelp, you can match with a licensed therapist within as little as 48 hours of completing a brief questionnaire to assess your mental health needs and goals. BetterHelp therapists have at least three years of professional experience and extensive training, and they can guide you through male menopause and other aspects of mindful aging with empathy and expertise.
Several studies show that online therapy can be as effective as face-to-face options, including a 2022 study of the relationship between patient age and online or “telepsychiatric” care. Compared to younger adults, the researchers found that older patients had similar improvement in the severity of their depression symptoms after receiving treatment through an online health platform. This research indicates that age is not a barrier to benefiting from online therapy but an opportunity to make therapy more available to people of all ages and backgrounds.
Takeaway
If you’re entering your final reproductive years, you may be concerned about the potential hormonal shifts, physical changes, and other signs of male menopause that may develop in this stage of life.
Many of these age-related changes are gradual and can be managed with proactive lifestyle choices coupled with the support of a licensed therapist. With a mental health professional at your side (or guiding you through the screen), you can define and fully embrace what “healthy aging” means to you. Take the first step with BetterHelp.
At what age does male menopause start?
The decrease in testosterone levels that signifies the start of the biological transition into older adulthood in healthy men or those who were assigned male at birth (AMAB) typically begins in the late 40s or early 50s. This normal decline in testosterone is considered to be a natural part of aging.
However, late-onset hypogonadism is a medical condition and not a normal part of aging, so contacting your doctor if you’re experiencing symptoms is recommended. Treatment usually includes testosterone replacement therapy. However, testosterone replacement to supplement decreased hormone production isn’t right for everyone, so speak to your doctor about your unique situation and the potential risks testosterone therapy may carry.
How long does male menopause last in men?
A gradual decline in testosterone in most individuals assigned male at birth (AMAB) begins in the 30s or 40s and continues throughout the rest of life. While this may contribute to or exacerbate some of the same symptoms commonly associated with aging, attempts to compare it to the sudden drop in estrogen and resulting symptoms in AFAB individuals is rejected by many researchers and health professionals. Since testosterone decline is so gradual and lasting, symptoms it may cause could be lasting as well, though they’re typically milder. If you’re experiencing concerning or troublesome symptoms, speak with your doctor for evaluation and advice on how to relieve symptoms.
What are 3 symptoms of andropause?
The answer to the question, ‘What are the signs of male menopause?’ is not straightforward, because there’s debate about whether it’s logical to compare the gradual, later-in-life decrease in testosterone in most assigned-male-at-birth (AMAB) individuals to the sudden drop some women experience and other AFAB people experience later in life.
As one paper on the topic reports, symptoms of andropause, as it’s referred to in older men and other AMAB individuals, are often nonspecific and/or can be considered normal, general signs of aging. Examples include sexual dysfunction, cognitive decline, and weight gain.
What helps male menopause?
Engaging in healthy habits is typically recommended for general symptoms of natural testosterone loss in midlife. Examples include eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and managing stress levels.
What are signs of low testosterone in males?
Common symptoms of low testosterone in an aging male or individual assigned male at birth (AMAB) include low sex drive and trouble with sexual function, sleep disturbances, decrease in muscle size and strength, depression, poor concentration, and others.
What vitamins are good for male menopause?
Individuals assigned male at birth (AMAB) may benefit from taking vitamins intended for general overall health for older adults. Some of these include vitamin A, vitamin B12, calcium, and magnesium.
Does male menopause go away?
Testosterone in the male reproductive system decreases by about 1% each year starting in the 30s or 40s, so any related symptoms are likely to be persistent. If you’re experiencing symptoms that are negatively impacting your daily functioning or causing pain or distress, it’s generally recommended that you meet with your doctor for advice.
Do men get hot flashes after 50?
Most of those assigned male at birth (AMAB) naturally conserve enough testosterone into older adulthood in most cases to avoid hot flashes. However, they can still occur in individuals who have received some types of cancer treatments.
How can I help my husband with male menopause?
Those who are experiencing troubling physical symptoms of hormonal changes later in life may want to speak with their doctor. It can also be helpful to engage in healthy lifestyle habits like eating well and exercising regularly, and speaking with a therapist may be helpful for those experiencing mental health symptoms.
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