By Mike Kocsis | 7 minutes read | Last updated: May 21, 2025 Categories: Testosterone
Medically Reviewed by Dr. George Touliatos
Male menopause, a common term for andropause, is a gradual decline in testosterone with age. Mood changes, low libido, and fatigue are some of its most common symptoms.
It is also referred to as late-onset hypogonadism, testosterone deficiency, low testosterone, or androgen deficiency, as it manifests with similar symptoms to these conditions.
Some men may experience only mild symptoms, while others may have more pronounced effects that impact their quality of life.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and lifestyle changes are among the treatments available, although they may not be suitable for all.
What exactly is male menopause?
Male menopause is not a medical term, but rather a common term used to describe symptoms associated with low testosterone levels in older men.
Unlike female menopause, which is marked by a clear biological endpoint (the cessation of menstruation), male menopause occurs gradually over time. It usually occurs between the ages of 40 and 60.
This decline in testosterone can result in a range of symptoms. The symptoms are often subtle and may develop slowly.
The following table highlights key differences between male and female menopause:
Aspect | Male menopause | Female menopause |
| Definition | Gradual decline in testosterone levels as men age. | The natural end of menstruation. |
Age of onset | Typically between ages 40 and 60. | Typically between ages 45 and 55. |
Hormonal changes | Gradual decline in testosterone levels. | Sharp decline in oestrogen and progesterone levels. |
| Reproductive function | No definitive end to fertility. | Permanent end to fertility. |
| Medical treatment | Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in some cases, lifestyle changes. | HRT is common, alongside other treatments for specific symptoms. |
What are the signs of male menopause?
Male menopause can produce psychological, physical, reproductive and emotional symptoms in the body.
Some men may not be bothered by these low T symptoms if they are only mild, while others may notice a more prominent impact on the quality of their life.
Here are the most commonly reported male menopause symptoms:
- Low energy
- Lack of motivation
- Poor concentration
- Brain fog
- Irritability
- Loss of muscle mass
- Low bone mineral density
- Difficulty sleeping
- Low sex drive
- Erectile dysfunction
- Infertility
- Gynaecomastia
- Breast tenderness
- Fat accumulation
- Hot flashes
It is important to remember that these symptoms can be the result of your habits, stress, medications you are taking and many other factors.
So, discuss them with your doctor to rule out potential causes of low T and receive an accurate diagnosis.
So how long does male menopause last?
Male menopause is a gradual process that occurs over a period of several years.
Experts believe that men experience a 1% reduction in male hormone levels (testosterone) when they reach the age of 30. And this decline continues gradually throughout their lives
Unlike female menopause, it does not have a specific duration. It can vary from person to person.
The symptoms may start during middle age – around age 40 and continue into a man’s 60s or even longer.
What are the causes of male menopause?
Male menopause, or low testosterone, is a natural part of ageing. However, some men may experience more pronounced symptoms due to factors that accelerate or exacerbate the decline in testosterone production.
In addition to ageing, several other factors can contribute to testosterone deficiency, including:
- Certain health conditions or chronic diseases like obesity, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and heart diseases
- Poor lifestyle habits like poor diet, lack of physical activity, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and chronic stress
- Certain medications, such as antidepressants and opioids
- Psychological problems like stress, anxiety and depression
- Genetics
- Trauma or injury to the testicles (where testosterone hormone production occurs)
How to diagnose male menopause?
If you want to combat your male menopause and reverse the symptoms that you might be experiencing, then the first step is to diagnose the condition in the first place.
To start, your doctor simply needs to take a blood sample to test the amount of testosterone in your bloodstream.
This will give the doctor insight into what levels your testosterone is at.
A testosterone blood test is mostly done early in the morning when testosterone levels are highest.
If results show you have low testosterone, a second testosterone blood test may also be performed. It is done to ensure that the results are consistent, as testosterone levels can fluctuate throughout the day.
If low testosterone is confirmed, your doctor will perform a few other related tests to rule out potential causes.
How to treat male menopause?
Male menopause is often treated with lifestyle modifications or symptom-related treatment. For instance, if you are experiencing depression due to low testosterone, your doctor may prescribe antidepressants to treat it.
The most effective lifestyle changes that help manage these symptoms well are:
- Stress management
- Talking therapy
- Relaxation
- 7 to 9 hour of quality sleep
- Exercise
- Strength training
- A balanced, healthy diet consisting of testosterone boosting foods
- Weight management
- Regular check-ups
- Avoid excessive alcohol
For most men, these lifestyle changes do wonders, but for others they do not produce much difference. This is where treatments like testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) come to help.
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT)
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) involves adding synthetic testosterone to the body to make up for the natural decline. In this way, it helps to restore normal testosterone levels.
There are various ways to administer testosterone, such as via injections, gels, creams, skin patches, and tablets.
TRT is an effective treatment that has helped countless men increase their testosterone levels. Yet doctors cannot prescribe it to anyone just because they have low testosterone.
Like any other medical procedure, TRT also has potential side effects like acne, weight gain and infertility. It is also linked to an increased risk of prostate cancer and breast cancer in some individuals.
Hence, your doctor will first evaluate your health condition thoroughly and then decide whether to give you testosterone or not.
Where to get help for male menopause?
Male menopause is a treatable problem, so it is best to get professional help and improve your life’s quality.
Balance My Hormones has been helping men boost their testosterone levels for several years now. Our hormone clinic provides various services, including testosterone blood test service, testosterone for men and hCG on TRT to help men tackle hormone problems.
Contact us today to book a free consultation and get professional help for low testosterone.
Can males have menopause?
Although men do not go through menopause like women, their testosterone hormone levels naturally decrease with age. This can lead to symptoms like fatigue, low libido, etc.
Can male menopause be treated?
Yes, you can treat this problem. Making healthy lifestyle changes is the best natural solution to low testosterone. If that does not work, testosterone replacement therapy is the other effective solution.
Does male menopause cause erectile dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction (an inability to maintain or achieve an erection) has various causes, including stress, anxiety, etc. Male menopause can also contribute to it.
What age does male menopause start?
Male menopause is not a precise biological event like female menopause. So, it does not have a specific age of onset. But the gradual drop in testosterone levels may start showing its signs in the late 40s or early 50s.
Do all men need male menopause treatment?
No, not all ageing males need the treatment. If you are not experiencing significant symptoms or a noticeable decline in the quality of everyday life, treatment may not be necessary.
But if low T symptoms are impacting your mental, physical, emotional or physical health, getting treatment may be the right decision.
Can male menopause be reversed?
Since it is a natural part of ageing, it is not possible to fully reverse it. However, treatments like TRT can help you bring your testosterone levels back within normal range and improve your symptoms.
Summing it up
Male menopause is an age-related reduction in testosterone levels. It can cause increased tiredness, poor concentration, sexual dysfunction, mood swings, mental health issues, and muscle mass loss.
You should make healthy lifestyle changes to improve your symptoms and feel better again. If these do not work for you, replacing testosterone with TRT may be the right solution.
Discuss your symptoms, health condition and health goals with your doctor to identify the problem and find an effective solution.
References
Shivakumar, D. and Nagaraju, K., 2025. Male Menopause: Concern Needs Attention. Indian Journal of Pharmacy Practice, 18(2), pp.180-183.
Snyder, P., 2022. Testosterone treatment of late-onset hypogonadism–benefits and risks. Reviews in Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders, 23(6), pp.1151-1157.
Saalu, L.C. and Osinubi, A.A., 2022. Andropause (male menopause): valid concepts, fables and controversies. University of Lagos Journal of Basic Medical Sciences, 1(1).
Pines, A., 2011. Male menopause: is it a real clinical syndrome?. Climacteric, 14(1), pp.15-17.
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About the Author: Mike Kocsis
Mike Kocsis has an MBA with a focus on healthcare administration and is an entrepreneur and medical case manager for Balance My Hormones which offers medical services in the UK and Europe. Mike has over 20 years of experience in the healthcare sector, much of that working with people who have hormone imbalances. Mike has appeared on podcasts and radio and is an expert speaker on the subject of hormone imbalance. He specialises in Testosterone Replacement Therapy and Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and has helped thousands of people suffering from hormone imbalances recover and regain control of their lives. You can follow him on LinkedIn and on the Balance My Hormones YouTube Channel.
Last update: May 21st, 2025
