Understanding Andropause: The Male Equivalent of Menopause
When we talk about midlife hormonal changes, most people think of menopause, but men also experience their own version of a hormonal transition. It’s called andropause, and while it isn’t as sudden or as widely discussed, it can have a significant impact on emotional and mental well-being.
Because andropause is gradual and often misunderstood, many men (and their partners) miss the signs and attribute the changes to stress, aging, or personality shifts. Understanding what really happens during this stage can bring clarity, compassion, and healthier conversations.
What Is Andropause?
Andropause refers to the gradual decline of testosterone that typically begins in a man’s late 30s or 40s.
Unlike menopause, this process is slow, and not all men experience strong symptoms.
Common names include:
• Andropause
• Male menopause (informal)
• Late-onset hypogonadism (medical term)
• Testosterone deficiency
Regardless of the terminology, the experience is real, and it affects much more than the body.
Common Emotional and Psychological Changes
As testosterone levels decline, many men report noticeable shifts in mood, energy, and emotional regulation. These can include:
• Increased irritability
• Mood swings
• Reduced motivation
• Anxiety or restlessness
• Lower confidence
• Difficulty concentrating
• Emotional withdrawal
Partners often notice these changes before men do. This can create confusion or tension in relationships if the underlying cause isn’t understood.
Physical Changes That Affect Mental Health
Andropause also brings gradual physical changes that can impact self-esteem and daily functioning:
• Reduced libido
• Erectile changes
• Fatigue or low energy
• Weight gain (especially around the abdomen)
• Loss of muscle mass
• Sleep disturbances
These physical shifts can lead to frustration, embarrassment, or increased self-consciousness; especially for men who take pride in strength, stamina, or vitality.
Why This Stage is Emotionally Challenging
Unlike menopause, andropause has no clear start or end point. The changes happen slowly over several years, which can lead to:
• Misattributing symptoms to “work stress”
• Believing one must simply “push through”
• Shame about emotional or physical vulnerability
• Difficulty seeking help
• Feeling misunderstood by partners or family
Societal expectations also play a role; men are often taught to hide discomfort, endure quietly, and avoid talking about emotional challenges.
How Therapy Can Support Men Through Andropause
Therapy provides a safe space for men to understand this stage of life and navigate the changes with confidence and clarity.
It can help with:
• Managing mood and irritability
• Rebuilding emotional resilience
• Strengthening communication with partners
• Adjusting to new physical and emotional realities
• Addressing identity shifts or midlife reflections
• Reducing stress and burnout
• Supporting self-esteem during bodily changes
Support during this phase is not a sign of weakness, it’s a sign of insight.
Andropause vs Menopause: The Key Differences
Although both involve hormonal changes, they occur differently:
• Menopause is rapid; andropause is gradual
• Menopause affects fertility; andropause usually does not
• All women experience menopause; not all men have significant andropause symptoms
• Menopause has a clear marker (12 months without menstruation); andropause has none
Even so, both transitions can have a powerful effect on emotional and mental health.
A Chapter of Adjustment, Not Decline
Andropause is not a loss of masculinity, vitality, or identity.
It is simply a phase of adjustment, one that many men move through successfully with awareness and support.
Understanding these changes can strengthen relationships, deepen empathy, and reduce misunderstandings. With the right guidance, this stage can become an opportunity for growth, clarity, and renewed direction.
Disclaimer: This article is for information purposes only and is not a substitute for personalised professional care.
