10 Things You Didn't Know About Male Menopause

As men get older, the focus stays on staying fit and keeping the mind sharp. But what about the more subtle changes, mood shifts, low energy, less motivation, or a fading sex drive? These signs might point to male menopause, also known as andropause.

Male menopause involves a slow drop in testosterone levels that can affect energy, mood, and overall health. It’s not always talked about, which is why many men don’t realize what’s happening until symptoms start to build.

Here are ten things you might not know about male menopause and how small changes can make a big difference.

Male Menopause Is Real but Often Misunderstood

Some people laugh off the term “male menopause,” but the symptoms are real. Starting in their 30s or 40s, men can lose about one percent of their testosterone each year.

For many, the changes are subtle and gradual. But some men experience a big enough drop to notice real effects, like low sex drive, loss of muscle, or fatigue. Because the symptoms overlap with normal aging, many men never connect them to low testosterone.

It Rarely Looks Like Female Menopause

Women often experience sudden changes like hot flashes when estrogen levels drop sharply. Men, on the other hand, experience a slow, steady decline in testosterone.

Because of this, symptoms like low libido or mood changes appear gradually. Men also usually stay fertile much longer than women, even though fertility does decrease over time.

It Is Not Just a Midlife Crisis

Some symptoms of male menopause, like mood swings, anxiety, or low confidence, can look a lot like the cliché midlife crisis. But unlike a crisis brought on by life changes, male menopause has a biological cause.

Therapy, medical treatment, and lifestyle changes can help balance both mental and physical health during this time.

Lifestyle Habits Matter More Than You Think

Aging plays a role in testosterone decline, but so do lifestyle factors. Smoking, heavy drinking, lack of exercise, and poor sleep all make symptoms worse.

Chronic conditions like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease can also lower testosterone, sometimes leading to more severe symptoms at younger ages.

Stress and Work Schedules Can Add to the Problem

High-stress jobs or irregular work hours can disrupt hormones like cortisol and testosterone. Men who work night shifts or have high-pressure jobs often report more fatigue, irritability, and low libido.

Finding ways to manage stress, through exercise, mindfulness, or better sleep, can help ease these symptoms.

Testosterone Therapy Can Help, but Needs Careful Planning

Men with very low testosterone levels and major symptoms sometimes consider testosterone therapy (TT).

Research shows TT can improve energy, mood, sexual function, and muscle mass. But it isn’t right for everyone. Some studies suggest possible risks for heart health or other conditions, so it’s important to weigh the benefits and risks with a doctor before starting.

Natural Ways to Support Testosterone Levels

The good news is that lifestyle changes can often help raise testosterone naturally. Regular exercise, especially strength training, a balanced diet, stress reduction, and good sleep all support healthy hormone production.

Even small changes, like cutting back on alcohol or improving sleep routines, can make a difference over time.

Healthy Habits Ease Symptoms Over Time

Some experts believe low testosterone is often a result of poor health rather than the main cause of it. That means improving diet, losing excess weight, and staying active can sometimes reverse symptoms or prevent them from getting worse.

Checking vitamin D levels and correcting any deficiencies may also support hormone health.

Be Selective with Supplements

Many over-the-counter supplements claim to boost testosterone, but not all are backed by science. Some ingredients like Eurycoma longifolia, pomegranate extract, and cacao seed extracts show some promise, but quality and safety vary widely. For the best quality, check the sexual health collection at Curated Wellness! 

It’s best to talk with a healthcare provider before trying any supplement to make sure it’s safe and appropriate for your needs.

Involve Your Partner in the Process

Male menopause can affect relationships, too. Changes in mood, energy, or libido can create stress at home.

Attending doctor visits or counseling sessions together can help partners better understand what’s happening and work as a team to manage changes.

Signs of Low Testosterone

Testosterone levels naturally start to decline by about one percent per year after age 40. For many men, this decrease stays within normal limits and doesn’t cause major symptoms.

When symptoms do appear, they can sometimes mimic normal aging, side effects from medications, or other health conditions like diabetes or thyroid disorders.

Common signs of low testosterone may include:

• Difficulty sleeping

• Loss of muscle mass

• Low bone density

• Fatigue and low energy

• Mood swings or irritability

• Trouble with memory or concentration

• Reduced sex drive or sexual dysfunction

How and When to Test for Low Testosterone

If you have symptoms of low testosterone, your doctor may suggest tests to find out more. These often include:

• A physical exam

• Blood tests for total testosterone levels (usually in the morning before 10 a.m.)

• Hormone tests to look for underlying causes

• Additional tests to rule out other health conditions

If results show consistently low testosterone, your doctor may refer you to a men’s health or hormone specialist. They can help pinpoint whether the problem lies in the testicles, hormone signaling, or other factors, and guide you toward the best treatment plan.

Moving Forward with Support

Male menopause is real, but it doesn’t have to limit your health or quality of life. With the right lifestyle habits, medical guidance, and emotional support, it’s possible to stay active, energized, and connected through midlife and beyond.

If you’re curious about steps to support your health naturally, Curated Wellness offers access to practitioner-grade supplements and personalized wellness guidance. Their team can help you explore options to improve energy, balance hormones, and feel your best.

Top Recommended Products for Andropause (Male Hormonal Ageing) Support:

Advanced Testosterone Support - Thorne

Healthy testosterone levels are associated with numerous health benefits, like optimal sexual function, muscle health, healthy libido, and vitality.* Thorne’s Advanced Testosterone Support was designed to support healthy testosterone levels to help you maintain your mental and physical vigor.

Testost-Rx - Rx Vitamins

Testost-Rx is a natural androgen support formula designed to promote healthy testosterone levels. Healthy levels of circulating testosterone are important in maintaining physical energy and endurance, optimal body fat, mental acuity and peak functioning of the circulatory system.

Testosterone Formula - Integrative Therapeutics

Maintaining healthy testosterone levels becomes of greater concern as men age. Inadequate nutrition and other lifestyle factors can also affect testosterone production. Testosterone Formula™ men’s hormone support combines essential nutrients with botanical extracts, such as ginseng and tribulus, to help support healthy testosterone levels.