Is ‘male menopause’ real?

Menopause is a natural stage of life that women go through as they age. During this time, their reproductive hormone levels fluctuate and gradually decline, causing a range of physical and emotional symptoms.

But can men experience something similar? Often referred to as ‘male menopause’, hormonal changes as men get older can also affect their health and wellbeing. We explore the symptoms, causes, and science behind ‘male menopause’ and why it deserves more attention.

Explore testosterone treatment options

Get expert healthcare advice from the comfort of home. Complete a quick online consultation, available 24/7, with your request reviewed by a UK-registered clinician. Next day delivery available on eligible treatments.

What is ‘male menopause’?

Conversations around female menopause are growing, and awareness is reaching levels we haven’t seen before. While there’s still a long way to go, progress is being made. But as we continue to improve our understanding of women’s hormonal health, should we also pay attention to how men’s hormones change with age?

Dr Mohammad Bakhtiar, Clinical Lead at Medical Express Clinic, explains that ‘male menopause’ – sometimes called ‘andropause’ – is not a recognised medical diagnosis. Instead, it’s a popular term used to describe symptoms some men experience in midlife. However, it can give the misleading impression that men go through a hormonal transition equivalent to women’s menopause.

“Women’s menopause marks the end of menstrual periods as ovarian function declines,” he says. “Men do not go through an equivalent transition, and testosterone does not usually fall abruptly at a particular age.”

That said, Bakhtiar emphasises that symptoms commonly associated with ‘male menopause’ shouldn’t be dismissed. They may be a sign of testosterone deficiency or another underlying health condition, which could benefit from medical assessment and treatment.

Dr Mohammad Bakhtiar

What are the symptoms of ‘male menopause’?

While women experience changes in oestrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels during perimenopause and menopause, men tend to see a more gradual decline in testosterone. This can begin in their thirties or forties.

Bakhtiar notes that this pattern varies considerably from person to person and can be influenced by several factors, including age, body weight, and overall health. Many older men may continue to maintain normal testosterone levels.

There is no specific age at which every man develops symptoms of testosterone deficiency. However, Bakhtiar highlights several common signs that may indicate low testosterone.

• Reduced sex drive and fewer spontaneous or morning erections.

• Reduced muscle mass or strength.

• Increased body fat.

• Tiredness, low mood, and difficulty concentrating – although these symptoms can also have other causes.

Unlike women’s menopause, there is no defined period of ‘male menopause’ that lasts a set number of years.

“How long symptoms last depends on their cause,” Dr Bakhtiar explains. “Persistent testosterone deficiency may require ongoing care.”

Can other health conditions cause ‘male menopause’?

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s worth paying attention to them. However, they don’t necessarily mean your testosterone levels are low. There could be several other factors at play, so it’s important to look at the bigger picture.

Dr Bakhtiar explains that stress, depression, anxiety, and relationship issues can all affect your sex drive, mood, and sleep.

“Poor sleep, including sleep apnoea, excess alcohol, inactivity, and obesity can also contribute,” he says. “Conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disease, and anaemia can cause similar symptoms, so it’s important to look beyond testosterone alone.”

Similarly, certain medicines can play a role. Bakhtiar notes that opioid painkillers and long-term corticosteroid treatment can lower testosterone levels. Some antidepressants can affect sexual function, too, even when testosterone levels are normal. Anabolic steroid use, as well as stopping them, can also interfere with the body’s natural testosterone production.

“If you think a medication may be affecting you, speak to your prescriber before making any changes to your treatment,” he adds.

What is late-onset hypogonadism?

Hypogonadism occurs when the communication between your brain and your ovaries or testicles is disrupted, affecting the production of sex hormones. This can lead to the testicles producing less testosterone or the ovaries producing less oestrogen.

The condition is often present from birth, but it can also develop later in life. When it develops in men as they get older, it may be referred to as late-onset hypogonadism (LOH).

Hypogonadism can cause a range of symptoms in both men and women. In men, these can overlap with symptoms commonly associated with low testosterone.

“LOH is one possible explanation for symptoms attributed to the ‘male menopause’, but it is not an inevitable part of getting older,” says Bakhtiar. “It is more common with increasing age, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and poor general health.”

Your doctor will usually start by asking about your medical history and symptoms, followed by a physical examination. If they suspect LOH, they’ll arrange blood tests to check your testosterone levels. However, low testosterone on its own isn’t enough to confirm a diagnosis. You’ll also need to have symptoms of LOH and consistently low testosterone levels confirmed by blood tests.

How is low testosterone treated?

Treatment for low testosterone depends on what’s causing it, your overall health, and whether you’re planning to have children.

Making a few lifestyle changes can also help support your general and sexual health. Staying active, getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, and cutting back on alcohol if you drink too much can all make a difference.

“In men with obesity, losing weight may help improve testosterone levels,” he says. “Underlying conditions such as depression or sleep apnoea should also be treated, and any possible effects of medication should be reviewed. Erectile issues may need treatment in their own right, too.”

If you have symptoms alongside consistently low testosterone levels, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) may be an option. It can help improve your sex drive and some aspects of sexual function, although its effects on energy levels and mood are less predictable.

Can low testosterone affect fertility?

According to Bakhtiar, sperm quality can decline with age, which may reduce the chances of conceiving. However, there’s no set age at which all men become infertile.

Low testosterone can also affect sex drive and erections, while sperm production plays an important role in fertility. However, low testosterone doesn’t always mean a low sperm count.

You might assume that TRT could help improve fertility, but it can actually suppress sperm production – sometimes to the point where no sperm are detectable in the semen.

For this reason, Bakhtiar advises against TRT if you’re trying to conceive. Depending on the underlying cause of low testosterone, other treatment options may be available.

Before prescribing TRT, your doctor should weigh up the potential benefits and risks. You’ll also need regular monitoring during treatment, as TRT can raise your blood pressure. If your symptoms don’t improve, your diagnosis and treatment plan should be reviewed.

While ‘male menopause’ isn’t directly comparable to female menopause in terms of symptoms or how quickly changes occur, men can experience hormonal changes as they get older. For some, these changes can lead to symptoms associated with lower testosterone levels and affect their overall wellbeing.

Although these effects typically happen more gradually, they can still have a real impact on everyday life. Understanding what’s happening and recognising that it’s ok to seek help can empower men take better care of their health and wellbeing – just as women are increasingly encouraged to do during menopause.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

Article also available inEnglish,German,Spanish,French,Italian,Portuguese,Hindi,Hebrew,Arabic, andSwedish.

• Next review due: 28 Oct 2029

• 28 Oct 2026 | Originally published

  Victoria Raw
  Dr Colin Tidy, MRCGP

Disclaimer: The views expressed in the community do not represent medical advice. For any health concerns, consult your GP or healthcare provider.

Ask, share, connect.

Browse discussions, ask questions, and share experiences across hundreds of health topics.

Feeling unwell?

Assess your symptoms online for free