Quick version
What happens in men's bodies and hormonal systems?
As men age, there is a gradual decline in testosterone and other androgens. Here are some key facts:
- Men’s total testosterone levels begin to decline by about 1% per year starting in their 30s–40s, according to several studies.
- Everything from libido, erectile function, muscle mass, bone density, fat distribution, energy levels, and mood can be affected by decreasing testosterone.
- Terminologically, a distinction is often made between “functional androgen deficiency” or Late-onset hypogonadism (LOH) and the more general term andropause. There is no abrupt transition like in women.
- In men, the hormonal change is slow and individual – not all men experience clear symptoms or any “collapse” in hormone production.
What is "male menopause"?
The term “male menopause” is somewhat oversimplified. It suggests a sharp hormonal shift like in women, but in men, the change occurs gradually. That’s why many experts consider the term “male menopause” to be misleading.
At what age can these changes become noticeable?
- Many studies indicate that testosterone starts to decline already after age 30–40.
- More clinically noticeable symptoms tend to appear around age 50–60 or later, once hormone levels have declined significantly and/or other health problems have developed.
- A study (European Male Ageing Study) showed that among men aged 40–79, symptoms are spread across decades, not concentrated in a steep transition.
Also read: Erectile dysfunction and testosterone deficiency – when hormones affect potency
How common is it – and what symptoms can be mistaken for something else?
Having declining testosterone is common – but having both low hormone levels and clear symptoms that require treatment is much less so. Because the changes are gradual and often general, they are easily mistaken for other causes. Here are some common symptoms and what they are often confused with:
- Decreased libido / erectile problems ›› May be mistaken for stress, relationship issues, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or medications
- Fatigue, low energy ›› May be mistaken for sleep issues, depression, thyroid disorders, or lifestyle factors like obesity and inactivity
- Loss of muscle strength/mass ›› May be mistaken for normal aging, low physical activity, or poor nutrition
- Increased fat mass (especially abdominal) ›› May be mistaken for overweight, lifestyle changes, hormonal imbalance, or insulin resistance
- Mood swings, irritability ›› May be mistaken for stress, midlife crisis, poor sleep, alcohol use, or other hormonal imbalances
- Poor memory/concentration ›› May be mistaken for sleep problems, stress, depression, or neurological conditions
That’s why it’s important not to automatically attribute symptoms to “male menopause” before ruling out other – and often more common – causes.
Conclusion – does male menopause exist?
- Yes — men experience hormonal changes with age (as testosterone production declines), but it’s not directly comparable to female menopause.
- The term “male menopause” or “andropause” is somewhat misleading – the change is gradual, individual, and lacks a clear threshold.
- The most noticeable symptoms usually appear around age 50–60 or later, but vary greatly between individuals.
- Having lower testosterone is common, but having symptoms plus hormonally confirmed deficiency is much rarer.
- Many symptoms are nonspecific and can be explained by other causes – that’s why it’s important to first review sleep, lifestyle, chronic conditions, and medications.
Tip: If you're a man experiencing hormone-related symptoms like low energy, reduced sex drive, or unusual fatigue, a hormone test measuring testosterone levels could be a smart investment. By testing total and free testosterone, along with other factors (thyroid, sleep, lifestyle), you’ll get a clearer picture of your hormonal health.
