Andropause: Midlife Crisis in Men
table of content:
Introduction
Imagine waking up feeling exhausted, irritable, and disconnected from your body. You brush it off as stress or age, but the symptoms persist—your energy dwindles, your mood swings become more frequent, and even your sense of self begins to shift. For many men, this is not just the toll of aging but the onset of andropause, a little-discussed stage of a man’s life that brings not only physical changes but profound impacts on mental health.
Entering midlife can be a transformative experience for men. It is important to understand and address andropause to improve men’s mental and physical health. By recognizing the emotional, physical, and psychological changes associated with andropause, men have an opportunity to embrace this stage of life with confidence.
What is Andropause?
Andropause, or Late-Onset Hypogonadism (LOH), is associated with low testosterone levels that lead to increased feelings of fatigue, irritability, and low self-esteem. Andropause occurs in middle-aged men like menopause occurs in middle-aged women; however, they are not the same. Andropause presents a critical time to address men’s mental health, as the changes during this phase can lead to significant emotional, psychological, and physical challenges that are often overlooked or misunderstood.
Why Is Andropause Sometimes Called the "Male Menopause"?
You may have heard andropause referred to as the “male menopause.” Like menopause in women, it involves a hormonal change that occurs as men age. Unlike menopause, which typically occurs over a defined period with a clear onset, the changes in andropause are more gradual and less defined. Additionally, both conditions can cause symptoms such as mood swings, fatigue, and decreased libido. While women lose fertility as menstruation stops, men experience a gradual decline in testosterone levels but do not lose fertility.
Causes & Timing
While andropause is not a life stage that has an exact duration, andropause in men can begin as early as age 30, with the average onset occurring between ages 40-50. According to the American College of Physicians, testosterone levels in men start to drop in their 30’s, decreasing at an average rate of 1.6% per year. There are no definitive stages for men’s midlife crisis, as age and symptoms vary.
Symptoms of Andropause
Many of the factors linked to andropause could be associated with the “midlife crisis,” which can manifest through anxiety about personal or career achievements. This stage of a man’s life is crucial to address health, as emotional turmoil and life transitions may often be overlooked. While some may believe andropause is solely related to sexual issues like erectile dysfunction, it can also lead to low self-worth.
Psychological symptoms
Signs of mental health decline during andropause include:
Depression
Anxiety
Irritability
Frustration and uncertainty
Withdrawal
Self-Pity
Suicidal thoughts or Self-Harm
During andropause, men might feel unworthy which can lead them to turn to isolation as they might feel too embarrassed by their current emotional, physical or psychological state. The CDC reported that the largest percent increase in suicide rates were in men between 55-64 years of age between the years 2001 and 2021. Although men make up 50% of population, they accounted for nearly 80% of suicides in 2022. This means that suicide was four times higher in men than in women. Men facing mental health challenges during andropause may turn to alcohol or other substances more frequently and experience new stress triggers.
Cognitive Symptoms
Signs of cognitive decline during andropause include:
Lack of concentration
Deteriorating memory
Hormones might play a role in cognitive function, and during midlife, men may experience androgen depletion which can contribute to memory decline. The role of testosterone in cognition has been studied less than estrogen but the fluctuations of hormones can cause the manifestation of forgetfulness or difficulty in engaging in daily activities. According to R.S Tan, a cross-sectional study found that 36% of the 302 men who identified experiencing andropause had reported memory loss as a symptom, highlighting the potential impact of hormones on cognition during this stage of a man’s life. Research on cognitive symptoms of andropause remains limited. There is an increasing need for more studies to better understand how andropause can affect concentration and memory, in order to effectively support men facing cognitive symptoms during this stage of life.
Physical symptoms
Signs of physical decline during andropause include:
Weight gain
Lack of energy
Low or lack of libido/ Erectile Dysfunction
Loss of muscle mass
Excessive sweating
Hot flashes
Change in balance or physical abilities
Loss of Hair
Changes are also physical which can have an impact on a man’s self-esteem. Testosterone influences various physical functions, deriving not only from the sexual organs, but also bones, muscles, brain and hair. These physical changes can additionally impact mental health if the individual’s self-esteem was strongly tied to their physical appearance and abilities.
The Importance of Awareness and Understanding
Proactively understanding andropause is crucial because it empowers men to recognize and address the changes they may experience with age. Many men suffer in silence due to the lack of information and societal stigma around men’s health. Increased awareness will reduce stigma and encourage early intervention, helping men access the support they need to maintain their well-being. By understanding andropause, we can foster a more informed and compassionate conversation about men’s mental and physical health.
Men’s mental health is often constrained by societal stigma defining how men are expected to act and feel. In our society, men are socialized to suppress their emotions and are often less likely to seek help for mental health issues. According to Latalova, masculine norms in Western societies are characterized by stoic endurance of suffering, self-reliance and reluctance to seek mental health help, leaving individuals to believe that needing treatment makes them weak or inferior. This support continues to get more crucial as bodies change, because andropause changes may trigger midlife crises, often revealing underlying signs of mental illness in men. This stigma, along with traditional masculine norms, can lead to isolation and difficulty in coping with challenges is a pivotal time for men and mental health.
The "Why" behind why men don’t talk about mental health
Unlike the stereotypical idea often depicted in movies — in which a man tries to reclaim his youth by dating a much younger woman and buying a sports car — there can be many reasons for men’s midlife crisis including the stress of losing loved ones, an unsatisfying career, job loss, or divorce. While the stereotypical midlife crisis portrayed in the media can occur, the abrupt and major life changes associated with it can take a toll on men’s mental health.
The Solutions - The Importance of Open Dialogue
Men are conditioned to believe that they must be strong, never cry and avoid showing any emotion other than anger as these are seen as qualities of a “real” man. This is an unbearable burden and social pressure, particularly for men going through a midlife crisis. Depression is often misunderstood and dismissed as a weakness, lack of ingenuity, lack of work, or lack of desire. Unfortunately, due to this social pressure and outdated ideals, men’s mental health risks deterioration as there is a reluctance in seeking professional help. As men are facing the challenges of this stage in their life, they might believe that they must solve everything out on their own.
Social Media and Andropause
Social media, although it gives us the opportunity to talk about new information on men and mental health, it also bombards us with information about unrealistic and unattainable models. Exposure to certain standards in the content may skew perceptions of what it means to be a “successful” man which can overshadow the importance of emotional vulnerability and stray away from the importance of mental health. Social media has the potential to be a useful tool to promote mental health awareness, however, it is crucial to navigate platforms mindfully, recognizing the impact that unrealistic expectations can have on individuals self-worth and mental well-being.
Finding Company
Men may not be aware that other men their age are going through similar experiences as men’s mental health is not a commonly discussed topic. There are often few spaces where men can talk about their experiences without feeling judged. For example, a man who has been feeling increasingly anxious and feeling low self-worth might think it is just a personal issue or that no one else can relate. But after talking about his symptoms with a group of men or a trusted friend, he learns that many others his age are also dealing with the emotional and physical changes of andropause. Being able to talk about it, discuss that andropause does not mean that you are less men. Talking about what you are going through can be very beneficial for us and the people around us. Discussing these experiences not only helps process your own feelings but can encourage other men to open up as well as bring a sense of relief and confidence in a supportive environment.
Involving partners and family in the conversation
Involving your family and partner in the conversation about andropause can help navigate this stage together. Open communication may help them understand what you are going through and provide a strong support system. Sharing your challenges and emotions with your loved ones can also reduce feeling isolated and help build a deeper connection in order to manage changes and maintain healthy relationships during this time.
How Andropause is Diagnosed and Managed
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, make an appointment with your healthcare provider. A physical examination will be conducted to assess your overall health. A blood test will be performed to measure testosterone levels. It is essential to discuss the results and symptoms with your healthcare provider as they will provide guidance on potential treatments and lifestyle changes to manage symptoms effectively. Engaging with your healthcare provider on this topic can ensure a clear understanding of your health.
Therapy offers a safe, non judgemental space where men can discuss their experience and find common ground with others as well as to understand that andropause and midlife crisis does not diminish their masculinity.
Conclusion
Recap of key points
Andropause: is a condition in middle-aged men marked by lowering testosterone levels.
Symptoms: of Andropause include fatigue, depression, anxiety, irritability, low self-esteem, erectile dysfunction and changes in physical appearance.
Going through Midlife: may show signs of mental illness and withdrawal and may impact men’s self worth.
High Suicidal Rates: Statistics show there is a higher risk of men’s suicide during midlife.
Societal stigma: men are often socialized to suppress emotions and avoid seeking help, intensifying mental health challenges.
Underreporting Symptoms: Men are reluctant to seek help due to societal pressures to appear strong and unemotional.
Increased awareness of andropause: is crucial to breaking stigma, encouraging men to seek help and involving their loved ones in order to get the support they need.
Encouragement to seek professional advice if experiencing symptoms
If you are experiencing symptoms of andropause, such as fatigue, mood changes, withdrawal or suicidal thoughts, dont hesitate to seek professional advice. Talking to a healthcare provider or therapist can offer valuable insights and solutions for your needs.
Final thoughts on living a healthy, fulfilling life during and after andropause
Living a healthy, fulfilling life during and after andropause is not only possible but achievable with the right approach. Prioritizing mental and physical health, seeking professional support as needed and embracing the changes that age brings can help manage symptoms and improve overall well-being. Andropause is a natural part of an aging male. It does not define your vitality or happiness.
Andropause emphasizes the need for greater awareness and research of men and mental health, as the symptoms associated with this stage can significantly impact emotional well-being, and often go unaddressed due to societal stigma. Due to a limitation in men’s mental health, you might know of other men who are going through the same thing, and realize that perhaps there were not too many spaces for everyone to understand what was happening to you.
If you or someone you know has experienced andropause, feel free to share your stories in the comments. Your insights can help others navigate this stage of life.
Help us spread awareness about andropause by sharing this post with your friends and family. The more talk there is about it, the more we can support men facing these challenges and help break the stigma around men’s mental health.
Therapy offers a safe space for middle-aged men to explore the emotions brought on by andropause while also working to dismantle societal pressures and stigma. Trust Mental health offers anxiety therapy, depression therapy among other types of care that can help. Our team of therapists offer Depression Therapy in California. We also have BIPOC therapists that offer mental health therapy in San Jose, California, who are culturally and linguistically competent allowing you to express yourself in the language you feel most comfortable in. Contact us for a free 15 minute consultation.
FAQs
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Andropause in men can begin as early as age 30, with the average onset occurring between ages 40-50.
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Yes, anxiety may be one of the psychological symptoms of andropause.
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You can speak to your health provider about your symptoms. A blood test will be performed to measure testosterone levels. As for psychological symptoms, you can seek mental health help.