Does a man go through menopause?

A lot of people quietly wonder, does a man go through menopause too? You might notice changes in your energy, sex drive, sleep, or mood in midlife and assume there must be a male version of menopause. The truth is more nuanced, and understanding it can help you decide what to do next instead of just worrying.

What actually happens to men’s hormones with age

Women experience menopause when estrogen and progesterone levels drop rapidly over a relatively short time. You do not go through an equivalent sudden hormonal switch.

Instead, your main sex hormone, testosterone, tends to decline slowly over many years. Testosterone peaks in late teens, then begins a gradual fall. Many sources estimate an average decline of about 1 percent per year after age 30 to 40, which means your levels at 70 will often be noticeably lower than at 25, but the change is gradual rather than abrupt (Mayo Clinic).

This slow shift is sometimes called andropause or age related low testosterone. However, major medical organizations emphasize that this is not the same as female menopause and, for many men, it is simply part of normal aging, not a disease in itself (American Heart Association News).

Why the term “male menopause” is misleading

You may see the phrase “male menopause” online or hear it in conversation, but experts consider it inaccurate and unhelpful.

There are a few key differences compared to female menopause:

Men’s testosterone generally falls slowly instead of dropping off a cliff.
Many men maintain normal testosterone levels well into older age.
Even when testosterone is lower, some men have no noticeable symptoms.
Fertility often decreases but usually does not suddenly stop the way it does for women.

Because of this, organizations such as the Mayo Clinic describe “male menopause” as a myth. They prefer terms like late onset hypogonadism or age related low testosterone when there is a clear hormone deficiency plus symptoms (Mayo Clinic).

So if you are asking, does a man go through menopause in the same way a woman does, the answer is no. But you might still experience real, treatable changes linked to testosterone and other hormones as you age.

Common symptoms you might notice

Even though “male menopause” is not technically correct, some men develop symptoms that feel very real and can affect daily life, relationships, and sexual health.

Symptoms related to low or changing testosterone can include (Mayo Clinic):

Reduced energy or constant fatigue
Less motivation or confidence
Low mood, irritability, or depression
Difficulty focusing or remembering things
Trouble sleeping or changes in sleep patterns
Lower muscle mass and strength
Increased body fat
Decreased sex drive
Erectile difficulties
Mild anemia in some cases

You might also notice that gaining muscle is harder than it used to be, or that your recovery after exercise or illness is slower. These changes can be subtle and easy to blame on stress or getting older. Sometimes, that is all they are. Other times, they are clues that your hormones deserve a closer look.

When symptoms are not about hormones

Another important piece of the puzzle is that many “male menopause” type symptoms have nothing to do with testosterone at all.

The NHS notes that issues such as depression, loss of sex drive, or erectile dysfunction in men in their late 40s and 50s are often due to lifestyle, psychological stress, or other health conditions rather than a direct hormonal crash (NHS). That means your symptoms might be more about what is happening in your life than what is happening in your testicles.

Factors that can mimic or worsen low testosterone symptoms include:

Chronic stress or burnout
Relationship difficulties or a midlife crisis
Poor sleep or untreated sleep apnea
Heavy alcohol use or smoking
Lack of exercise and long hours of sitting
Obesity or rapid weight gain
Type 2 diabetes or metabolic syndrome
Certain medications, including some antidepressants and opioid pain relievers

In some men, a condition called late onset hypogonadism develops. This is when the testes produce very little or no hormone and it can appear later in life, especially in men who are obese or have type 2 diabetes. It is considered uncommon and is not viewed as a normal or inevitable part of aging (NHS).

Recognizing that there can be more than one cause behind how you feel is important. You might have a hormonal issue, a lifestyle issue, a mental health issue, or some mix of all three.

If you notice persistent changes in your energy, mood, sex drive, or erections, it is worth talking to a health professional rather than assuming it is “just age.”

How low testosterone is diagnosed

You cannot diagnose low testosterone from symptoms alone. Some men with significantly low levels feel fine, while others with relatively modest drops feel terrible. That is why proper testing matters.

According to Mayo Clinic guidelines, testing for low testosterone is usually recommended for older men who have consistent symptoms that could be related to a deficiency (Mayo Clinic). Your doctor might:

Ask detailed questions about your symptoms, medical history, medications, and lifestyle.
Perform a physical exam and check things like body hair, testicle size, weight, and blood pressure.
Order blood tests to measure your testosterone level, typically taken in the morning when levels are highest.
Repeat the blood test on a different day to confirm the result if the first test shows low levels.
Evaluate your pituitary gland and other hormones to rule out underlying causes such as tumors or thyroid problems.

A diagnosis of late onset hypogonadism is usually based on both low testosterone on blood tests and symptoms that fit, not just one or the other.

Treatment options and testosterone therapy

If you are diagnosed with low testosterone and you have significant symptoms, especially sexual problems, your doctor might discuss testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) as one possible option.

TRT can come in different forms, such as injections or gels. Some men notice improvements in libido, energy, and mood. However, TRT is not a quick fix and it is not appropriate for every man. It also comes with potential risks.

Research summarized by the Mayo Clinic notes that testosterone therapy may increase the risk of certain issues, including prostate and breast cancer, blood clots, heart attack, and stroke, although data are mixed and recommendations vary among medical organizations (Mayo Clinic). The American Heart Association also highlights potential side effects such as:

Acne and oily skin
Increased blood pressure
Prostate enlargement
Reduced sperm production and possible fertility problems

Because of these concerns, testosterone therapy in men over 65 is usually individualized. You and your clinician weigh possible benefits for sexual function and quality of life against the risks and your broader health profile (American Heart Association News).

If you do start TRT, regular follow up and monitoring are essential. You should be clear on what changes to watch for and how often you will check blood tests, prostate health, and cardiovascular risk.

Lifestyle changes that support healthy hormones

Whether you have confirmed low testosterone or not, certain habits can support your hormones and improve many of the symptoms often blamed on “male menopause.”

You can focus on:

Maintaining a healthy weight. Excess body fat, especially around your abdomen, is linked with lower testosterone and higher risk for late onset hypogonadism. Losing even a modest amount of weight can raise testosterone levels in some men.
Regular physical activity. Resistance training and regular movement help maintain muscle, bone strength, energy, and mood. You do not have to live at the gym. Consistency matters more than intensity.
Prioritizing sleep. Deep, restorative sleep supports hormone production. Untreated sleep apnea is a common, underdiagnosed cause of fatigue and low libido.
Limiting alcohol and avoiding smoking. Both can interfere with hormones and blood flow, which affects erections and overall health.
Managing stress. High levels of stress hormones like cortisol can blunt testosterone’s effects and leave you feeling constantly drained. Mindfulness, therapy, hobbies, and social connection all help.
Staying on top of health checks. Monitoring blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol is not just about your heart. These factors are also tied to sexual health and hormone balance.

For many men, working on these basics improves energy, mood, and sexual function enough that medication is not needed, or it becomes more effective if you and your doctor decide on treatment.

When you should talk to a doctor

You do not need to wait until things feel unbearable to ask for help. It is a good idea to speak with a health professional if you notice:

Ongoing low sex drive or erectile problems that affect your relationships or self confidence
Persistent fatigue, low mood, or loss of motivation lasting more than a few weeks
Difficulty concentrating or new irritability that others are pointing out
Significant weight gain around your middle, or loss of muscle despite regular activity
Sleep problems that leave you unrefreshed most mornings

A clinician can help you sort out whether you are dealing with hormone changes, life stress, mental health concerns, or a combination of all three. You can then decide together whether blood tests, lifestyle changes, therapy, medication, or some mix makes the most sense.

The bottom line: what “menopause” means for you

If you are wondering, does a man go through menopause, you now know that the label is misleading. You do not have a sudden on off hormonal switch like women do. Instead, you experience a slower shift in testosterone and other hormones as part of aging.

For some men, those changes are barely noticeable. For others, they show up as fatigue, low libido, or mood changes that can be frustrating and confusing. Those symptoms are real and treatable, but they deserve a careful, whole person look rather than a quick self diagnosis.

If your body feels different than it used to, you do not have to just “tough it out.” Paying attention, asking questions, and getting checked can help you feel more like yourself again, whatever your hormone levels turn out to be.