Male Menopause: What Every Man Should Know About Low Testosterone

Men often joke about “midlife crises,” but for many, what’s really happening is a hormonal shift that affects energy, mood, and even motivation. This stage of life is sometimes called the male menopause — but the correct term is andropause, or testosterone deficiency syndrome.

Andropause doesn’t happen overnight, and it’s not identical to what women experience during menopause. Still, the hormonal changes men go through can be just as disruptive — physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Let’s break down what’s really going on and what can be done to feel like yourself again.

How the Male “Menopause” Differs from the Female Menopause

Women experience a relatively sudden and measurable drop in estrogen, often within a few years. Men’s testosterone, on the other hand, declines gradually — typically by about 1% per year after age 30.

That means symptoms can creep up slowly, often going unnoticed or blamed on stress, aging, or lifestyle. There’s no fixed age when andropause begins, but most men start noticing changes in their 40s or 50s.

The Role of Testosterone in Men’s Health

Testosterone does much more than support sex drive or muscle strength. It also plays a major role in:

• Maintaining energy and motivation

• Supporting mental focus and memory

• Preserving bone density

• Preventing fat accumulation, especially around the abdomen

• Regulating mood and confidence

• Maintaining healthy sexual function and fertility

  
  

When testosterone drops too low, these systems start to falter — often leading to a noticeable dip in overall vitality.

Common Symptoms of Low Testosterone

While every man’s experience is unique, the following symptoms are most common:

• Low sex drive or erectile dysfunction

• Loss of morning erections

• Fatigue and low motivation

• Depression, irritability, or mood swings

• Weight gain (especially around the midsection)

• Brain fog, poor memory, and trouble focusing

• Hot flashes or night sweats (less common, but possible)

Sound familiar? If you checked off several of these, it may be worth testing your testosterone levels.

Why Low Testosterone Happens

A gradual decline in testosterone is part of normal aging, but some men experience a sharper drop due to:

• Chronic stress or poor sleep

• Obesity or insulin resistance

• Certain medications (like opioids or steroids)

• Excessive alcohol intake

• Underlying medical conditions (diabetes, pituitary disorders, or thyroid disease)

The good news: Testosterone Deficiency can be diagnosed with a simple blood test — and it’s highly treatable.

How Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) Helps

When testosterone levels fall below optimal, Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) can restore balance and significantly improve quality of life.

TRT has been shown to:

• Boost energy, mood, and motivation

• Improve sexual function and libido

• Increase muscle mass and decrease fat

• Enhance concentration and focus

• Support bone and heart health

Testosterone can be delivered through creams, patches, injections, or pellets, depending on your needs and lifestyle. At Foundations at Maitland, treatment plans are tailored to each individual and monitored closely to ensure both safety and effectiveness.

Is TRT Safe?

Yes — when prescribed and monitored by an experienced provider, TRT is safe and effective. Side effects are rare when testosterone levels are maintained within normal physiologic ranges. In fact, current research suggests that restoring testosterone to healthy levels may actually reduce the risk of diabetes, osteoporosis, and heart disease in men with deficiency.

As with any therapy, regular bloodwork and check-ins are key to ensuring optimal balance and long-term success.

Why So Many Men Go Undiagnosed

Despite how common testosterone deficiency is, it remains widely underdiagnosed. Studies estimate that up to 20% of men over 50 have low testosterone, yet only about 1% are receiving treatment.

Part of the problem is awareness — many men (and even some clinicians) still view symptoms as a “normal” part of aging. But feeling exhausted, irritable, or disinterested in life isn’t inevitable. It’s a sign your hormones may be out of balance.

The Bottom Line

The “male menopause” isn’t a myth — it’s a real, measurable hormonal shift that can affect your health, relationships, and confidence. The good news? You don’t have to live with it.

At Foundations at Maitland, we specialize in comprehensive hormone optimization for both men and women. Under the guidance of Dr. Kristin Jackson, our team designs personalized treatment plans that help restore vitality, strength, and mental clarity — safely and naturally. If you’ve noticed changes in energy, mood, or libido, it’s time to take a closer look at your hormones.

Listen to Dr Jackson go into detail about this topic!  You can hear the full episode on her podcast, Ageless and Outrageous.  Be sure to like and follow so you don’t miss an episode!

https://agelessandoutrageous.alitu.com/

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FOUNDATIONS AT MAITLAND

At Foundations at Maitland, in Maitland FL, we offer a full range of non-surgical treatments to help you reach your aesthetic, wellness, and sexual goals.  Our providers are highly trained and experienced.  We are led by our double-board certified surgeon, Dr Kristin Jackson, who has personally developed all treatment protocols and is closely involved in the day-to-day operations of our medical spa.  With her extensive training in all non-surgical cosmetic treatments as well as over 20 years of surgical experience, Dr Jackson is uniquely qualified to ensure our medical spa provides you with the highest standards of quality care and safety.

If you are looking for hormone replacement doctors or anti-aging doctors near you, we can help!  Contact us today for your complimentary consultation!