What is Andropause?

Andropause, also known as late-onset hypogonadism, refers to the gradual decline in testosterone levels in men as they age. Unlike menopause, which happens more suddenly, andropause is a slower and less obvious process. Yet it can still affect a man’s physical health, mood, energy, and relationships.

Testosterone plays a key role in regulating mood, motivation, sleep, libido, and mental clarity. So when levels drop, it’s not uncommon to feel “off”, even if nothing obvious has changed in your life.

Common Symptoms of Andropause

You may not experience all the symptoms, but some common signs include:

Low energy or persistent fatigue
Mood swings, irritability or emotional flatness
Trouble sleeping or insomnia
Difficulty concentrating or memory lapses
Weight gain, especially around the waist
Reduced muscle mass or physical strength
Erectile dysfunction or low sex drive
Feeling down, disconnected, or anxious

These changes usually appear between the ages of 40 to 55, but can begin earlier due to factors such as testicular surgery, certain medications, or underlying health conditions.

Why It Feels So Difficult

Andropause is often misunderstood or dismissed. This can be frustrating when you’re struggling to explain how you’re feeling, especially if others expect you to just “tough it out.”

The truth is, the emotional impact of andropause is real. As testosterone levels fall, mood regulation, motivation, and self-esteem can take a hit. For some men, this leads to anxiety or even depression, especially when changes in sexual function or emotional expression challenge their identity or sense of self.

You may find yourself:

Feeling ashamed or weak for struggling
Pulling away from relationships
Delaying medical advice or help-seeking
Feeling increasingly isolated or misunderstood

These experiences are more common than you think and they don’t mean you’re failing. They mean your body is going through a shift that deserves attention.

Coping with Andropause: Practical Strategies That Help

1. Guided Imagery (Visualisation)

When your thoughts feel noisy or negative, visualisation can offer a brief mental break. It helps to calm the nervous system and reduce emotional overwhelm.

Try this:

Sit in a quiet space and close your eyes
Imagine a calming scene — a beach, forest, or favourite place
Focus on what you see, smell, and hear
Stay in the scene for as long as you like, letting your mind rest there

Practised regularly, this can help reduce anxiety and tension.

2. Challenge Unhelpful Thoughts

It’s common to have thoughts like:

“I’m not the man I used to be”
“I should be able to handle this”
“Nothing will ever feel good again”

These thoughts may feel real, but they’re not facts. To challenge them:

What would I say to a friend who felt this way?
Is there evidence that supports or contradicts this thought?
What truly defines me as a person, beyond testosterone?

Bringing awareness to our thoughts can stop the spiral of self-criticism and help us take better care of our mental health.

3. Seek Clarity and Support

If these symptoms sound familiar, speak to your GP or a men’s health clinic. A simple blood test can check your testosterone levels and rule out other causes like sleep apnoea, thyroid issues, or depression.

Getting a clear answer can reduce fear and guide you toward the right treatment options. This may include lifestyle changes, therapy, or in some cases, hormone therapy.

4. Talk to Someone You Trust

You don’t need to hit rock bottom or have the “perfect words” before opening up. Try starting with:

“Things just feel different lately, and I don’t know why.”
“I’m not feeling like myself, and I want to understand what’s going on.”

Sharing can reduce isolation and help your loved ones support you better.

Supporting a Loved One with Andropause

If someone close to you is going through andropause, here’s how you can help:

A) Be Present, Not Pushy

Sometimes the best support is simply being there. Offer to listen, make their favourite drink, or accompany them to the doctor. Avoid rushing in with advice. Instead, ask what they need and give them space to process.

B) Get Informed Together

Learning more about andropause can help both of you understand what’s going on. Read reputable sources and talk openly. Understanding the biological and emotional changes they’re going through can help reduce conflict, foster empathy, and build connection.