Andropause - sometimes called late-onset hypogonadism - is a gradual, age-related change in male hormones, particularly testosterone. Unlike menopause, it doesn’t happen suddenly or at a fixed age. Instead, testosterone levels slowly decline over time, typically starting in a man’s forties or fifties, though symptoms can appear earlier or later depending on health, genetics, and lifestyle.

Andropause may be influenced by natural ageing, chronic stress, poor sleep, weight gain, illness, or long-term health conditions such as diabetes. Psychological factors - work pressure, identity shifts, or major life transitions - can intensify its impact, blurring the line between hormonal change and emotional strain.

For many men, andropause can feel confusing and unsettling. Common experiences include fatigue, reduced motivation, lower libido, mood swings, irritability, or a sense of emotional flatness. Confidence may dip, and a man may feel less resilient or less like himself, even if he can’t pinpoint why. These changes can affect relationships, self-image, and work performance.

Emotionally, andropause can challenge deeply held ideas about masculinity, strength, and competence. When acknowledged and addressed, however, it can also become a prompt to reassess health, priorities, and self-care - opening the door to a more balanced and self-aware stage of life. Men typically find it incredibly difficult to visit a doctor or a therapist to talk about how they feel due to the societal expectation that they be strong and silent and in control.