Quick links:
In recent years, perimenopause has moved from being a private experience to a widely discussed health topic. More women are recognising hormonal changes earlier, understanding their symptoms, and feeling empowered to seek medical support without stigma. This shift has helped reframe a natural life stage as something that deserves understanding and care.
What is less widely acknowledged is that men experience their own age-related hormonal transition. Andropause is the term used to describe age-related changes in testosterone levels in men. It is sometimes referred to as the “male menopause,” but this label can be misleading and often causes confusion.
Unlike menopause, which involves a relatively rapid and well-defined hormonal shift, testosterone levels in men usually decline slowly over time. This gradual change means symptoms can be subtle, inconsistent, and easy to attribute to stress, ageing, or lifestyle factors. As a result, many men live with symptoms for years without realising that hormonal changes may be playing a role.
Understanding andropause helps bring this conversation into the open and encourages earlier, more informed care.
Andropause is a term used to describe the gradual, age-related decline in testosterone levels in men. Unlike menopause, it is not a single event or a clearly defined life stage. Instead, it is a slow biological process that unfolds over many years and affects men differently.
Testosterone is a hormone produced primarily in the testes and plays a critical role throughout adulthood. It influences muscle mass and strength, bone density, fat distribution, red blood cell production, sexual function, mood regulation, motivation, and aspects of cognitive performance.
Research shows that testosterone levels typically begin to decline from around a man’s late 30s or early 40s, decreasing by approximately 0.5-2.0% per year. This gradual decline affects everyone differently. For some men, it is simply a normal part of ageing that causes few noticeable changes and does not require medical intervention. In these cases, testosterone levels remain within a healthy range and the body adapts over time.
For others, however, the decline may be more pronounced or occur alongside other health or lifestyle factors. When symptoms begin to interfere with energy levels, mood, sleep, sexual health, or overall quality of life, it may signal the need for further assessment. In these situations, andropause is less about labelling a condition and more about recognising when hormonal changes are contributing to broader health concerns.
Andropause should not be viewed as something automatically serious or dangerous. Rather, it acts as a useful framework for understanding when age-related changes move beyond what feels manageable and when seeking medical advice may be helpful.
Symptoms of andropause can affect multiple areas of health and are often gradual in onset. Many overlap with other conditions, which is why they are frequently overlooked.
Physical symptoms
Physical changes may include ongoing fatigue, reduced energy, decreased muscle mass or strength, increased body fat (especially around the abdomen), reduced libido, erectile difficulties, hot flushes, night sweats, and sleep disruption.
Mental symptoms
Testosterone also plays a role in cognitive function. Some men experience difficulty concentrating, slower thinking, memory changes, or brain fog. These changes can affect confidence and work performance.
Emotional symptoms
Men may also experience irritability, low mood, anxiety, reduced motivation, or emotional withdrawal. Such mood changes can be an early indicator of testosterone imbalance and should not be dismissed.
Andropause is often overlooked because symptoms develop slowly and lack a clear starting point. Many signs overlap with everyday stress, poor sleep, or ageing. Cultural expectations can also make it harder for men to speak openly about emotional or mental health changes.
As a result, symptoms are often normalised rather than investigated. Early recognition can help rule out other medical conditions and support better long-term health outcomes.
Ageing is the most significant factor influencing testosterone decline, but it is not the only one. While testosterone levels naturally decrease over time, a range of lifestyle and health factors can accelerate this decline or intensify symptoms associated with low testosterone.
Testosterone levels may also be affected by:
- Chronic stress, which increases cortisol levels in the body. Persistently high cortisol can interfere with testosterone production and contribute to fatigue, low mood, and reduced motivation.
- Poor or disrupted sleep, as much of the body’s testosterone production occurs during deep sleep. Ongoing sleep deprivation can lower testosterone levels and worsen both physical and mental symptoms.
- Sedentary behaviour, particularly a lack of strength or resistance-based activity. Regular movement supports muscle mass and metabolic health, while inactivity may accelerate age-related hormonal changes.
- Weight gain, especially increased abdominal fat. Fat tissue can convert testosterone into oestrogen, further reducing available testosterone in the body.
- Certain medications, including some long-term treatments for pain, inflammation, depression, or chronic illness, which may suppress testosterone levels as a side effect.
- Underlying health conditions, such as diabetes, metabolic syndrome, or cardiovascular disease, which can directly or indirectly affect hormone regulation.
Because testosterone levels are influenced by multiple factors, symptoms of andropause are rarely caused by hormones alone. This is why assessment and management often focus on overall health, lifestyle, and wellbeing alongside hormone levels.
While physical symptoms are often the most noticeable signs of andropause, the emotional and psychological impact can be just as significant.
Testosterone plays a role in mood regulation, motivation, and emotional resilience. As levels change gradually over time, some men notice shifts in confidence, increased irritability, low mood, or reduced motivation. These changes can develop slowly and are often mistaken for stress or burnout rather than hormonal change.
Emotional wellbeing can also be affected. Some men experience increased anxiety, emotional flatness, or reduced enjoyment in daily activities. These changes can influence relationships, particularly if shifts in mood, energy, or communication are not recognised or openly discussed.
At work, changes in focus, mental clarity, or stress tolerance may impact performance and concentration, especially in roles that require sustained attention or decision-making.
At HIF, we understand that these changes can feel confusing or isolating, especially when they affect everyday life in subtle ways. If emotional or mental health changes begin impacting your wellbeing, HIF offers mental health and wellbeing programs designed to support resilience, stress management, and overall mental wellbeing.
Lifestyle is often the first and most effective intervention for managing symptoms.
Improve Sleep Quality
Poor or inconsistent sleep reduces testosterone production and can worsen fatigue, mood, and concentration. At HIF, we know that sleep is foundational to both physical and mental health. That’s why we provide sleep-focused education and wellbeing resources to help members build healthier sleep habits and support recovery.
Move With Intention
Regular physical activity, particularly strength or resistance training, helps regulate hormones, maintain muscle mass, and support metabolic health.
Prioritise Nutrition
Whole foods, balanced macronutrients, and reduced alcohol intake support hormone health and energy levels.
Manage Stress
Chronic stress increases cortisol, a hormone that can interfere with testosterone production over time. Ongoing stress can also affect mood, sleep quality, and emotional resilience, amplifying both physical and mental symptoms of andropause. Learning how to manage stress effectively is therefore an important part of supporting both hormonal and emotional wellbeing. If you’d like to explore this further, the Mental Health section of the Health Hub has more articles on stress, coping strategies, and building everyday resilience.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Excess visceral fat is linked to testosterone imbalance. HIF Healthy Lifestyle Cover may support nutrition, fitness, or weight management programs depending on your policy.
If symptoms persist despite lifestyle changes, or begin to interfere with daily life, it may be time to speak with a GP. A healthcare professional can help determine whether symptoms are linked to hormone levels or another underlying cause.
Assessment typically includes a discussion of symptoms, medical history, and blood tests to measure testosterone levels. Testing is usually done in the morning and may be repeated to confirm results.
If you’re unsure where to start, using a trusted provider directory can make the process easier. HIF’s Find a Provider tool helps members locate GPs and healthcare professionals nearby, supporting access to appropriate care when further assessment is needed.
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is a medical treatment used when low testosterone has been clearly diagnosed and symptoms are having a real impact on day-to-day life. In Australia, it is not usually recommended for normal age-related changes alone.
TRT works by supplying testosterone from outside the body to bring hormone levels back into a healthier range. While this can help improve symptoms such as low energy, mood changes, or reduced libido, it is important to understand how the body responds. When testosterone is supplied externally, the body can reduce or stop its own natural testosterone production. For this reason, TRT is not considered a short-term fix and is usually only explored when other options have not been effective.
TRT may be prescribed in different forms, including gels or creams, injections, patches, or implants, depending on individual needs and medical advice. Regular monitoring is required to ensure levels remain safe and treatment remains appropriate.
For some men, TRT can improve quality of life. For others, lifestyle changes and broader health support may be more suitable. A GP can help guide this decision based on symptoms, test results, and overall health.
Managing andropause is not just about hormones. Support that looks at the whole picture can make a meaningful difference to how you feel day to day.
This may include working with exercise physiologists to rebuild strength and support metabolic health, dietitians to fine-tune nutrition and manage weight changes, or psychologists to navigate mood shifts, stress, or emotional changes that can come with hormonal transitions.
At HIF, we recognise that physical and mental health are closely connected. Depending on your level of cover, some of these services may be included under Extras cover, helping members access care that supports overall wellbeing rather than focusing on individual symptoms alone.
Knowing when to seek support is not always obvious, especially when changes happen gradually. A good place to start is to consider how long symptoms have been present and whether they are beginning to affect your day-to-day life.
If physical, emotional, or mental changes are ongoing, worsening, or starting to interfere with sleep, work, relationships, or overall wellbeing, it is worth speaking with a GP. This can help clarify what is going on, rule out other health concerns, and explore appropriate next steps.
It is also important to remember that hormonal changes are a common part of ageing. With the right support, they are manageable. Seeking advice is not about overreacting, but about understanding your body and taking care of your long-term health.
Andropause is not something to fear or ignore. Understanding what it is and how it can affect both physical and emotional wellbeing gives men the opportunity to take control of their health, rather than brushing off gradual changes as something to simply push through.
Paying attention to early signs, making small lifestyle adjustments, and having open conversations with healthcare professionals can make a real difference over time. Support does not have to be complicated, and starting the conversation is often the hardest part.
At HIF, we support members with access to preventative health resources, wellbeing programs, and healthy lifestyle benefits designed to support overall health at every stage of life. A more informed approach empowers better decisions, stronger support, and better outcomes for men’s health.