What Is Andropause? Symptoms, Low Testosterone & Male Menopause

Andropause is having its moment.
And frankly… it’s about bloody time.

If this is new territory for you, let’s clear the fog straight away.

Andropause is the term used to describe the gradual decline in testosterone levels in men as they age also known as age-related-testosterone-decline.

Medically, it’s often called late-onset hypogonadism.
Culturally, it gets lumped with nicknames like “male menopause” or “manopause”.

Different names. Same reality.

And it’s been ignored for far too long.

Male Menopause: Fact or Fiction?

Fact. Undeniably fact.

And if you want proof, ask Robbie Williams, who has spoken openly about how confusing, debilitating and mentally destructive Andropause was for him.

He’s not alone.
Not even close.

Andropause is one of the most under-diagnosed and under-talked-about men’s health issues today. The NHS estimates that most men experience symptoms for up to two years before they seek help.

Two years of feeling “off”.
Two years of being told it’s stress, depression, or just ageing.

It isn’t always.

Isn’t Low Testosterone Just an “Old Man” Problem?

Not anymore.

A few generations ago, low testosterone was largely an ageing male issue.
Today, it’s a modern man issue.

To put it bluntly:
A 30-year-old man today has roughly the same testosterone levels his grandfather had at the same age in 1990.

Testosterone levels have halved in the last 50 years.
And they’re still falling.

This is why low testosterone has been called a silent epidemic. One with serious consequences for:

health
fertility
mood
motivation
longevity

Environmental toxins, plastics, pesticides, chronic stress, poor sleep, obesity and alcohol all play a role. The result? The lowest testosterone levels on record.

Is Andropause the Same as Menopause?

Similar, but not identical.

Both involve age-related hormonal decline.
Both share symptoms like:

fatigue
brain fog
mood changes
weight gain
sleep disruption
loss of confidence

The difference is speed and timing.

Menopause is a sharp hormonal cliff.
Andropause is a slow leak.

Men’s testosterone typically declines gradually from their early twenties, but symptoms often don’t show up until midlife… or earlier if lifestyle factors accelerate the process.

And unlike menopause, male hormone health is still wrapped in stigma, which stops millions of men from getting help.

Understanding Andropause and Low Testosterone

Here are two facts every man should know:

Testosterone peaks around age 19
Testosterone is produced overnight, during REM sleep

That means poor sleep, chronic stress and lifestyle habits can tank testosterone regardless of age.

Andropause refers specifically to age-related testosterone decline.
Low testosterone, however, is now appearing decades earlier due to lifestyle and environmental factors that prevent the body from producing it properly.

Symptoms of Andropause in Men

Symptoms can begin as early as your late twenties and often include:

fatigue and low energy
loss of libido
erectile issues
declining morning erections
weight gain
low mood or irritability
brain fog and memory issues

Less commonly discussed, but very real:

night sweats
hot flushes
anxiety

Understanding these symptoms and why they’re happening is essential for protecting long-term health and wellbeing.

When Will I Notice Andropause Symptoms?

Natural testosterone support for men taking control of andropause and hormonal health

There’s no single age where andropause “starts”.

It depends on:

sleep quality
stress levels
diet and nutrient intake
alcohol consumption
body fat levels

Low testosterone now affects:

1 in 5 men under 30
45% of men over 40
Testosterone declines 1–2% per year after 30

Left unaddressed, low testosterone is linked to serious health risks, including:

cardiovascular disease
osteoporosis
cognitive decline
Alzheimer’s disease

This isn’t cosmetic. It’s foundational health.

Why Do I Have Low Testosterone?

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Here’s the uncomfortable truth:

Only around 5% of men with low testosterone have an underlying medical condition causing it.

For most men, it’s driven by:

lifestyle
stress
poor sleep
nutrient deficiencies
ageing — or a combination of all four

This is why testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) should never be the first step. TRT replaces testosterone, but it doesn’t fix the root cause. It also shuts down your body’s natural production and sperm production as a side effect.

Restoration should always come before replacement.

The Big Difference Between Menopause and Andropause

Menopause is easy to define: menstruation stops.

Andropause is more subtle. It’s a gradual hormonal decline, often accompanied by rising oestrogen levels in men (but that’s a blog for another day).

Menopause usually occurs around age 50.
Andropause symptoms now appear in men from their late twenties onwards.

Different timelines.
Shared symptoms.
Same need for understanding and support.