As awareness around menopause in women increased in workplace settings, Jo Keen of Green Tomato Consultancy sheds light on a less discussed but equally significant transition: the male menopause, or andropause.
As we kick off 2025, here’s a shoutout to all men who may be struggling with life and not sure as to why – you could be experiencing symptoms of the male menopause.
As we know in recent times, there has been a huge amount of work to raise awareness of the menopause. When we hear the word menopause, however, we often associate it with women and the changes they experience during midlife. The truth is that men also undergo hormonal changes as they age, often referred to as male menopause or andropause. Yes, this is a natural transition for all men and its impact and its effect can be troublesome and challenging.
Let’s demystify a few things and clarify what the male menopause is and aim to provide some insight on symptoms to watch out for, possible treatments, and coping strategies.
Male menopause is not a mid-life crisis; it is not a joke, and for some it can be debilitating. Impacting the personal and professional lives of many men who are suffering in silence, this is not a topic that often gets brought up in the pub over a pint or a football match – and I’m not stereotyping!
While it is a less recognised and slower process, andropause can have significant impacts on men’s health – both physically and emotionally – their lives and even their workplace performance.
In the UK workplace, awareness and policies addressing andropause are limited. A recent report indicates that approximately 10% of NHS hospital trusts have implemented policies to support staff experiencing symptoms related to this condition. In contrast, nearly 25% of police forces have guidance in place for male menopausal symptoms, offering advice on issues like mood swings and irritability.
What is andropause?
Andropause refers to the natural decline in testosterone levels that occurs as men age. Testosterone, the primary male sex hormone, plays a vital role in maintaining energy levels, muscle mass, bone density, libido and overall wellbeing. Unlike menopause in women, which occurs within a specific timeframe, the hormonal decline in men is gradual, typically starting around the age of 30 and progressing at a rate of about 1% per year. By the age of 70, testosterone levels may decline by as much as 35% compared to their highest levels in earlier adulthood.
For some men, this decline leads to noticeable symptoms later in life, usually after 50. The symptoms of andropause can vary widely, impacting men’s lives both in and out of the workplace and often include the following:
- Decreased energy levels and fatigue, making it difficult to maintain productivity and meet the demands of a busy workday.
- Mood changes, irritability, depression or anxiety, leading to strained workplace relationships and difficulty collaborating with colleagues. Men with low testosterone are 2.5 times more likely to experience depression.
- Decreased libido and erectile dysfunction, which can be impacted even further due to illnesses such as diabetes. 20-40% of men aged 50+ report these issues.
- Weight gain, particularly around the abdomen, and body shape changes such as ‘man boobs’ (must be said).
- Reduced muscle mass and strength, along with weaker bones. Men going through andropause have a 30% higher risk of osteoporosis.
- Sleep disturbances; difficulty falling or staying asleep can lead to lack of concentration. Poor sleep can exacerbate fatigue and increase the risk of errors or accidents in safety-critical roles.
- Hot flashes.
- Cognitive changes, memory lapses, brain fog and difficulty concentrating can hinder decision-making, problem-solving, and task management.
- Reduced motivation and confidence, diminishing drive and self-esteem, potentially causing men to shy away from leadership opportunities or challenging projects.
- These symptoms can impact workplace performance, potentially leading to decreased productivity and increased absenteeism.
There is a lack of comprehensive data on the prevalence of andropause symptoms among the UK workforce and their direct effects on workplace productivity. This contrasts with the growing body of research on menopause in the workplace, which has highlighted significant challenges faced by women, including increased absenteeism and a higher likelihood of leaving employment due to symptoms.
However, other factors may aggravate symptoms, including:
- Chronic stress.
- Poor diet and lack of exercise.
- Obesity.
- Medical conditions such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease.
- Excessive alcohol consumption.
How do you know if you have begun this normal life changing transition?
Diagnosing andropause can be challenging because its symptoms overlap with other conditions, such as depression or thyroid dysfunction. Blood tests measuring testosterone levels can confirm whether you have low testosterone (levels below 300 ng/dL are considered low).
What are the options for treatment?
Treatment depends on the severity of the symptoms and the underlying causes. Beneficial lifestyle changes like regular exercise – particularly strength training – as well as a balanced diet rich in lean proteins, healthy fats, and vegetables can boost testosterone and overall energy. Adequate sleep and stress management techniques, such as mindfulness or yoga, and Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT).
In some cases, TRT can alleviate symptoms by restoring testosterone levels. Studies show that 80% of men on TRT report improvements in energy, libido, and mood. However, TRT has potential side effects, such as an increased risk of blood clots or prostate issues, so it’s crucial to discuss the risks and benefits with a doctor. TRT comes in forms such as patches, gel, capsules or injections.
There are medications for specific symptoms such as antidepressants for mood changes and phosphodiesterase inhibitors (e.g., Viagra) for ere
ctile dysfunction, should these symptoms be prevalent, then consult your GP.
Coping with andropause can be a real struggle for many men. We know how difficult it has been over the years to encourage men to open up and talk about their mental health challenges, and now they are finding out that they too have a ‘menopause’.
Encouraging open communication, discussing symptoms with a healthcare provider, loved ones, or friends to avoid unnecessary stress or isolation in a safe and trusted space without judgement or ridicule would be a good place to start.
Have a rethink of life in general, your goals, adjust expectations for physical performance and energy as your body changes.
Joining support groups or connecting with others experiencing similar challenges can provide reassurance. If you take a minute to consider all your friends, family and co-workers who may be experiencing this change, many may feel the same as you but are less informed. They could be waiting for someone to start a group and get the conversation started – take that first step today. Add it to your list of actions and make a positive change.
How can employers support men experiencing andropause?
In the workplace, consider reasonable adjustments to support employees, consider undertaking a risk assessment for men who are experiencing andropause symptoms. (Source: NHS Andropause in the Workplace Guidance Document).
Recognising and addressing the challenges men face during andropause is crucial for maintaining workplace performance and employee well-being.
Workplace culture is key, whereby employees feel comfortable discussing health concerns, including hormonal changes. Explore flexible work options if you don’t already offer flexible hours or remote work options to help employees manage symptoms like fatigue and poor sleep.
Implement wellness programs provide access to fitness programs, nutrition guidance, and stress management resources can be a great introduction for men to really begin to understand the changes that are occurring. Include mental health services to support men dealing with depression, anxiety, or other mood-related symptoms.
Many employers offer an Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) – the challenge is encouraging men and women to utilise the offer.
Health screenings in the workplace are becoming more common and readily available, encourage regular health check-ups, including testosterone testing, as part of workplace health initiatives.
Manager training is crucial across all levels to ensure that same positive message is coming from the top down and it’s more than just a tick box exercise. Educate leaders about the challenges of aging employees to ensure they can provide appropriate support and accommodations.
The limited recognition of andropause in the workplace suggests a need for increased awareness, support and policies for affected employees. Implementing supportive measures could help mitigate potential productivity losses and improve employee well-being.
Addressing andropause openly and proactively can encourage men to maintain their health, confidence and vitality well into later years and their employers can take steps to minimize its impact on health, performance, and relationships. Recognising and accommodating these challenges is essential in a supportive and productive workplace for all.
You can contact Jo for a chat by emailing jo@greentomatoconsultancy.co.uk.