Testosterone
Male menopause (andropause): signs, causes and natural support
Men in their 40s and 50s often notice they have less energy, a lower drive and a shorter fuse. Many search for male menopause to find out whether this is a real thing. The answer is more nuanced than the name suggests.
In short: “Male menopause” or andropause is a popular term for symptoms linked with gradually declining testosterone with age. Unlike female menopause, there is no sudden drop. Testosterone falls slowly, by around 1 percent a year after about 40. Symptoms can include low drive, weaker erections, fatigue, low mood and weight gain. Lifestyle factors play a big part.
Is male menopause real?
Medical experts prefer terms such as “age-related low testosterone” or “late-onset hypogonadism”. Testosterone declines gradually with age, but many older men keep normal levels. Weight gain, poor sleep, stress, alcohol and health conditions often drive symptoms as much as age does.
Common signs
- Lower sex drive and fewer spontaneous erections
- Weaker erections. See weak erection.
- Tiredness and low motivation
- Low mood, irritability or poor concentration
- Increased belly fat and loss of muscle
- Poor sleep or night sweats
- Reduced body hair or breast tenderness in some men
What causes it?
- Gradual decline in testosterone with age
- Excess weight, especially around the middle
- Poor sleep and sleep apnoea
- Chronic stress
- Heavy drinking
- Diabetes and other chronic conditions
- Some medicines, such as opioids
How it differs from female menopause
Women experience a relatively rapid end to ovarian hormone production. In men, testosterone declines slowly and fertility usually continues. Not every man develops symptoms.
Natural support
Lose excess weight
Losing belly fat can raise testosterone. See weight loss and erectile dysfunction.
Strength training
Resistance exercise supports muscle and healthy hormone levels.
Sleep seven to nine hours
See lack of sleep and erectile dysfunction.
Manage stress
Ongoing stress raises cortisol, which works against testosterone.
Nutrition
Get enough zinc, vitamin D, protein and healthy fats. See zinc benefits for men sexually.
Herbs
Some men benefit from herbs such as ashwagandha. See ashwagandha benefits for men.
When to get tested
If symptoms are significant, an appropriately registered medical professional can check testosterone with a morning blood test. We do not test or prescribe hormones, but we can support you naturally alongside medical care. Read signs of low testosterone in men over 40.
Why men choose our natural approach
Walk in or consult remotely
Walk in at Buccleuch, Sandton, with parking available, or consult by phone or video from anywhere in South Africa.
Natural and non-surgical
Herbal remedies and practical guidance, with no injections or surgery.
Faster appointments
Enquiries answered 24/7, with same-day appointments often available.
Transparent pricing
Consultations are R2,500, with any remedy costs confirmed before you commit.
Private self-check: 5 quick questions
Answer these honestly before you try anything new or book. They help you describe what is happening and get more from your first consultation.
- Has your interest in sex dropped noticeably over the past year?
- Do you feel tired most days, even after a full night in bed?
- Has your weight around the middle increased?
- Have stress, low mood or poor sleep become more common?
- Have you noticed weaker erections or fewer morning erections?
Two or more yes answers suggest that energy, sleep, stress or weight may be affecting your drive. These are areas where natural, practical support often makes a real difference, and a naturopath can help you work out where to start.
What happens at your first consultation
- Walk in or book online, call +27 10 205 9855 or WhatsApp +27 81 823 1313. In Gauteng, walk in at 199 Vanessa Street, Buccleuch, Sandton, where parking is available. Outside Gauteng, choose a confidential phone or video consultation. Enquiries are answered 24/7.
- Talk privately with a naturopath about your symptoms, health history, lifestyle and goals.
- Receive a personalised natural plan, with any remedy costs confirmed upfront.
- Follow up in person or remotely so your progress is reviewed and your plan adjusted.
Your health and safety
Our naturopaths use natural remedies and lifestyle support, and always check your health history and current medicines first. If anything needs medical attention we tell you honestly and refer you to an appropriately registered medical professional. Avoid unregistered “enhancement” products sold online or at markets, as SAHPRA has warned that some contain hidden ingredients.
Seek urgent medical care for chest pain, an erection lasting more than four hours, sudden weakness or other sudden symptoms.
Consultation price
A consultation is R2,500, in person or remote, and your naturopath confirms any further costs before you go ahead. See our men’s clinic prices for details.
Frequently asked questions
Is male menopause real?
Testosterone does decline gradually with age, and some men develop symptoms, but there is no sudden “menopause” as in women.
At what age does male menopause start?
Testosterone starts declining slowly from around age 30 to 40, and symptoms, if they occur, often appear in the 40s or 50s.
What are the first signs of andropause?
Lower sex drive, fatigue, weaker erections, low mood and increased belly fat are common early signs.
Can andropause be managed naturally?
Many men improve with weight loss, strength training, better sleep, stress management and good nutrition.
How much does a consultation cost?
A consultation is R2,500, and any remedy costs are confirmed with you before you go ahead.
Book your consultation today
Get personalised, natural support from a naturopath. Walk in at our Sandton practice, or book a remote consultation if you live outside Gauteng.
References and further reading
- Mayo Clinic: Male menopause, myth or reality?
- Mayo Clinic: Male hypogonadism
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin D
Reviewed by George Mulaudzi, Naturopath. This page is general information and does not replace a personal consultation. If you have chest pain, sudden symptoms or a medical emergency, seek urgent medical care.
