“It starts with a fatigue that sleep doesn’t fix, or a sudden, quiet loss of the drive that used to define your workday.”
Men Have a Pause..Too!
While it’s not identical to menopause, what men experience is commonly called andropause or late-onset hypogonadism. Culturally, it’s often invisible. Biologically and emotionally, it’s very real.
Unlike women’s menopause—which is a clear reproductive ending—men’s transition is gradual, often stretching over years. Testosterone doesn’t suddenly stop; it slowly declines, usually beginning in the late 30s to 40s and becoming more noticeable in the 50s and beyond.
Because it’s slow and subtle, many men don’t realize what’s happening. They just know something feels different.
Common Changes Men Experience
- Hormonal Shifts
Testosterone affects far more than libido. It influences:
- Energy levels
- Mood and emotional regulation
- Muscle mass and fat distribution
- Motivation and confidence
As levels drop, men may feel:
- More tired, even with rest
- Less driven or competitive
- Less emotionally resilient
- Emotional & Mental Changes
This is where society really goes quiet.
Men may experience:
- Irritability or short temper
- Anxiety or low-grade depression
- Brain fog or reduced focus
- A sense of restlessness or dissatisfaction
Many men weren’t taught how to name emotions—only how to suppress them—so these feelings often come out as withdrawal, frustration, or silence.
- Identity & Purpose Questions
This phase often overlaps with:
- Children becoming independent
- Career plateau or retirement planning
- Physical limitations becoming noticeable
- Awareness of mortality
Men begin asking:
- Who am I now?
- Am I still needed?
- What do I contribute beyond work or strength?
This identity shift can be deeply unsettling.
- Physical Changes
Even active men notice:
- Loss of muscle despite workouts
- Increased belly fat
- Slower recovery
- Decreased stamina
For men who built their self-worth around physical capability or productivity, this can hit hard.
Why Society Overlooks It
- Men are expected to “just deal with it.”
- Vulnerability in men is still often viewed as weakness.
- There’s no single “moment” like menopause to mark the change.
- Men often don’t talk to other men about what they’re feeling.
So instead of support, many men experience:
- Isolation
- Shame
- Confusion
- Quiet suffering
How Men Can Navigate This Season Well
- Normalize the Conversation
Men need to hear:
“Nothing is wrong with you. Something is changing.”
Talking openly—with a partner, doctor, pastor, or trusted friend—can be life-changing.
- Reframe Strength
This season invites a new kind of strength:
- Emotional honesty
- Wisdom over speed
- Presence over performance
It’s not decline—it’s transition.
- Pay Attention to Health (Without Shame)
Regular checkups, hormone testing when appropriate, sleep, movement, and nutrition matter—but so does mental and spiritual health. Symptoms of andropause can sometimes mimic other issues (like thyroid problems or clinical depression). Encouraging a full blood panel is a great “proactive” step for men who like having a plan of action.
- Rediscover Purpose
Many men find this stage becomes a turning point:
- Mentorship
- Faith deepening
- Creative expression
- Legacy building
It’s less about proving and more about passing on.
One Important Truth
Men don’t “lose value” in this season.
They shift value.
And when acknowledged, supported, and understood, this phase can be one of the most grounded, meaningful, and influential seasons of a man’s life.
Take the First Step: Free 7-Day Reflection Journal
Navigating this “pause” doesn’t have to be a solo journey. To help you process these physical and emotional shifts, I’ve created a Free 7-Day Reflection Journal for Men.
It’s designed to help you move from confusion to clarity in just a few minutes a day. No fluff—just honest prompts to help you rediscover your purpose in this new season.
Click Button Below to Download the Free Journal.
