If Women Can Talk Menopause, Men Can Talk Andropause -By Isaac Asabor

If women can talk about menopause, openly, honestly, and without shame, then men can, and should, talk about andropause. The contrast today is striking. Across the world, women are breaking long-standing taboos, sharing their experiences, and building communities around menopause. Men, on the other hand, are still largely silent about their own hormonal transition. That silence is not strength. It is a liability.

For generations, men have been conditioned to endure, not explain; to withstand, not share. Strength has been equated with emotional restraint and personal secrecy. But when it comes to health, especially something as complex and life-altering as hormonal change, that silence comes at a cost. While women are increasingly equipped with knowledge and community as they approach menopause, many men remain uninformed about their own midlife transition: andropause.

There exists a parallel experience for men, often referred to as andropause or “male menopause.” While it differs biologically and manifests more gradually than menopause, it is no less real in its impact. Yet, unlike women who are steadily normalizing conversations about hormonal changes, men continue to treat andropause as a taboo topic, something to be endured quietly rather than understood collectively.

It is time to change that. Andropause typically involves a gradual decline in testosterone levels, usually beginning in middle age. This hormonal shift can bring about a range of physical, emotional, and psychological changes: fatigue, reduced libido, mood swings, depression, irritability, weight gain, and even cognitive challenges like reduced concentration. These changes can be confusing, frustrating, and, for many men, deeply isolating.

Perhaps one of the most painful and least discussed aspects of andropause is its impact on a man’s sexual life. For many, the gradual decline in testosterone can lead to reduced sexual desire or performance, effectively rendering them less sexually active. This is not just a physical change, it carries emotional weight. It can feel like a loss of vitality, identity, and confidence, quietly denying men the pleasure and joy that often form an important part of intimate relationships. Yet, because this aspect is rarely spoken about openly, many men endure it in silence, compounding feelings of inadequacy and isolation.

The problem is not just the condition itself; it is the lack of awareness surrounding it. Younger men are growing up with little to no understanding of what lies ahead. They are taught about puberty, about ambition, about success, but rarely about aging in a holistic sense. When symptoms of andropause begin to surface, many men misinterpret them as personal failure, weakness, or stress. They may withdraw, lash out, or suffer in silence, unaware that what they are experiencing is a natural biological transition.

This is where lived experience becomes invaluable. Men who have gone through or are currently experiencing andropause possess a wealth of knowledge that cannot be found in textbooks alone. They understand the subtle emotional shifts, the unexpected physical changes, and the social pressures that accompany this stage of life. Their stories, if shared, can demystify the experience for younger men and prepare them for what lies ahead. But sharing requires vulnerability and that is where the cultural barrier lies.

From a young age, many men are taught to suppress emotion. Phrases like “man up” or “boys don’t cry” are not just harmless clichés; they are instructions that shape behavior. They discourage openness and reinforce the idea that discussing personal struggles is a sign of weakness. As a result, even when men recognize changes within themselves, they often lack the language, or the courage, to talk about them.

This silence does not just affect individuals; it perpetuates a cycle. When older men do not speak about their experiences, younger men remain uninformed. When younger men are uninformed, they grow into older men who also remain silent. The cycle continues, generation after generation, leaving countless men to navigate andropause in isolation.

Contrast this with the evolving conversation around menopause. Women are increasingly creating spaces, both online and offline, where experiences are shared openly. Books, podcasts, support groups, and social media platforms are filled with discussions that normalize menopause and provide practical advice. Younger women are learning what to expect, how to manage symptoms, and when to seek help. The result is empowerment.

Men deserve that same empowerment. Breaking the silence around andropause does not require grand gestures. It starts with simple, honest conversations. Fathers talking to their sons. Mentors speaking candidly with mentees. Friends opening up to friends. These conversations do not need to be clinical or overly detailed; they just need to be real.

Imagine a young man hearing, for the first time, that it is normal to feel a dip in energy in his 40s. That mood swings do not necessarily mean he is losing control. That seeking medical advice is not an admission of weakness but an act of responsibility. That lifestyle adjustments, like exercise, diet, and stress management, can make a significant difference. That he is not alone.

That kind of knowledge can be transformative. It can prevent unnecessary anxiety, reduce stigma, and encourage proactive health management. It can also improve relationships. Many men experiencing andropause struggle to articulate what they are going through, leading to misunderstandings with partners, family members, and colleagues. Open communication can bridge that gap, fostering empathy and support.

Of course, there will be resistance. Cultural norms do not change overnight. Some men will dismiss the idea of andropause altogether, viewing it as an exaggeration or an excuse. Others may feel uncomfortable discussing personal health issues, especially those related to hormones and sexuality. These reactions are understandable, but they are not insurmountable.

Change often begins with a few voices. When a handful of men start speaking openly, others begin to listen. When those conversations become more frequent, they start to feel less unusual. Over time, what was once taboo becomes accepted. This is exactly what has happened with menopause, and it can happen with andropause too.

Healthcare professionals also have a role to play. Respected medical institutions such as Mayo Clinic in the US have also acknowledged andropause as a legitimate men’s health concern, often describing it in terms of age-related testosterone decline, sometimes referred to clinically as late-onset hypogonadism. Their findings highlight that symptoms such as low energy, reduced sex drive, depression, and difficulty concentrating are not merely signs of stress or aging in the abstract but can be linked to measurable hormonal changes. Importantly, they emphasize that while not every man will experience severe symptoms, those who do should not ignore them or suffer in silence, as medical evaluation and lifestyle adjustments can significantly improve quality of life.

Doctors, therapists, and wellness experts need to engage men more actively in conversations about hormonal health. Routine check-ups should include discussions about testosterone levels and related symptoms. Educational campaigns can help raise awareness and dispel myths. Media platforms can amplify stories that humanize the experience, making it easier for men to relate and engage.

But ultimately, the responsibility lies with men themselves. No one understands the male experience better than men who have lived it. Their voices carry authenticity and credibility. By sharing their stories, they not only educate others but also challenge outdated notions of masculinity. They redefine strength, not as silence, but as honesty.

There is also an intergenerational benefit to this openness. Younger men today are already navigating a rapidly changing world. Expectations around masculinity, work, relationships, and mental health are evolving. Providing them with accurate information about andropause equips them to face the future with clarity and confidence. It allows them to plan, adapt, and seek support when needed.

And perhaps most importantly, it fosters connection. At its core, sharing experiences is about building bridges, between generations, between individuals, between understanding and empathy. When men talk openly about andropause, they create a sense of community. They remind each other that aging is not a solitary journey, but a shared human experience.

The irony is that the very thing many men fear, vulnerability, is what can bring them the greatest strength.

It takes courage to speak about personal struggles. It takes honesty to admit change. But in doing so, men not only help themselves, but they also help others. They create a ripple effect that extends far beyond their immediate circles. So, the question is not whether men should talk about andropause.

Against the backdrop of the foregoing view, the question is: what are men waiting for? Women have shown what is possible when silence is replaced with conversation. They have turned menopause from a whispered topic into a widely discussed aspect of life. They have created a blueprint for breaking stigma and building awareness.

Men would do well if they follow the example collectively been set by women. Because the truth is simple: knowledge shared is power multiplied. And in the case of andropause, that power could mean the difference between confusion and clarity, isolation and connection, struggle and understanding.

It is time for men to step up, not by staying silent, but by speaking out. Not just for themselves, but for the generations coming after them.