What Is Andropause? The Male Hormonal Shift No One Talks About
Andropause refers to the age-related decline in testosterone and other key hormones that regulate energy, mood, libido, metabolism, and cognitive function.
You’ve probably heard of menopause. But what about andropause?
If you’re a man in your 40s, 50s, or beyond—and you’ve noticed your energy fading, your strength dipping, or your drive declining—it’s not just “aging.” And it’s not in your head.
It could be andropause.
And chances are, no one’s ever explained it to you clearly.
Let’s fix that.
Andropause, Explained (Without the Fluff)
Andropause is often referred to as the male menopause—but that’s not quite accurate. Unlike the sharp hormonal drop women experience during menopause, andropause is gradual and often subtle.
It refers to the age-related decline in testosterone and other key hormones that regulate energy, mood, libido, metabolism, and cognitive function.
And here’s the problem: because the decline happens slowly over years, most men assume it’s “just part of getting older.”
But the symptoms?
They show up loud and clear.
What Are the Symptoms of Andropause?
Every man’s experience is different. Some notice a subtle dip in motivation. Others feel like they’ve hit a wall.
Here are the most common signs:
Low energy — Constant fatigue, even after a full night’s sleep
Decreased libido — Less interest in sex or difficulty with performance
Loss of strength or muscle mass — Even with consistent training
Brain fog — Poor focus, memory lapses, mental fatigue
Mood changes — Irritability, low drive, or feeling emotionally flat
Weight gain — Especially around the midsection, despite clean eating
Poor sleep — Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep
Longer recovery time — From workouts, stress, or even minor injuries
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone—and you’re not broken.
You’re just running low on fuel.
So, What’s Causing It?
Andropause is primarily driven by a decline in testosterone—but it’s not just about one hormone.
Here’s what’s going on under the hood:
Lower Testosterone
Testosterone naturally peaks in your late teens to early 20s. After 30, it begins to decline—by about 1% per year. By your 50s or 60s, that adds up.
And low testosterone affects more than your sex drive. It hits your metabolism, brain function, and muscle-building ability.
Imbalance with Estrogen
Men need a small amount of estrogen—but when testosterone drops, the ratio shifts. Some men convert more of their testosterone into estrogen via the enzyme aromatase—especially with excess belly fat.
That imbalance leads to fatigue, mood changes, and even breast tissue development in some cases.
Elevated Cortisol
Chronic stress leads to high cortisol—which suppresses testosterone, disrupts sleep, and increases fat storage. And let’s be real—most midlife men are under constant stress.
Insulin Resistance
When your body has to produce more insulin to keep blood sugar stable, it can interfere with hormone signaling and lower testosterone even further.
Can You Test for Andropause?
Yes—and you should.
But here’s the catch: most primary care doctors don’t run comprehensive hormone panels. They might check total testosterone—often at random times of day—and call it “normal” even if you’re barely hanging on.
With the CODEX program, we test:
Total testosterone
Free testosterone
SHBG (sex hormone binding globulin)
Estradiol (estrogen)
DHEA
Cortisol
Thyroid panel
Fasting insulin
Because your symptoms don’t care about textbook “normal” ranges. You need optimal levels for your body to function well.
What Can You Do About It?
Good news: andropause isn’t permanent—and it’s not untouchable.
Here’s where we start:
1. Optimize Nutrition
Support your hormones with nutrient-dense food: healthy fats, clean proteins, slow carbs, and micronutrients like zinc, magnesium, and vitamin D.
2. Train Smart, Not Just Hard
Lift heavy, avoid overtraining, and focus on quality sleep and recovery.
Excessive cardio or training without fuel will backfire hormonally.
3. Reduce Stress (Seriously)
Chronic stress wrecks hormones. Find something—breath work, walking, boundaries at work—that lowers your cortisol.
4. Fix Your Gut
Your gut affects hormone production, inflammation, and nutrient absorption. If you’re bloated, irregular, or reacting to food—start there.
5. Consider Hormone Optimization
For some men, lifestyle changes alone aren’t enough. And that’s not failure—it’s biology.
Testosterone therapy (done correctly) can restore function, strength, clarity, and drive.
But it has to be personalized, monitored, and part of a full-body approach, not a quick fix.
Final Thought
Andropause is real.
It’s common.
And it’s treatable.
But most men suffer in silence—either unaware it’s happening or too proud to ask for help.
Don’t be that guy.
Get tested. Get answers. Get a plan that works.
With the CODEX program, we specialize in men’s midlife health—without fluff, without judgment, and without guesswork.
Because you don’t have to decline with age.
You just need the right strategy to stay strong, sharp, and energized.
CODEX
The Art of Aging Well
A revolutionary approach, created by award-winning, board-certified physician and surgeon, Dr. Peter Marta, combining the precision of conventional medicine and the nuance of functional medicine. At the heart of Codex is hormone optimization, with a comprehensive system addressing seven core areas vital for men’s wellness. What even many physicians overlook is that hormonal health and gut health are inextricably linked—you can’t have one without the other. Codex addresses these connections, unlocking vitality and balance through a tailored, easy-to-follow, scientific approach.
