Male “Menopause”? Understanding Testosterone Decline in Aging MenBy

By Alex Foxman, MD, FACP, ABOM

Founder and Medical Director, Beverly Hills Institute

Most people are familiar with menopause in women—but did you know that men experience hormone changes with age too?

Often called “male menopause” or “manopause,” the real medical term is late-onset hypogonadism—a gradual decline in testosterone that can impact energy, mood, muscle mass, and sexual health.

At the Beverly Hills Institute, we help men identify whether symptoms are simply part of aging—or a treatable hormone imbalance.

What Is Male Menopause?

Unlike menopause, which causes a rapid drop in estrogen, testosterone levels in men decline slowly—about 1% per year after age 40. This change is normal, but for some, it results in measurable symptoms that affect quality of life.

Not every man experiences “low T,” and not every man with lower levels needs treatment. That’s where personalized evaluation is key.

Common Symptoms of Low Testosterone

Symptoms often creep up gradually and may include:

• Fatigue or low energy

• Reduced sex drive

• Erectile difficulties

• Loss of muscle mass or strength

• Increased body fat (especially belly fat)

• Mood swings, irritability, or low motivation

• Trouble sleeping

• Brain fog or reduced focus

  
  

These signs can also stem from other conditions (like thyroid disorders, depression, or sleep apnea), so it’s important to evaluate the whole picture before jumping to conclusions.

What Causes Testosterone to Drop?

Testosterone decline is influenced by:

• Aging (natural decrease over time)

• Chronic conditions (diabetes, obesity, sleep apnea)

• Stress and poor sleep

• Medications (especially opioids and steroids)

• Sedentary lifestyle or poor diet

  
  

Testing and Diagnosis

At Beverly Hills Institute, we use a step-by-step approach:

1. Symptom review

2. Lab testing

3. Rule out other causes

   
   

Low testosterone is diagnosed only when both symptoms and consistently low levels are present.

Do You Need Treatment?

Not everyone with low testosterone needs hormone therapy. If symptoms are mild and overall health is good, lifestyle changes may be enough.

When treatment is appropriate, we consider:

✅ How severe symptoms are

✅ Your risk factors (heart health, prostate history)

✅ Your fertility goals (TRT can reduce sperm count)

✅ Lab trends and response to other interventions

What Are the Treatment Options?

Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT):

• FDA-approved options include injections, gels, patches, and implants

• Regular lab monitoring is essential (testosterone levels, PSA, red blood cell count)

  
  

Lifestyle optimization can also help:

• Resistance training

• Weight loss (fat tissue lowers testosterone)

• Improving sleep

• Managing stress

• Treating conditions like sleep apnea

  
  

At BHI, we often recommend lifestyle first, followed by targeted therapy if needed.

Risks and Considerations

TRT is generally safe under proper medical supervision, but possible risks include:

• Increased red blood cell count (which can raise clot risk)

• Prostate health changes (monitor PSA closely)

• Worsening of untreated sleep apnea

• Fertility suppression in younger men

  
  

That’s why we offer ongoing monitoring, customized dosing, and shared decision-making.

What We Offer at Beverly Hills Institute

We specialize in men’s preventive and longevity health, with comprehensive care including:

✅ Hormonal evaluations (testosterone, thyroid, cortisol, DHEA)

✅ Cardiovascular screening (lipids, inflammation, calcium scoring)

✅ DEXA (full body) scans to monitor body composition

✅ Sleep and stress assessments

✅ Personalized treatment plans

Our approach is evidence-based and never over-medicated. We help you make informed decisions with your long-term health in mind.

Final Takeaway

Male “menopause” isn’t a myth—but it’s not a crisis either. If you’re feeling off as you age, don’t ignore it.

A simple blood test and personalized review can help determine whether your symptoms are hormone-related—and whether targeted changes can help you feel like yourself again.

Book your evaluation today at www.bhinstitute.com Or call our office to schedule a men’s health and longevity consultation.