The term ‘Menopause’ dates back it’s history to 1821 ,when this word was coined by a French physician- Charles Negrier” explaining this condition with signs and symptoms in a women’s life. But global acceptance and awareness of menopause as a significant health and societal issue came in late 20th century only. When we speak about menopause, there is growing awareness, empathy, and medical acceptance But when a man experiences fatigue, irritability, loss of confidence, reduced libido, or declining physical strength in midlife, the response is often dismissive—“It’s just stress,” “It’s aging,” or worse, “It’s a midlife crisis.” If we just compare the history itself, the term got his early mentioning in the medical literature in the year 1930s, just see the difference of centuries in only getting the recognition, forget about the acceptance.
This silence and disbelief surrounding andropause, often called male menopause, reflects a deeper social and medical bias that continues to undermine men’s health.
A reflection of this we got to see in the “Saif Ali Talk in the episode on Two Much With Kajol and Twinkle”. An honest confession but an often ignored subject in Man’s ageing journey by actor Saif Ali Khan. We need more people like him from the industry to talk about this naturally occurring condition in a man’s lifecourse. Many people will talk about it freely and comfortably as public idolizes them as ‘Heroes’ and if they can talk about IT so we can too.
Misdiagnosis or Underdiagnosis
I believe there is even dearth of information or awareness by doctors themselves to educate their patient’s. From a medical standpoint, andropause also suffers from a lack of standardized diagnostic criteria. While menopause is diagnosed clinically, andropause requires biochemical confirmation of low testosterone levels, which fluctuate throughout the day and vary between individuals. This complexity leads to inconsistent diagnosis and, at times, skepticism—even within the healthcare system. There is an ongoing research and a clinical debate on it’s appropriate diagnosis, incidence rates, and treatment approaches.
Difference between Andropause AND Menopause
Andropause refers to the gradual decline in testosterone levels in aging men, usually beginning after the age of 40. Unlike menopause, which is abrupt and universal in women, andropause is slow, variable, and less dramatic. This very gradual nature is one of the main reasons it is underestimated.
Symptoms:
· reduced energy,
· mood changes,
· poor sleep,
· loss of muscle mass,
· increased abdominal fat,
· decreased sexual drive, and
· cognitive dulling
Because there is no single “stopping point,” many men—and even clinicians—fail to recognize it as a hormonal transition.
Why not accepted socially??
Another reason andropause is not widely believed lies in cultural expectations of masculinity. Men are conditioned to appear strong, emotionally resilient, and physically capable at all times. Admitting hormonal vulnerability is often perceived as weakness. As a result, men suffer silently, rarely seeking medical advice until symptoms severely impact their work, relationships, or mental health.
The consequences of ignoring andropause which is related to Declining testosterone is significant and often leads to:
· osteoporosis,
· metabolic syndrome,
· type 2 diabetes,
· cardiovascular disease,
· depression, and reduced quality of life.
Recognizing andropause does not mean medicalizing aging or prescribing hormones indiscriminately. It means acknowledging a genuine biological transition, promoting healthy lifestyles, encouraging early screening for at-risk men, and offering individualized management when needed. Just as menopause awareness has empowered women to seek timely care, awareness of andropause can help men age with dignity and health.
It is time we stop questioning the existence of male menopause and start questioning why we have ignored it for so long. Health equity is not just about women’s health or men’s health—it is about recognizing that both genders experience physiological transitions that deserve understanding, empathy, and appropriate care.
Silence should never be the price men pay for aging.
MBH/PS