What is
Andropause?

Do you know this feeling too?

Less energy, worse mood, declining desire — many men over 40 know the feeling of not being the way they used to be. What lies behind it is often not burnout and not normal ageing: It is a measurable, treatable hormone deficiency. Experts call it andropause.

On this page you will learn what andropause is, how to recognise it, how it differs from normal ageing processes — and what options exist today to cope well with it.

Andropause:
The simple explanation

The term andropause is composed of the Greek "andro" (man) and "pause" (stopping). It describes the age-related, gradual decline of the male sex hormone testosterone — and the physical and psychological changes that accompany it.

Unlike in women, where the menopause usually proceeds abruptly within a few years, testosterone levels in men decline slowly and continuously: from around the age of 35 by roughly 1 to 2 percent per year.

That is why many men notice the changes only late — or attribute them to stress, overwork or getting older. Yet the cause is often clearly measurable: too little testosterone.

Andropause:
At a glance

Other names:

Male menopause, late-onset hypogonadism (LOH), PADAM
Onset:

Often from 40–45 years, rarely earlier
Cause:

Age-related decline in testosterone production
Course:

Gradual – over years to decades
Diagnosis:

Blood test (hormone panel) + medical consultation
Treatable:

Yes — various therapy options are available

Typical symptoms of andropause

The complaints associated with declining testosterone levels are diverse. They affect body and mind at the same time — and are therefore often not recognised as a connected picture.

How many of these points do you recognise from your own everyday life?

Persistent tiredness & exhaustion
Declining libido (desire for sex)
Erection problems
Mood swings, irritability
Depressive moods
Concentration problems, 'brain fog'
Muscle loss despite training
Increase in belly fat
Sleep disorders
Reduced resilience & drive
Hot flushes (rarer, but possible)
Bone density decreases

Important: Not every symptom must indicate andropause. And not every man with low testosterone experiences all the complaints. What matters is the overall picture — from the laboratory and the medical consultation.

Do you recognise several of these symptoms?

A simple blood test shows whether your testosterone is within the normal range.
We accompany you — from diagnosis to therapy.

Book a consultation now

Why does testosterone decline with age?

Testosterone is produced mainly in the testicles — controlled by a complex hormone system in the brain (hypothalamus and pituitary gland). With increasing age, this system works less efficiently.

There are two main mechanisms:

The testicles simply produce less testosterone — even when the signal from the brain arrives correctly.
The remaining testosterone is more strongly bound to transport proteins (especially SHBG) and is therefore no longer freely available to the body.

In addition to pure ageing, the following factors can accelerate the hormone decline:

Severe overweight (fatty tissue converts testosterone into oestrogen)
Persistent stress (the stress hormone cortisol inhibits testosterone production)
Lack of sleep (testosterone is produced mainly during sleep)
Lack of exercise and an unbalanced diet
Certain diseases (diabetes, metabolic syndrome) and medications

Andropause vs. menopause: What is the difference?

	Andropause (man)	Menopause (woman)
Hormone	Testosterone	Oestrogen / progesterone
Course	Gradual, over decades	Abrupt, usually 2–5 years
Onset	From approx. 35–45 years	Usually 45–55 years
Fertility	Remains preserved for a long time	Ends with the menopause
Diagnosis	Blood test + symptom picture	Blood test + symptom picture
Treatment	Possible, individual	Possible, individual

How widespread is andropause?

Andropause is not a rarity — it is one of the most frequently overlooked conditions in middle-aged men.

An estimated 10 to 40 percent of men over 40 have a clinically relevant testosterone deficiency.
Very few of them know it — because they cannot classify their symptoms or do not consult a doctor.
At the same time, awareness is growing: more and more men are actively informing themselves about their hormone status.

The problem: Andrologists — that is, specialists for men's health — are scarce, waiting times long. This is exactly where the AndroKlinik comes in: with specialist care at the highest level, also via telemedicine, nationwide.

How is andropause diagnosed?

The diagnosis is based on two pillars: a structured medical consultation and a blood test.

The medical consultation

An experienced andrologist asks specific questions about your complaints, their duration and intensity, your general health, lifestyle habits and pre-existing conditions. This consultation is just as important as the laboratory — because laboratory figures alone do not determine a diagnosis.

Arrange an appointment

The hormone laboratory

A comprehensive hormone panel provides the objective basis. The blood draw can be carried out close to home at one of our nationwide partner laboratories — no long journey, no queue.

Learn more about the laboratory

What can be done about andropause?

The good news: andropause is treatable. Which therapy makes sense depends on your individual values, complaints and life circumstances. A specialist accompanies you in this.

Lifestyle: The basis

Certain measures can naturally stabilise or slightly improve testosterone levels: regular strength and endurance training, sufficient sleep (7–8 hours), weight reduction in case of overweight, stress reduction and a balanced diet with sufficient zinc and vitamin D.

Hormone therapy (TRT)

In the case of a clinically confirmed testosterone deficiency, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can be considered. It is possible in various forms: as a gel, injection or patch. Whether and which form is suitable for you is decided exclusively by the doctor after a thorough diagnosis — individually and on the basis of your laboratory values.

Complementary treatments

Depending on the complaints, complementary approaches may be useful — such as infusion therapy to increase vitality, specific treatments for accompanying erection problems or psychological support. The AndroKlinik offers a broad spectrum that goes far beyond the mere prescription.

Frequently asked questions about andropause

At what age does andropause begin?

Testosterone levels decline continuously from about the age of 35. Noticeable complaints often occur between 45 and 55 years of age — but can also begin earlier, especially in the presence of risk factors such as overweight or chronic stress.

Can I diagnose andropause myself with a blood test at home?

Home tests can give an initial indication but are not a reliable basis for a diagnosis or therapy. A complete hormone panel, interpreted by an experienced specialist, is the only sensible way.

Is andropause the same as burnout?

No — even if the symptoms are similar. Exhaustion, lack of drive and low mood can occur with both burnout and testosterone deficiency. Only a blood test can clarify whether a hormone deficiency is present. Both conditions can also exist at the same time.

Do I always have to take hormones for andropause?

No. Hormone therapy is one of several options and depends on the severity. In the case of mild complaints and slightly reduced values, lifestyle changes can already bring significant improvements. The specialist advises you individually.

Can I do my andropause treatment via telemedicine?

Yes — the AndroKlinik offers a complete telemedical care model: video consultation, blood draw close to home, evaluation of findings and therapy plan. This is legally permissible and medically sensible when there is no emergency or finding requiring acute treatment.

Ready for clarity?

Ready for clarity? Arrange your first consultation now with an andrologist of the AndroKlinik — by video, discreet and without long waiting times.

About the author

Dr. med. Timo A. Spanholtz
Specialist for Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery - Specialist for men's health and intimate surgery

Dr. Spanholtz is the founder and chief physician of the AndroKlinik. With many years of clinical experience in men's health, andrology and reconstructive urology, he accompanies patients from throughout the German-speaking region.