What is Andropause?

The Big Question... What on earth is Andropause? - That’s the same question I had when I first heard this random word...

So let’s get into it…

What is Andropause?

(When the Mojo Slowly Starts to Fade)

Andropause is the medical term for when your body decides to pull the plug on full-scale production of male sex hormones (scientifically known as androgens).

This slow decline of your sex hormones causes a gradual shift in your vitality (that’s your life energy, strength and liveliness), hitting most lads in their late 30s or 40s, though some are unlucky enough to experience it earlier…

But Where Does the Word Andropause Come From?

The word Andropause is a bit of a throwback, combining two ancient Greek terms (course it does!):

  • Andras - meaning 'human male'
  • Pause - meaning 'cessation' or 'stopping'

Essentially, it means the gradual slowing down of the male hormonal systems. Makes sense, right?

When Was It First Recognised?

Believe it or not, the concept of a 'male change of life' wasn't really a thing until the 1940s.

The condition was first formally described as the "Male Climacteric" in 1946 by a fellow named Werner. The term Andropause came along shortly after, in the late 1940s.

Why so late?

Because before modern medicine (all those 'miracles' we now take for granted), the average bloke simply didn't live long enough for this decline to become a major health problem! Most men passed away before their hormone levels dropped far enough to cause severe issues.

Today, we're living longer than ever—which means we all get to deal with the inevitable slow-down. Cheers for that!

So, What Are The Key Hormones Involved in Andropause?

Andropause isn't just about one hormone; it's a team effort where the entire system starts to slow down. The key player is Testosterone. However DHEA, Growth Hormone, LH & FSH, Oestrogen and Cortisol, all play an important role in how symptoms develop and how men feel during midlife.

Let’s take a further look into these bad boys.

1.Testosterone (T) – The King of Man Hormones

What is it? This is the main event. Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone, the gear that makes a man, a man.

What it does: Think of T as your internal power supply. It keeps your energy levels high, helps you build and hold onto muscle mass, keeps the fat off, maintains your sex drive (libido) and keeps your mood steady. When T drops, everything feels harder.

The Andropause link: The most dramatic and noticeable effects of Andropause are directly linked to this hormone fading away.

2. DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone – I cant pronounce it either….) – The Back up Battery

What is it? DHEA is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands (just above your kidneys). It's a precursor hormone, which means it gets converted by the body into other important hormones, including Testosterone and Oestrogen.

What it does: Think of DHEA as the reserve fuel tank or the "backup battery." It helps support your immune function, energy levels, and mood.

The Andropause link: DHEA levels tend to peak in your 20s and decline rapidly as you age. When it drops off, your body has fewer resources to create the Testosterone and other hormones it needs, worsening the effects of Andropause.

3. Growth Hormone (GH) – The Maintenance Crew

What is it? Growth Hormone (GH) is secreted by the pituitary gland in your brain. Although often associated with childhood growth spurts, it remains crucial for adults.

What it does: GH is the body's chief repair and maintenance crew. It’s vital for keeping your body compositionright (less fat, more muscle), maintaining bone density, and ensuring good metabolic function.

The Andropause link: GH naturally declines as you age (a condition sometimes called somatopause). When GH drops alongside Testosterone, it accelerates the physical signs of aging, such as muscle loss and fat gain, compounding the problem of Andropause

4. LH & FSH (Luteinizing Hormone & Follicle-Stimulating Hormone) – The Site Foremen

What are they? These are messenger hormones sent from your brain (the pituitary gland) down to the "factory" (your testicles).

What they do: Think of LH as the foreman shouting, "Oi! Make more testosterone!" and FSH as the one saying, "Right, let's get the sperm production moving!"

The Andropause link: In Andropause, these signals can get messy. Sometimes the brain is shouting (High LH), but the factory is closed for maintenance. Other times, the brain just stops sending the orders. Knowing these levels tells you if the issue is in your head or "downstairs."

5. Oestrogen (Oestradiol) – The Surprising Sidekick

What is it? Yeah, the "female" hormone. But plot twist: men need it too.

What it does: In the right amounts, it protects your bones, keeps your brain sharp, and actually helps regulate your libido. It’s all about the balance.

The Andropause link: When testosterone drops, the ratio goes wonky. If oestrogen gets too high relative to your testosterone, you might start noticing "man boobs" (Gynaecomastia), carrying extra timber around the middle, or feeling more emotional than a rom-com marathon.

6. Cortisol – The Mojo Thief

What is it? Your primary stress hormone. Produced by your adrenal glands when you’re under the cosh.

What it does: It’s great for "fight or flight" (like outrunning a loose dog), but rubbish for long-term health.

The Andropause link: Cortisol and testosterone are like kids on a seesaw—when Cortisol goes up (due to work stress, lack of sleep, or a poor diet), testosterone goes down. High cortisol is a mood killer and a muscle-waster. It’s the ultimate party pooper for your vitality.

Reference


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