Hormonal Changes In Andropause

Do you feel like you’re “off your game” and just don’t have the energy you used to have?

Is your body not as trim as it used to be... and you can’t seem to shake those extra pounds?

Have you lost some of your “get up and go” and feel less motivated to work out?

Maybe you’ve even lost some of your muscle tone as well?

These could all be symptoms of low testosterone and/or andropause.

This decline in hormone production (called andropause) is a gradual process (starting around the age of 30) and occurs over several decades. In fact, testosterone levels drop by about 1% per year or 10% per decade!

So if you’re noticing a general decline, this can be expected. But it still deserves medical attention as abnormally low testosterone levels can increase your risk for heart attack, diabetes, low bone density, high cholesterol, and even a higher risk for prostate cancer.

Unfortunately, many men blow off their symptoms thinking it's just a matter of "getting older" and that there's "nothing you can do" – so while andropause is unavoidable, you don't have to let hormone imbalances call the shots!

Unfortunately, the symptoms of low testosterone can often be confused with other health conditions, and that’s another reason low testosterone often goes untreated. But there is no need to suffer in silence or to be necessarily stoic about it, after all it’s your health and it can put your work and relationships at risk too!

Testosterone replacement therapy for men can be a safe and effective with few side effects when you work with a practitioner who has expertise in bioidentical hormone replacement.

It’s crucial to prescribe testosterone based on your individual lab levels – keeping other hormone levels in mind as this can impact them as well such as your insulin, cortisol, DHEA and more.

When considering testosterone replacement, it's important to work with a licensed health practitioner with expertise in hormone issues.

When working with clients, I provide the right guidance for their unique situation. I also examine lifestyle factors that could be unnecessarily draining your testosterone production and provide guidance on natural ways to boost your resilience and longevity.

If you would like to explore whether bioidentical hormone replacement therapy might be right for you, then consider signing up for a free consultation so I can discuss your specific situation and discuss next steps regarding hormone testing.

Your safety comes first. Testosterone therapy is only for men with true testosterone deficiency (hypogonadism) confirmed by symptoms and repeat morning labs. It is not approved just for “normal aging.” I'll review your history, goals, and risks before any treatment and coordinate with your prescribing clinician.

If you start testosterone, you’ll need regular check-ins and labs. I monitor blood counts (hematocrit), PSA and prostate health in appropriate patients, blood pressure, lipids, and symptoms. Tell me right away if you notice new chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling in a leg, severe headaches, or vision changes – seek urgent care for emergency symptoms.

Some people are not good candidates for testosterone therapy. This can include men with prostate or male breast cancer, very high hematocrit, uncontrolled severe sleep apnea, serious heart problems not yet stabilized, or those trying to preserve fertility (testosterone can lower sperm counts). I’ll also discuss the latest FDA label changes and why blood-pressure checks matter on therapy. My goal is a careful, step-by-step plan that fits your health history and keeps you safe.

Testosterone does tend to fall slowly with age, but bothersome symptoms plus low levels on repeat, morning tests can point to true hypogonadism. That’s when treatment may help – decisions are based on symptoms, labs, and risks.

No. Guidelines recommend confirming low testosterone on two morning blood tests and checking causes before considering therapy.

It can when levels are truly low and other causes are addressed (sleep, stress, blood sugar, thyroid, anemia). I pair any prescription with foundations so benefits last.

Recent evidence led the FDA to update labels: cardiovascular risk language changed, and a blood-pressure warning was added. I individualize care and monitor you closely.

Testosterone can lower sperm counts. If fertility is a goal, we’ll discuss alternatives and timing before any treatment.

Typically every few months at first, then at a regular cadence to review symptoms, labs, and safety checks (blood counts, PSA as appropriate, BP, lipids).

Yes. Sleep, protein and fiber at meals, strength training, and stress tools improve results and may reduce the dose needed.

I'll review your goals and history and outline smart first steps. I can go over specific tests, treatments, and services as part of that call.

• Endocrine Society – Hypogonadism in Men (Patient Info): guidance that TRT is for confirmed hypogonadism, with ongoing monitoring. 
• American Urological Association – Testosterone Deficiency Guideline: diagnosis on repeat morning levels; assessment and monitoring. 
• Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline (JCEM 2018): treatment for symptomatic deficiency after risks/benefits discussion. 
• U.S. FDA – 2025 label changes for testosterone products: updated cardiovascular language; new blood-pressure warning.

You may also want to read about Insulin Resistance, Medical Weight Loss, Thyroid Imbalances, and Chronic Inflammation, since these can interact with testosterone levels, energy, body composition, and long-term health.