Male Menopause (Andropause): What You Need to Know
Introduction:
Many men in their 40s, 50s, and 60s notice changes in energy, libido, mood, sleep, and overall vitality, symptoms often described as male menopause or andropause. Unlike the rapid hormonal shift women experience in menopause, andropause is a gradual decline in testosterone and DHEA.
While some men turn to testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), it isn’t suitable for everyone and may come with risks. Acupuncture provides a natural, holistic approach to balancing hormones, improving vitality, and supporting long-term health.
In this blog, we explore what andropause is, discuss what the science says, and show how acupuncture and lifestyle medicine can help men regain vitality naturally.
Understanding Andropause
Andropause describes the age-related decline in testosterone and other androgens, including DHEA. Testosterone typically drops by 1–2% per year after age 35, leading to a range of emotional, physical, and sexual symptoms.
Common Symptoms of Andropause
Reduced libido
Changes in erectile function
Low energy and stamina
Loss of muscle mass
Increased abdominal fat
Irritability, anxiety, or low mood
Poor sleep
Difficulty concentrating
The European Male Ageing Study (EMAS, 2010) confirmed that symptoms of aging in men correlate strongly with declining testosterone and impaired testicular function.
What Science Says About Andropause
- Testosterone Declines Naturally but Differently for Every Man
Research published in the New England Journal of Medicine (2013) shows that testosterone decreases with age, but symptoms appear only when hormonal decline passes a personal threshold. This explains why some men feel symptoms much earlier than others.
- Andropause Involves More Than Testosterone
Lower DHEA, reduced growth hormone, impaired thyroid function, and elevated cortisol all contribute to typical symptoms. This makes andropause a multifactorial condition, not solely a testosterone issue.
What Is TRT? (Testosterone Replacement Therapy)
TRT stands for Testosterone Replacement Therapy, a medical treatment used when a man has clinically low testosterone confirmed by blood tests and experiences symptoms of deficiency.
Forms of TRT
TRT can be delivered via:
Injections (most common)
Gels or creams
Patches
Oral capsules (less common)
Pellets inserted under the skin
Who TRT Is For?
Doctors prescribe TRT for men who have:
- Consistently low testosterone, and
- Symptoms such as low libido, erectile difficulties, low energy, depression, or loss of muscle mass.
Benefits of TRT (supported by clinical research)
Improved libido and sexual function
Increased energy and motivation
Better mood
Increased muscle mass and bone density
Risks and Side Effects
According to studies published in JAMA (2017), TRT may also increase the risk of:
Elevated red blood cell count
Acne or oily skin
Breast tissue enlargement
Worsening prostate symptoms
Fertility suppression due to reduced sperm production
Because of these risks, many men explore non-pharmaceutical options, including acupuncture, lifestyle changes, and nutritional support.
How Acupuncture Supports Men Going Through Andropause
Acupuncture helps regulate the body’s internal systems and address the underlying contributors to andropausal symptoms.
- Supports Hormonal Function and Testosterone Regulation
Acupuncture influences the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal (HPG) axis, which governs testosterone production.
The Journal of Endocrinology (2016) reported that acupuncture improved testosterone levels in men with age-related hormonal decline by enhancing testicular blood flow and regulating LH secretion.
- Reduces Stress and Lowers Cortisol
High cortisol suppresses testosterone.
A study in Psychoneuroendocrinology (2019) found that acupuncture significantly reduces cortisol levels, improving mood, energy, and overall hormonal balance.
- Improves Sleep, Mood, and Vitality
Acupuncture regulates neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which influence mood, motivation, and restorative sleep.
- Supports Sexual Health and Circulation
The International Journal of Impotence Research (2018) found that acupuncture improves erectile function by enhancing pelvic circulation and nitric oxide signalling.
Natural Strategies That Complement Acupuncture
Nutrition for Male Hormone Health
Zinc: supports testosterone (pumpkin seeds, beef, nuts)
Healthy fats: olive oil, oily fish, avocado (essential for hormone production)
Cruciferous vegetables: broccoli, kale (support hormone metabolism)
Evidence-Based Supplements
Vitamin D3 – linked to higher testosterone levels (Hormone & Metabolic Research, 2011)
Ashwagandha – reduces stress and boosts testosterone (American Journal of Men’s Health, 2019)
CoQ10 – supports mitochondrial energy production
Lifestyle Approaches
Strength training – one of the strongest natural testosterone boosters
Stress reduction techniques – breathwork, mindfulness, tai chi
Adequate sleep – essential for hormone production
Why Choose Blackheath Fertility Acupuncture Clinic?
At Blackheath Fertility Acupuncture Clinic, we take a personalised, whole-body approach to male hormonal health.
Our treatments focus on:
Supporting hormone balance
Enhancing energy and vitality
Improving libido and sexual function
Reducing stress
Promoting deep, restorative sleep
Every man experiences andropause differently, so we tailor each treatment plan to individual needs.
Contact Information:
Website: AcupunctureBlackheath.com
Email: info@acupuncturespace.com
Conclusion
Andropause is a natural part of aging, but its symptoms can significantly affect well-being and daily life. While TRT offers benefits for some men, it is not for everyone and can involve meaningful risks.
Acupuncture provides a natural, evidence-supported way to improve hormonal balance, mood, energy, sleep, sexual health, and overall vitality—without medication side effects.
Combined with nutrition and lifestyle adjustments, acupuncture helps men navigate andropause with renewed strength, clarity, and well-being.
Contact Blackheath Fertility Acupuncture Clinic today to begin your journey toward balanced male hormone health and revitalised energy.