What is Andropause?

Why are so many men in their 40s and 50s feeling disconnected from themselves?
Why is no one talking about the real, biological changes that affect men in midlife?
What if what you're going through isn't failure, but a natural evolution?

The truth is: men are changing biologically, emotionally, and spiritually, in midlife.

This isn’t imagined. It’s andropause, often referred to as male menopause. It’s not a disease, a weakness, or something to be ashamed of. It’s a real and natural life stage marked by gradual shifts in hormones, especially testosterone, that can affect mood, energy, sex drive, self-confidence, sleep, and emotional regulation.

Just like puberty signals the beginning of manhood, andropause marks a transition into a different kind of strength. One that is more reflective, emotionally attuned, and grounded in self-awareness.

For those just joining this important conversation: Let’s talk about andropause, often referred to as male menopause.

Andropause is not a disease, not a failure, and certainly not the end.
It’s a natural, biological life transition that many men experience, usually starting in their 40s to 50s. It's marked by gradual hormonal changes, especially decreasing testosterone, that can influence mood, sleep, sex drive, energy, confidence, and emotional regulation.

Like puberty marked your emergence into manhood, andropause can be seen as your transition into a deeper, more integrated strength. It’s not about losing virility; it’s about gaining emotional agility.

Yet for many men, this phase can feel confusing, even shameful. Why?
Because society taught them to prove their worth through stoicism, independence, and productivity, so when libido changes, energy dips, or emotions rise, they’re often left without a roadmap.

But here's the truth:

You are not broken.

You are being invited to realign with your values, your body, and your deeper self.

  • This is a powerful time to:

  • Redefine masculinity.

  • Reconnect with intimacy from the inside out.

  • Expand emotional range without shame.

  • Slow down to recalibrate with intention.

Andropause is not something to be pathologized. Like menopause, retirement, or other life transitions, it deserves recognition, support, and honor.

Let’s change the language and the lens:

  • You’re not less of a man; you’re just being invited into a different kind of strength.

  • Your emotional world is expanding, not falling apart.

  • This is your body’s way of inviting you to slow down, recalibrate, and reconnect.

  • Let's normalize andropause.

  • Let’s support one another in this phase of growth.

  • Let’s evolve the conversation together.

Feeling the shift? Let’s talk.
If you’re navigating changes in energy, mood, confidence, or connection — you’re not alone, and you’re not broken. Book a confidential consultation and let’s explore how this transition can become a powerful turning point.

Mitra Rashidian, Ph.D., LMFT., CST., ABS.

I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in a full-time private practice in Encino, California. I am a Clinical Professor at the Department of Allied Health Studies at Loma Linda University, California, and a Certified Sex Therapist through the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT). In addition, I am Diplomate Sexologist by the American Board of Sexology (ABS) and a Certified Hypnotherapist via the Ericksonian Foundation in Arizona. I am also a Life Coach and was trained at the Valley Trauma Center in Van Nuys, California, where I worked extensively with sexual assault survivors.

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