Menopause can be a whirlwind for women, no doubt. But what about men? I often hear jokes about husbands going through “MANopause” instead of their wives—there may be some truth to those offbeat puns. Believe it or not, men experience their own version of hormonal changes too.
Of course, women face more dramatic hormonal shifts, with a clearer set of symptoms defining menopause. But whether or not men go through a direct equivalent, both men and women can experience health effects as they age. One thing is certain: maintaining a balanced diet and regular exercise routine can help alleviate problems that arise.
A well-rounded program should include both strength training and cardiovascular activity. In women, menopause increases the risk of heart disease, as the drop in estrogen removes its protective effect, putting them at the same risk level as men. For men, maintaining a healthy weight is key to avoiding excess abdominal fat, which further elevates their cardiovascular risk. Both men and women are susceptible to osteoporosis due to age-related bone loss, influenced by declining estrogen in women and reduced testosterone in men.
But what exactly does Male “Menopause” mean?
Because men do not go through a well-defined time like women through menopause, the male version is more referred to as androgen (testosterone) decline or low testosterone. It is normal for men to experience a decline in the production of this hormone with aging, but this also can occur with conditions such as diabetes.
Unlike menopause in women, where hormone production stops entirely, testosterone decline in men is a much slower process. The testes, unlike the ovaries, do not run out of the substances needed to produce testosterone. In fact, healthy men can continue producing sperm well into their 80s or beyond. However, subtle changes in testicular function can begin as early as age 45 to 50, often due to health conditions or lifestyle factors. In some men, these changes become more pronounced after the age of 70, leading to noticeable shifts in energy levels, muscle mass, and overall well-being.
The bigger question—or stereotype—surrounding men isn’t so much about hormonal changes but rather the infamous midlife crisis. This is often depicted as the sudden purchase of a luxury car or the pursuit of a younger woman.
From an evolutionary psychological perspective, some theories suggest that a man’s midlife crisis is triggered by his wife’s approaching menopause and the end of her reproductive years. This, in turn, may create a subconscious drive to attract younger, fertile women—not necessarily with the intention of having children, but rather to prove that he still could. So, when a man buys a flashy red sports car, it may not be about regaining his youth as much as signalling status and attraction to potential partners.
Of course, this is a stereotype, and reality is far more complex. Many midlife crises stem from deeper issues—relationships drifting apart, personal dissatisfaction, the natural decline of androgens, or the belief that certain actions might restore a sense of vitality.
In reality, a man’s midlife crisis tends to revolve around these key areas:
- Meaninglessness, emptiness, loneliness, and despair
- Disappointment, shame, and regret
- Boredom, restlessness, or numbness
- Anxiety, depression
- Lack of energy, insomnia, or oversleeping
- Preoccupation with illness, death, and dying
- Feeling too old for TikTok and too young for Life Alert
So, if you know a man in your life who might be experiencing these signs, encourage him to talk to his doctor and embrace a healthy lifestyle.
A true testimonial from one of our male clients, shared on our social media last year, really hits home on how lifestyle can help. He states how he has stuck with us and hasn’t needed antidepressants for over six months. He genuinely believes that physical activity is the cure for 80% of mental health issues.
- https://www.centreformalepsychology.com/male-psychology-magazine-listings/male-mid-life-crisis-causes-coping-and-meaning
- https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/the-scientific-fundamentalist/201007/why-do-men-go-through-midlife-crisis
- https://timothycenter.com/midlife-crises-affecting-men-and-families/
Mikkie Nettles-Pollon, Certified Personal Trainer/Holistic & Sports Nutritionist
Not sure where to begin, contact me at info@deemhealth.ca
250-541 -0411.
www.deamhealth.ca
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