We don’t often hear men talk about hormone imbalances—but that doesn’t mean they’re not happening. As men get older, testosterone levels begin to dip—usually around one to three percent per year after the age of 40. That may not sound like much, but over time, the drop can lead to frustrating symptoms: lower libido, fatigue, less energy, muscle loss, weight gain, and even changes in mood.

If those symptoms sound familiar, they could point to testosterone deficiency. And while low testosterone can show up on its own, it’s often linked to other health conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and metabolic syndrome.

What Exactly Is Andropause?

Welcome to the not-so-well-known world of andropause—sometimes called “male menopause.” Unlike the overnight shift women often experience in menopause, andropause is more like a slow fade. It tends to show up in your late 40s or 50s and brings with it a mix of symptoms: muscle loss, increased belly fat, low energy, sleep issues, and a dip in sex drive and performance. And let’s not forget the mental and emotional impact—like low motivation, irritability, or even signs of depression.

If you’re dealing with these changes, you’re not alone. And you’re not imagining things. Diagnosing andropause usually involves a combination of symptom review and blood tests to check testosterone levels. For some, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) might be a helpful option. For others, lifestyle or nutritional interventions may offer the support they need—without the side effects of medication.

The Functional Medicine Perspective

At Energize Health and Hormones, we take a deeper, more personalized approach. Rather than simply treating low testosterone with medication, we look at the big picture: lifestyle, environment, genetics, stress, and even gut health. All of these factors influence how your hormones behave.

And here’s something important to know—jumping straight into testosterone therapy isn’t always the best first step. Once you start taking testosterone, your body can hit the pause button on its own production. Getting off TRT isn’t easy either—it can take months for your natural levels to bounce back (if they do at all), and symptoms like fatigue or low mood can return in the meantime.

That’s why any hormone therapy should be approached with care, guided by a provider who understands how all the systems of the body interact.

Better Hormone Health, Naturally

For many men, simple lifestyle changes can make a real difference. Exercise—especially high-intensity interval training—has been shown to boost testosterone levels, even in older adults. Cutting back on alcohol and addressing sleep and stress can also help restore hormone balance.

Nutritional support is another powerful tool. Certain vitamins, herbs, and plant compounds can influence the enzymes that convert testosterone into other hormones. By using natural aromatase and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, we can help the body hold on to more of the testosterone it’s already making.

Hormone imbalances aren’t just about getting older—they’re your body’s way of asking for support. Whether you’re dealing with fatigue, low libido, or mood changes, don’t ignore the signs. Functional medicine gives us the tools to figure out what’s really going on and create a personalized plan that helps you feel your best again.

At Energize Health and Hormones, Dr. Heidi Queen and her team work with men to uncover the root causes of hormonal shifts and guide them toward lasting solutions—naturally, holistically, and with your long-term health in mind. Call us today to get started at (415) 548-7901.