Demystifying “Manopause” – The Change That Affects Every Man

As the health conversation around ageing evolves, one key issue remains overlooked: andropause, or the so-called “manopause.” Often dismissed or misunderstood, this gradual hormonal shift affects over a million men — yet rarely gets the airtime it deserves.

In a recent episode of the Wealth of Health podcast, Dr. Paul Jenkins, founder of Echelon Health and one of the UK’s leading voices in preventative medicine, joins host Ahmed Barkoury to unpack the science and stigma behind male hormonal decline.

Unlike menopause, which marks a definitive hormonal transition in women, andropause is a slower, more subtle decline in testosterone — often beginning as early as age 30. This slow decrease can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, mood swings, reduced libido, and loss of muscle mass—issues many men dismiss as simply part of aging. Dr. Jenkins also points out that while an estimated 10–15% of men over 40 in the UK have low testosterone, the true figure may be significantly higher due to underdiagnosis and a general reluctance among men to seek medical advice.

For men who recognise the symptoms, Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) is available through NHS GPs in the form of gels or injections. Treatment is typically offered following a blood test in the morning, when testosterone levels are at their highest, and can significantly improve quality of life for those diagnosed with clinically low levels. “By speaking more openly and honestly about this issue, and helping men understand how common it becomes with age, we can reassure them that it’s okay to seek help,” says Dr. Jenkins. “At the moment, far fewer men are accessing treatment than actually need it.”

Now available, this episode of Wealth of Health dives into a much-needed conversation—breaking down stigmas and taking proactive steps to address hormonal changes, helping men feel better both physically and emotionally.