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Menopause & Andropause: The Midlife Shift
- Donna Burfield
- Dec 1, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Dec 7, 2025
By Donna Burfield - Joy & Purpose Coaching
For many women and men, this transformation arrives with a confusing mix of emotional, physical, and psychological changes that can leave you wondering:
“Why do I feel so unlike myself?” “Is this normal?” “Why didn’t anyone tell me it would feel like this?”
Menopause and andropause are two of the most overlooked and misunderstood stages of adult life. And the truth is: they don’t just affect hormones, they affect identity, relationships, confidence, mental health, and how we show up in the world.
You’re going through a profound biological shift. And there is support. There are answers. And you do not have to navigate it alone.
What Is Menopause?
Menopause is reached when a woman has gone 12 months without a period. But the often more challenging stage is perimenopause, the transition leading up to menopause.
According to NICE, around 13 million women in the UK are currently peri- or post-menopausal, that’s one-third of the female population. Symptoms can begin years earlier than most people expect, often between 40 and 55, but sometimes much earlier.
Stages of Menopause
1. Perimenopause
Hormones fluctuate wildly; symptoms can be intense and unpredictable.
2. Menopause
The final menstrual period marks the official transition.
3. Postmenopause
Hormone levels settle, but symptoms may continue for years.
Common Symptoms of Menopause
Menopause affects far more than periods:
Physical Symptoms
Hot flushes & night sweats
Sleep problems
Irregular or heavy periods
Heart palpitations
Migraines or headaches
Vaginal dryness
Joint pain
Weight changes
Emotional & Cognitive Symptoms
Anxiety or panic
Irritability
Low mood
Brain fog
Loss of confidence
Memory lapses
Overwhelm
Sexual & Relationship Symptoms
Low libido
Pain during sex
Emotional distancing
Increased sensitivity to conflict
These symptoms are real, and they deserve proper care, not dismissal.
What Is Andropause (Male Menopause)?
Andropause refers to the gradual decline in testosterone in men, typically from around 40 onwards, though it can start earlier or later.
Around 25% of men over 50 experience symptoms associated with low testosterone. Yet most have never heard the term andropause.
Unlike menopause, andropause doesn’t happen suddenly; it’s slow, subtle, and often mistaken for stress, depression, or “getting older.”
Common Symptoms of Andropause
Physical Symptoms
Reduced energy
Loss of muscle or strength
Weight gain (especially around the middle)
Sleep disturbance
Erectile difficulties
Hair loss or thinning
Reduced stamina
Emotional & Cognitive Symptoms
Irritability or anger outbursts
Anxiety
Low mood
Loss of confidence
Difficulty concentrating
Decreased motivation
Sexual Symptoms
Low libido
Erectile changes
Reduced sexual satisfaction
These are biological changes, real, measurable, and treatable.
Why These Midlife Changes Hit Hard
Whether it’s menopause or andropause, this stage of life collides with:
Caring for ageing parents
Supporting children (or adult children)
Job pressure or redundancy
Chronic stress
Health issues
Relationship changes
Financial responsibilities
Identity shifts
No wonder so many people reach this age feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or emotionally disconnected.
It’s not just hormones; it’s the entire landscape of your life changing at once.
Practical Midlife Support
1. Seek Professional Support
Both menopause and andropause can be supported with medical treatments, lifestyle changes, and tailored advice.
2. Don’t Suffer in Silence
Speak up with partners, friends, and professionals. You deserve understanding and support.
3. Movement
Gentle movement helps regulate hormones, mood, and sleep.
4. Sleep Hygiene
Midlife sleep is fragile; protect it fiercely.
5. Nutrition
Small, sustainable changes can make a big difference in energy and symptom management.
6. Hormone Therapy
HRT for menopause
TRT (testosterone replacement therapy) for andropause
Both can be life-changing when appropriately prescribed.
7. Emotional Support
Counselling, coaching, support groups, and honest conversations help ease the emotional load.
UK Support Organisations
Menopause Support
Andropause / Men’s Hormone Health
Andy’s Man Club - support for men’s mental health
🌿 You can explore more free tools, articles, and supportive resources on the Joy & Purpose Coaching website.
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