Medical Insight by Dr. Gbenga O. Oyeyemi (MBChB, DTH)

FlyBy Hub-Men’s Health Awareness Feature:

The Silence Around Men’s Hormonal Health

Men rarely talk about andropause. Not because it is insignificant, but because society has never given men the language or the permission- to speak about hormonal change without shame.

We discuss women’s menopause openly: the symptoms, the emotional weight, the medical support. But when men begin to experience their own age‑related hormonal decline, the conversation almost disappears. Yet millions quietly face changes that affect their bodies, minds, relationships, and sense of identity.

“Ignoring it doesn’t make it less real. Silence only deepens confusion, fear, and preventable suffering.”– Dr. Gbenga O. Oyeyemi (MBChB, DTH)

What Exactly Is Andropause?

According to Dr. Gbenga O. Oyeyemi (MBChB, DTH), andropause is the gradual, age‑related decline in testosterone, the primary male sex hormone. Unlike menopause, which brings a sudden, complete stop to ovarian function, men’s hormonal change is slow, subtle, and often misunderstood.

Medical professionals often use terms like age‑related hypogonadism or late‑onset hypogonadism, because testosterone typically decreases by 1% to 1.6% per year starting around age 40. There is no dramatic “pause,” just a steady hormonal drift many men mistake for stress, aging, or personal failure.

“Andropause isn’t a collapse, it’s a slow drift that many men don’t recognize until it affects their daily lives.”- Dr. Gbenga O. Oyeyemi (MBChB, DTH)

How It Shows Up: The Symptoms Men Hide

Andropause symptoms range from mild to severe and fall into three major categories:

Sexual Symptoms

• Reduced libido
• Erectile dysfunction (ED)
• Decreased fertility

Physical Symptoms

• Fatigue and low energy
• Loss of muscle mass
• Decreased bone density
• Increased abdominal fat

Psychological Symptoms

• Mood swings
• Irritability
• Lack of motivation
• Difficulty concentrating
• Feelings of sadness or depression

These are not “just getting old.” They are biological signals that the body is changing.

How Andropause Differs from Menopause

Women:

Menopause involves a complete cessation of ovarian function and menstrual periods. Hormonal change is abrupt and finite.

Men:

The testes never fully stop producing testosterone. There is no clear endpoint, only a gradual decline. This is why many men do not recognize andropause as a distinct phase, they simply feel “less like themselves” and quietly endure it.

Diagnosis: Simple, But Often Avoided

Dr. Oyeyemi emphasizes that andropause can be identified through a simple blood test measuring testosterone levels. The barrier isn’t the test, it’s the willingness to ask for it.

Many men feel embarrassed or afraid of what a low testosterone result might mean for their masculinity. This fear keeps them from seeking help, even when symptoms disrupt their health and relationships.

Treatment: More Than Medication

Lifestyle Approaches

• Healthy, balanced diet
• Regular exercise
• Weight management
• Adequate sleep
• Stress reduction

These changes can significantly improve symptoms and overall well‑being.

Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)

When testosterone is medically confirmed to be low, TRT may be considered. It is available as:

• Gels
• Patches
• Injections
• Pellets

TRT can improve muscle mass, bone density, and sometimes mood and sexual function, but it must be professionally supervised.

A qualified healthcare professional, such as Dr. Gbenga O. Oyeyemi (MBChB, DTH); can help determine whether lifestyle changes, medical evaluation, or treatment options are appropriate.

Why This Conversation Matters

Andropause is not a weakness. Not a failure. Not a loss of manhood.

It is a biological reality that deserves the same openness and respect we give to menopause.

Talking about it means:

• Men get diagnosed earlier
• Relationships gain understanding instead of blame
• Health decisions become informed, not fearful

“Silence helps no one. Awareness does.”–Dr. Gbenga O. Oyeyemi (MBChB, DTH)