Recognising Five Workplace Signs of Andropause and How to Support Yourself and Others

By Dr. Joseph Novoa Libermann, a specialist in integrative women’s health and bioidentical hormone balancing for the Marion Gluck Clinic

In recent years, many workplaces have made meaningful progress in how they talk about wellbeing. Subjects such as burnout, stress, menopause and mental health have become part of everyday conversation. Yet one area remains largely unspoken, even though it quietly affects a significant number of men as they move through midlife. This is andropause, the gradual decline in testosterone and other hormones that can influence how a man thinks, feels and performs both at home and at work.

Because andropause develops slowly, many men do not recognise the changes that begin to surface. They often attribute shifts in mood, energy or motivation to ageing or stress. In reality, hormonal changes can impact everything from cognitive clarity to interpersonal communication, often long before a man realises what is happening.

Understanding the signs helps men seek the support they need. It also allows workplaces to recognise when a colleague may be struggling and to respond in a more thoughtful, informed way. Below are five workplace signs that are commonly associated with andropause, along with practical ways to support both yourself and others.

Declining motivation and reduced drive

One of the most noticeable early signs is a dip in motivation. Tasks that once felt engaging may suddenly feel heavy or difficult to begin. A project that previously inspired enthusiasm may now appear overwhelming. This shift is not a character flaw. Changes in testosterone can affect the brain’s reward pathways, making it harder to access the sense of drive that once came naturally.

In a work environment, this may appear as difficulty starting tasks, slower progress, reduced creativity or a sense of disengagement. Support can begin with simple strategies such as breaking work into smaller steps, following structured routines and acknowledging when motivation has changed for reasons outside your control. If these changes persist, a hormonal assessment can offer clarity and guidance.

From an organisational perspective, creating a culture that allows for honest wellbeing conversations can reduce the pressure men often feel to hide these struggles. Encouraging regular health check-ups and setting realistic expectations also helps maintain a healthier working rhythm.

Difficulty concentrating or a sense of mental fog

Many men describe a period in midlife where concentration becomes more difficult. They may forget small details, lose track during meetings or find multitasking harder than before. This sense of “brain fog” often appears gradually and can be frustrating, especially for individuals who rely heavily on cognitive performance.

Testosterone plays a role in supporting memory and mental clarity, so a decline can affect the ability to focus. In the workplace, this may lead to longer completion times, a feeling of being mentally scattered or a decline in efficiency.

Support can include improving sleep quality, reducing evening screen exposure and using organisational tools such as planners or note-taking apps. Workplaces can help by offering more flexibility, reducing unnecessary meetings and providing quiet spaces for focused work.

Irritability and emotional changes

Mood changes are common during andropause, although many men struggle to articulate them. Irritability, low mood, sensitivity to stress and emotional fluctuations can all be related to hormonal shifts. Since testosterone interacts with serotonin and cortisol, changes in hormone levels can influence emotional balance in ways that might feel unfamiliar.

In a professional setting, this may show up as increased frustration, strained interactions with colleagues or withdrawal from social engagement within the team. It is important to recognise that these changes are physiological rather than indicators of poor character or lack of resilience.

Support includes acknowledging emotional wellbeing as part of overall health, maintaining regular physical activity, practising stress-management strategies and seeking help when needed. Workplaces can contribute by encouraging open dialogue around men’s mental health and providing access to wellbeing resources or counselling.

Fatigue that persists even with adequate sleep

A deep, persistent tiredness is another common sign of andropause. This is not the usual end-of-day fatigue but a sense of heaviness that lingers even after long periods of rest. Men may wake up feeling unrefreshed and struggle to maintain energy throughout the day.

Changes in hormones can influence the body’s energy production and also affect sleep quality. At work, this can lead to reduced stamina, slower recovery from stressful days or difficulty staying alert during long meetings.

Support may involve reviewing sleep habits, increasing light movement during the day and getting a broader health assessment that includes hormones, thyroid function and metabolic markers. Employers can help by discouraging overwork and allowing adequate breaks during the day.

A quiet decline in confidence

Perhaps one of the most subtle but impactful changes is a shift in confidence. When energy levels, focus and mood all change at once, it is natural for confidence to be affected. Men may begin doubting themselves, avoiding tasks they once handled easily or feeling less assertive in meetings.

In the workplace, this might appear as hesitation, reduced participation in discussions or reluctance to take on leadership opportunities. Confidence can gradually rebuild when these changes are understood and addressed. Identifying the underlying cause, setting realistic goals and acknowledging small achievements all play an important role.

Workplaces can foster confidence by creating psychologically safe environments where employees feel comfortable expressing concerns or asking for support. Mentorship programmes and constructive feedback also help men navigate this stage with greater understanding and reassurance.

When to consider seeking help

If these changes persist or begin affecting work, relationships or overall wellbeing, it may be time to seek a professional assessment. Hormonal evaluations can offer clarity, and treatments such as bioidentical testosterone therapy may be appropriate when medically indicated. Lifestyle adjustments, including sleep optimisation, balanced nutrition, exercise and stress management, also play a significant role.

Why awareness matters

Men’s hormonal health has long been overlooked in workplace wellbeing conversations. Recognising andropause is not about pathologising normal ageing. It is about understanding that hormonal changes can significantly impact how a person feels and performs. When men receive appropriate support, they are more engaged, more confident and better equipped to thrive in both their personal and professional lives.

Creating space for conversations about men’s health is a step toward healthier, more compassionate workplaces where everyone feels seen and supported.

References

1. Bhasin S., et al. (2018). Testosterone Therapy in Men With Hypogonadism: Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.

2. Wu F. C., et al. (2010). Age-Related Changes in Testosterone and Symptoms in Men. New England Journal of Medicine.

3. NHS England. (2023). Testosterone Deficiency: Clinical Knowledge Summary. NHS UK.

4. British Society for Sexual Medicine (BSSM). (2021). Guidelines for the Assessment and Management of Testosterone Deficiency.

About The Marion Gluck Clinic https://www.mariongluckclinic.com/

The Marion Gluck Clinic is the UK’s leading medical clinic that pioneered the use of bioidentical hormones to treat menopause, perimenopause and other hormone related issues. Founded by Dr. Marion Gluck herself, the clinic uses her method of bioidentical hormonal treatment to rebalance