Experts Question Scientific Basis of Male Menopause
A San Diego physician argues that typical midlife symptoms are often misunderstood as a universal hormone decline.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Men’s Health
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Dr. James Chao of San Diego has rejected the concept of male menopause, noting that midlife symptoms are often misattributed to hormones rather than other factors. He highlights that while hormone levels change, they do not mirror the drastic biological shifts seen in female menopause.
Why it matters
Distinguishing between normal aging and clinical conditions is vital for identifying the actual causes of fatigue and low libido. Labeling these symptoms as a universal hormone issue can obscure underlying health problems such as metabolic disease, sleep issues, or stress.
Clinical observations indicate testosterone levels decline by roughly 1% annually after age 30, whereas female menopause involves a 90% or greater estrogen reduction. Late-onset hypogonadism is diagnosed in approximately 2% of middle-aged men.
The players
Dr. James Chao
A San Diego physician at VedaNu Wellness who specializes in evaluating hormonal health and aging.
The details
Dr. Chao emphasizes that unlike female menopause, which is characterized by a rapid systemic hormone crash, male hormonal changes are gradual and individual. He notes that health influencers on platforms like TikTok frequently promote the idea of a universal andropause, which risks mislabeling common midlife issues. Fatigue, low libido, and other symptoms should be evaluated as potential signs of stress, sleep deprivation, medication side effects, or metabolic disease rather than presumed hormone deficiency.
Timeline
Testosterone levels begin to decline at a rate of 1% annually starting at age 30.
Health Landscape
Medical consensus maintains that hormonal changes in men are typically gradual rather than the result of a singular, universal event. This perspective contrasts with emerging social media trends that categorize diverse midlife physiological changes as a unified hormonal condition.
If you are experiencing persistent fatigue or low libido, discuss these symptoms with your physician to screen for metabolic or sleep-related issues. It is important to avoid self-diagnosing hormone decline based on online claims without proper clinical testing.
The takeaway
Menopause as a universal biological event does not have a medical equivalent in men. If you are concerned about midlife health changes, prioritize an evaluation for metabolic health and sleep quality with your doctor rather than assuming a hormone deficiency.
Further reading
Learn more about hormonal health and clinical diagnosis in our Men’s Health section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Grand Rapids Herald-Review.
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