What causes andropause?

Andropause is caused by the natural age-related decline in testosterone production by the testes. Starting around age 40, testosterone levels typically decrease by about 1% per year, though the rate varies among men. Unlike female menopause, which happens rapidly, this hormonal decline is gradual and progressive, leading to symptoms that may develop slowly over years.

What is the best test for andropause?

The Testosterone, Free, LC/MS/MS test is the most important test for andropause because it measures the biologically active form of testosterone that your body actually uses. This advanced test uses highly accurate mass spectrometry technology to detect even small changes in free testosterone levels. Since symptoms of andropause can overlap with other age-related conditions, measuring free testosterone is essential for confirming the diagnosis and determining whether hormone replacement therapy would be beneficial.

When should I get tested for andropause?

You should get tested if you are over 40 and experiencing symptoms like persistent fatigue, decreased sex drive, difficulty achieving erections, mood changes or depression, loss of muscle mass, or increased body fat. Testing is especially important if these symptoms are affecting your quality of life or relationships. Early detection through blood testing allows you to work with your healthcare provider to develop an appropriate treatment plan before symptoms worsen.

What are the symptoms of andropause?

Symptoms of andropause include low energy and persistent fatigue, reduced libido and sexual desire, erectile dysfunction or difficulty maintaining erections, mood changes including irritability and depression, decreased muscle mass and strength, increased body fat especially around the abdomen, difficulty concentrating or memory problems, and sleep disturbances. These symptoms develop gradually over time and may be mistaken for normal aging, which is why blood testing is crucial for accurate diagnosis.

Who is at risk for andropause?

All men are at risk for andropause as they age, with symptoms typically beginning after age 40. Risk factors include obesity, chronic stress, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, lack of physical activity, chronic illnesses like diabetes or heart disease, certain medications, and previous testicular injury or infection. Men with metabolic syndrome or those who have undergone chemotherapy or radiation therapy are at increased risk for earlier or more severe testosterone decline.

What happens if andropause is left untreated?

Untreated andropause can lead to significant health complications beyond just sexual dysfunction. Low testosterone levels are associated with increased risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes, persistent depression and reduced quality of life, continued loss of muscle mass and strength, and increased body fat. These complications can worsen over time and may become more difficult to treat, making early detection and treatment through blood testing important for long-term health.

Can andropause be diagnosed with a blood test?

Yes, andropause is diagnosed with blood tests that measure testosterone levels, specifically free testosterone which represents the active hormone available to your body. The Testosterone, Free, LC/MS/MS test is the most accurate method for diagnosing andropause. Your doctor will interpret your results in the context of your age, symptoms, and overall health to determine if you have clinically significant low testosterone requiring treatment.

How is andropause treated?

Andropause is treated through a combination of lifestyle modifications and medical interventions. Treatment options include testosterone replacement therapy available as injections, gels, patches, or pellets, regular exercise focusing on strength training and cardiovascular activity, weight loss if overweight or obese, stress management techniques, improved sleep habits, and dietary changes to support hormone production. Your healthcare provider will develop a personalized treatment plan based on your testosterone levels, symptoms, and overall health status.

How can I prevent andropause?

While you cannot completely prevent age-related testosterone decline, you can slow it down and reduce symptom severity through healthy lifestyle choices. Maintain a healthy weight through balanced nutrition and regular exercise, engage in strength training to preserve muscle mass, get adequate sleep of 7-9 hours nightly, manage stress through relaxation techniques or meditation, limit alcohol consumption, avoid smoking, and eat a diet rich in healthy fats, zinc, and vitamin D. Regular physical activity and maintaining lean body mass are particularly important for supporting testosterone production as you age.

What natural remedies help with andropause?

Natural approaches to support testosterone levels include regular resistance training and high-intensity interval exercise, eating foods rich in zinc like oysters and pumpkin seeds, ensuring adequate vitamin D through sunlight exposure or supplementation, consuming healthy fats from sources like olive oil, avocados, and nuts, reducing stress through yoga or meditation, getting quality sleep in a cool, dark room, and maintaining a healthy body weight. While these natural remedies can support hormone production, they may not be sufficient for men with significantly low testosterone who may benefit from medical treatment after blood testing confirms the diagnosis.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

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Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

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During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Andropause Blood Test | Private MD Labs

Male Menopause (Andropause) Blood Test

What is Andropause (Male Menopause)?

Andropause, also called male menopause, is a condition characterized by gradually declining testosterone levels in aging men. It is caused by the natural age-related decrease in testosterone production by the testes, typically beginning after age 40. The Testosterone, Free, LC/MS/MS test is the most important test for diagnosing andropause and determining if hormone replacement therapy is needed.

Written by Private MD Labs Medical Team

Last updated: December 29, 2025

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

support@privatemdlabs.com