Perimenopause vs. andropause compared

Perimenopause vs. andropause: a side-by-side guide

Hormonal decline with age isn't unique to one gender, though the conversation around it often is. Perimenopause is widely discussed, while its male counterpart, sometimes called andropause, gets far less attention despite affecting a large proportion of men. Understanding both, and where they overlap, can help make sense of symptoms that are often dismissed as "just getting older."

What is perimenopause?

Perimenopause is the transitional period before menopause, when the ovaries gradually produce less oestrogen and progesterone. It typically begins in a woman's 40s, though it can start earlier, and can last anywhere from a few years to closer to a decade before menopause itself (defined as 12 months without a period).

Common symptoms include:

• Irregular periods
• Hot flushes and night sweats
• Sleep disturbances
• Mood changes, including increased anxiety or irritability
• Vaginal dryness
• Changes in libido
• Brain fog and memory lapses

What is andropause?

Andropause refers to the gradual decline in testosterone that occurs in men with age, generally starting in the late 30s to 40s and continuing slowly over decades, rather than following the more defined hormonal drop seen in perimenopause. Because the decline is gradual, symptoms often build slowly enough that they're mistaken for normal ageing or lifestyle factors.

Common symptoms include:

• Persistent fatigue
• Reduced muscle mass and strength
• Increased body fat, particularly around the abdomen
• Lower libido and erectile changes
• Mood changes, including irritability or low mood
• Difficulty concentrating

Side by side