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Breaking silence on men’s midlife hormonal changes

3 mins read

Breaking silence on men’s midlife hormonal changes

Habari za Dharura

October 23, 2026 Admin0

Dar es Salaam. There is a Kiswahili saying that goes, Umri ni ukuta, ukipambana nao utaumia, meaning age is a wall that will hurt anyone who tries to fight it.

The saying captures a reality that affects both men and women as they grow older. While women experience menopause, men can also undergo age-related hormonal changes, commonly referred to as andropause or male menopause.

Unlike menopause, which marks the permanent end of menstruation after 12 consecutive months without a period, andropause describes a gradual decline in testosterone levels that may be accompanied by physical, sexual and emotional changes.

Testosterone levels typically begin to fall by about one percent annually from around the age of 30 to 40. However, the decline varies among individuals, and not every man develops symptoms or experiences significant health problems as he ages.

The changes may include reduced sexual desire, difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection, fewer morning erections, persistent fatigue, reduced muscle strength and changes in body composition.

Bagamoyo-based physician, Dr Julius Twoli, said while testosterone levels could begin falling between the ages of 30 and 40, some men noticing symptoms in their 40s and 50s. In others, the changes may become more apparent after 60, while many remain healthy and active without significant symptoms.

“Testosterone levels typically decline gradually by around one per cent per year after the age of 30 to 40. However, not every man experiences symptoms, and low testosterone is not an inevitable part of ageing. The rate of decline and its effects vary from person to person,” he said.

Beyond the physical effects, hormonal changes can also affect men’s emotional well-being, particularly when fatigue, reduced sexual desire and changes in physical performance interfere with their daily lives. Dar es Salaam-based psychologist Cosmas Maduhu said some men struggled to understand or accept these changes, especially in societies where they were expected to remain strong, confident and emotionally resilient regardless of age.

Such expectations, he said, could discourage men from discussing their concerns or seeking professional help.

Changes in energy, sexual function and physical strength may affect self-esteem and relationships. Men worried about their masculinity may experience anxiety or frustration, making communication and emotional support between partners important.

Mr Maduhu advised men experiencing persistent changes in mood, sleep, energy levels or sexual health to seek medical and psychological support. He also cautioned against unverified remedies, recommending regular exercise, adequate sleep and open discussions about emotional concerns.

For Joram Shemdoe, 45, the changes have become noticeable in his daily life. He says he tires more easily than before and sometimes struggles to sleep well, even after a long day at work.

“I have also noticed changes in my sexual desire, which sometimes make me uncomfortable discussing the issue with my partner. As a man, you may feel embarrassed because society expects you to remain strong and energetic,” he said.

Dr Twoli advised men to maintain healthy lifestyles by exercising regularly, eating balanced diets, keeping a healthy weight, getting enough sleep and limiting alcohol consumption.

He also urged men experiencing persistent symptoms to seek medical assessment, including appropriate testosterone tests, rather than assuming that every change is caused by ageing.

Testosterone therapy, he cautioned, should only be considered under medical supervision because it can reduce sperm production and affect fertility.

He said, the community should also learn to open up and talk about changes that also affect men openly and make sure the community understands men too have body changes and they can affect them and needs to be addressed openly.

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