Massage and Andropause

Discover how massage therapy supports testosterone balance, reduces stress, and enhances longevity and vitality in men over 40.

What Is Andropause?

Andropause, also known as Age-Related Androgen Deficiency (ARAD), is a natural stage in a man’s life that typically begins after the age of 40. During this time, the body experiences a gradual and progressive decline in testosterone levels, the primary male hormone responsible for energy, libido, muscle mass, and emotional balance.

While often called the “male menopause,” andropause occurs more gradually than menopause in women. Instead of a sudden hormonal drop, testosterone levels decrease slowly over time, leading to both physical and emotional changes that can affect overall quality of life.

Common Symptoms of Andropause

Physical Symptoms

• Decreased libido and erectile dysfunction
• Persistent fatigue and low energy
• Loss of muscle mass and strength
• Increased abdominal fat
• Reduced bone density (osteoporosis risk)
• Thinning or loss of body hair

Emotional and Cognitive Symptoms

• Mood swings and irritability
• Depression or low motivation
• Difficulty concentrating or “mental fog”
• General sense of fatigue or lack of drive

The combination of these symptoms can impact confidence, productivity, and overall well-being, but with awareness and care, balance can be restored.

Understanding the Process

Although “andropause” is widely used, the more accurate medical term is Age-Related Androgen Deficiency (ARAD). Unlike menopause, andropause does not mark the end of fertility, but rather a gradual hormonal transition.

Diagnosis and Management

Diagnosis typically involves:

• Evaluating symptoms with a healthcare provider
• Confirming low testosterone levels through blood testing

Treatment options may include:

• Lifestyle adjustments such as regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and stress management
• Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), when medically appropriate
• Complementary therapies such as massage, mindfulness, and physical rehabilitation to support energy and recovery

How Massage Therapy Supports Men’s Health During Andropause

Massage therapy is a holistic and evidence-supported approach that helps men manage the physical and emotional effects of andropause. By promoting relaxation, circulation, and hormonal balance, massage can improve overall vitality and well-being.

1. Improves Circulation and Muscle Health

Testosterone decline often leads to muscle loss and slower recovery. Massage enhances blood flow and nutrient delivery to tissues, supporting muscle tone, flexibility, and physical performance.

2. Reduces Stress and Balances Mood

Massage lowers cortisol (the stress hormone) and stimulates the release of serotonin and endorphins, natural chemicals that elevate mood and reduce anxiety. This helps restore emotional stability and focus.

3. Supports Hormonal and Lymphatic Function

Through gentle stimulation of the endocrine and lymphatic systems, massage encourages detoxification and helps regulate the body’s internal balance, supporting hormonal health from the inside out.

4. Enhances Sleep and Restorative Energy

Massage calms the nervous system, improving sleep quality and reducing fatigue. Better sleep means more consistent energy, sharper cognition, and a stronger sense of well-being.

A Holistic Approach to Men’s Wellness

Andropause is a natural and manageable phase of life, not a disorder. With the right combination of medical guidance, lifestyle adjustments, and self-care practices like massage therapy, men can maintain strength, vitality, and confidence throughout aging.

Integrating massage therapy into your wellness routine supports not just the body but the mind, promoting a sense of balance, calm, and renewed energy.

Reflect and Take Action

If you’ve noticed changes in your energy, mood, or physical performance, it may be time to explore your hormonal health.

Ask yourself: Am I giving my body the support it needs to age with vitality and balance?

Consult your healthcare provider for a full evaluation and consider incorporating massage therapy as part of your long-term wellness plan.

It’s a simple, natural way to restore balance, improve circulation, and support healthy aging from the inside out.

References

Harvard Health Publishing. Testosterone Therapy: Potential Benefits and Risks as You Age. Harvard Medical School, 2024. https://www.health.harvard.edu

Mayo Clinic. Male Menopause (Andropause): Symptoms and Treatment. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 2024. https://www.mayoclinic.org

Cleveland Clinic. Low Testosterone (Hypogonadism): Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment. Cleveland Clinic, 2023. https://my.clevelandclinic.org

National Institute on Aging (NIA). Hormones and Aging: What Changes and Why It Matters. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2024. https://www.nia.nih.gov

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). Massage Therapy: What You Need to Know. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2023. https://www.nccih.nih.gov

Endocrine Society. Testosterone Therapy in Men with Hypogonadism: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2018;103(5):1715–1744.
DOI: 10.1210/jc.2018-00229

American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA). Massage and Men’s Health: Supporting Hormonal Balance, Stress Reduction, and Physical Vitality. 2023. https://www.amtamassage.org

Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. (2010). Massage Therapy Reduces Cortisol and Increases Serotonin and Dopamine: A Meta-Analysis. Vol. 16(10), 1081–1090.

Frontiers in Endocrinology. (2022). Age-Related Decline in Testosterone and Its Association with Cardiometabolic Health in Men. https://www.frontiersin.org

Johns Hopkins Medicine. Low Testosterone and Men’s Health: Understanding Hormonal Changes with Age. 2024. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org