Swapna Tarafdar
At 37, Raman should be at the peak of his health. However, that is not the case. Over the past few months, Raman has noticed that he becomes unusually tired by evening. After work, he prefers to sit in front of the television, eat dinner, and go straight to bed. His energy levels are low, his motivation has declined, and he struggles to maintain the active lifestyle he once enjoyed.
A friend suggested that he join a gym to regain his fitness. At the gym, he was advised to take various supplements to improve his energy and performance.
According to experts, Raman’s situation is becoming increasingly common among young men. Some specialists describe this condition as “male menopause” or age-related testosterone decline.
“ Unlike the traditional concept of menopause in women, this condition develops gradually in men and can begin much earlier than previously recognized,” Dr (Col) Pankaj Talwar, an IVF specialist said.
“Lack of awareness is one of the biggest challenges. Most men are unaware that hormonal changes may be contributing to their symptoms. As a result, many do not seek appropriate medical advice until their quality of life and fertility are significantly affected,” added Dr Talwar who runs Dr Pankaj Talwar IVF Fertility and men’s clinic in Gurugram. He has also served as Head of IVF services at Army Hospital (Research & Referral) in Delhi.
“Menopause in women is well documented. Dedicated menopausal clinics exist, and many healthcare professionals are trained to manage the physical and emotional changes associated with it. Women are also becoming increasingly aware of reproductive ageing and are proactively preserving fertility through egg freezing when appropriate.”
However, awareness regarding hormonal decline and reproductive ageing in men remains limited, he said.
Why Is This Happening?
Modern lifestyles play a major role. Sedentary habits, poor sleep, chronic stress, obesity, unhealthy diets, smoking, alcohol consumption, and environmental factors can all negatively affect hormonal health.
“As body weight increases, hormonal balance may become disrupted. Excess body fat can increase the conversion of testosterone into estrogen, leading to a relative decline in male hormone levels. This hormonal imbalance may affect both overall health and fertility.”
He is also concerned about the indiscriminate use of gym supplements and performance-enhancing substances. “Some products may contain testosterone, testosterone-like compounds, or other hormones. While these substances may temporarily improve energy, muscle mass, or appearance, they can suppress the body’s natural hormone production and significantly reduce sperm production, thereby affecting fertility.”
The Need for Specialized Care
“Many men experiencing these symptoms seek help from practitioners who focus primarily on sexual performance rather than reproductive and hormonal health. In some cases, inappropriate treatment may worsen the underlying problem and further compromise fertility,” added Dr Talwar.
He emphasized the need for greater awareness, better counselling, and more healthcare professionals trained specifically in male reproductive medicine, andrology, and fertility preservation.
“Male hormonal health and fertility deserve the same attention that female reproductive health has received over the years. Early recognition, appropriate evaluation, and evidence-based treatment can help men maintain both their overall well-being and their fertility.”
Common Symptoms of Male Hormonal Decline
Men experiencing hormonal imbalance or testosterone deficiency may report:
– Reduced sexual desire (low libido)
– Difficulty concentrating at work
– Persistent fatigue and low energy levels
– Mood swings and irritability
– Lack of motivation
– Reduced interest in social activities
– Increased tendency to sleep
– Unexplained weight gain
– Reduced physical performance
– Declining fertility
