Is Male Menopause Real? The Truth About Testosterone After 40

If you're exhausted, your gut is expanding, your motivation is gone, and your sex drive has quietly disappeared, someone has probably told you it's male menopause. In this episode of Taboo To Truth, I explain why the term Male Menopause isn't medically accurate, how men's hormonal aging differs from women's, what low testosterone actually feels like versus what just looks like it, and when a symptom deserves a doctor instead of a supplement. I get into the research on testosterone replacement therapy, the difference between libido and erectile function, the tools I recommend for supporting sexual function, and what happens in a relationship when desire changes and nobody talks about it. Your sexuality isn't controlled by one number on a blood test, and getting older doesn't mean the end of desire, pleasure, or satisfying sex.

In This Episode:

00:00 Intro

00:13 Welcome to Taboo to Truth

00:35 What We're Covering Today

01:41 Does Male Menopause Actually Exist?

03:22 Male vs. Female Hormonal Aging

04:30 What Low Testosterone Actually Feels Like

05:42 Other Causes That Mimic "Male Menopause"

06:46 Testosterone, Desire & the 2017 Trials

08:24 Libido vs. Erections: Two Different Systems

09:51 Tools That Support Sexual Function

11:27 How This Affects Your Relationship

12:37 When to See a Doctor

13:44 How Low T Is Actually Diagnosed

15:06 TRT: Benefits & Risks

16:49 What Else You Can Do

18:17 So... Does Male Menopause Exist?

19:05 Final Thoughts & Where to Learn More

To watch the video version of this episode, head over to YouTube!

Products mentioned:

FirmTech Tech Ring – tracks nocturnal/spontaneous erections overnight to give you data on erectile function (not a diagnostic tool, but useful info to bring to a doctor). https://myfirmtech.com/

Dr. Joel Kaplan's Pump – a vacuum erection device (penis pump), affiliate link mentioned. https://drjoelkaplan.com/affiliate/affiliates/

Bathmate's Pump – a water-based penis pump, affiliate link mentioned. Use code TABOO15 for 15% off at https://bathmatedirect.com/

MysteryVibe Tenuto 2 – a wearable vibrator that provides stimulation for both partners during sex, especially helpful when erections need more direct stimulation. Use code TABOO10 for 10% off at https://tidd.ly/4mePTpF

Uberlube – a lubricant recommended for comfort during sex. https://uberlube.com/

🥰 If you want her to want you more — start by understanding her body better. Free resources → https://www.taboototruth.com/free-resources

💋 Hotter, Wilder, Wiser | You’ve mastered everything else in life — now master pleasure! https://www.taboototruth.com/hotter-wilder-wiser

About The Host:

Karen Bigman, a Sexual Health Alliance Certified Sex Educator, Life, and Menopause Coach, tackles the often-taboo subject of sexuality with a straightforward and candid approach. We explore the intricacies of sex during perimenopause, post-menopause, and andropause, offering insights and support for all those experiencing these transformative phases.

This podcast is not intended to give medical advice. Karen Bigman is not a medical professional. For any medical questions or issues, please visit your licensed medical provider.

Looking for some fresh perspective on sex in midlife? You can find me here:

Email: karen@taboototruth.com

Website: https://www.taboototruth.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taboototruth

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@taboototruthpodcast

Substack: https://karenbigman.substack.com

Take control of your pleasure with my Pleasure Playbook, filled with tips to help you connect with your body and enhance intimacy. Download it now at www.taboototruth.com/pleasureplaybook.

Research/ Sources

* [American Urological Association: Testosterone Deficiency Guideline](https://www.auanet.org/guidelines-and-quality/guidelines/testosterone-deficiency-guideline)

* [Endocrine Society: Testosterone Therapy for Hypogonadism](https://www.endocrine.org/clinical-practice-guidelines/testosterone-therapy)

* [Mayo Clinic: Male Menopause—Myth or Reality?](https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/mens-health/in-depth/male-menopause/art-20048056)

* [National Institute on Aging: Testosterone Trials—Mixed Results](https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/nih-supported-trials-testosterone-therapy-older-men-report-mixed-results)

* [FDA: 2025 Testosterone Labeling Changes](https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-alerts-and-statements/fda-issues-class-wide-labeling-changes-testosterone-products)

* [New England Journal of Medicine: Cardiovascular Safety of Testosterone Therapy](https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2215025)

* [National Institute on Aging: Sexualipjurnd Intimacy in Older Adults](https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/sexuality/sexuality-and-intimacy-older-adults)