Hormone Changes Aren’t Just a “Women’s Issue”: How Men and Women Can Support Each Other Through Midlife Shifts
When people hear “hormonal changes,” they often picture hot flashes, mood swings, and menopause—something only women go through.
But here’s the truth: both men and women experience significant shifts in hormones as they age. The difference? These changes tend to show up earlier and more suddenly for women—and more gradually (but just as real) for men.
Unfortunately, we rarely talk about how these changes affect couples—and the impact they have on relationships, intimacy, energy, and emotional connection.
Let’s change that.
Understanding that both partners are going through real, biological changes—at different times and in different ways—is the key to navigating this stage of life together.
Hormonal Changes in Women: Perimenopause and Menopause
Women typically begin to experience hormone fluctuations in their 40s, during a phase called perimenopause. This is when estrogen and progesterone begin to rise and fall unevenly, setting the stage for menopause (which officially begins after 12 months without a menstrual cycle).
Common Symptoms Include:
Hot flashes and night sweats
Mood swings or increased anxiety
Weight gain, especially around the midsection
Brain fog and memory changes
Fatigue and sleep disruption
Vaginal dryness or low libido
Irregular or heavy periods
For many women, these symptoms aren’t just uncomfortable—they’re disruptive to daily life, relationships, and self-confidence.
And while treatments like hormone therapy, lifestyle changes, and targeted supplements can help, support at home makes a huge difference.
Hormonal Changes in Men: Andropause or “Male Menopause”
Though the term andropause isn’t medically official, it reflects a real biological process. Men experience a slow, steady decline in testosterone starting around age 30—typically dropping about 1% per year.
By the time a man reaches his 50s or 60s, that decline becomes more noticeable.
Common Symptoms Include:
Decreased libido and erectile changes
Fatigue or lower stamina
Reduced muscle mass and increased body fat
Mood shifts (irritability, low motivation, even depression)
Difficulty concentrating or “mental fog”
Lower self-esteem or drive
Because these changes are gradual, many men don’t realize what’s happening. They may blame it on stress, aging, or a lack of sleep—without recognizing the hormonal connection.
The Disconnect: When One Partner Changes Before the Other
One of the most challenging parts of midlife hormone shifts is that they don’t happen at the same time for both partners.
Often, women enter perimenopause or menopause in their 40s or early 50s—while their male partner may still feel largely unaffected.
Then, years later, men start to notice their own symptoms, just as their female partner is adjusting to postmenopausal life and ready to feel like herself again.
This misalignment can create tension, confusion, and emotional distance—especially when couples don’t understand what’s happening on a physiological level.
What Couples Need Most: Education, Patience, and Mutual Support
Understanding that both partners are going through real, biological changes—at different times and in different ways—is the key to navigating this stage of life together.
Here’s what can help:
Open Communication
Talk openly about what you're each experiencing—physically and emotionally. This isn’t a competition. It’s a conversation.
Validation
It’s easy to dismiss symptoms or say “you’re just tired” or “it’s just aging.” But these changes are real. Believing each other builds trust.
Shared Solutions
Consider exploring nutrition, exercise, and sleep strategies that support hormone health for both partners. Strength training, stress reduction, and quality supplements help everyone.
Professional Guidance
Work with a provider who understands midlife hormone changes. For women, this may include hormone therapy or menopause support. For men, this might involve testosterone testing, nutritional interventions, or specific therapies tailored to male health.
Dr. Pete Marta: Support for Men During the Midlife Transition
I’m thrilled to share that my husband, Dr. Pete Marta, is now offering direct support to men navigating the challenges of hormone decline.
As a board-certified physician with a passion for men’s health, Pete understands the physical, mental, and emotional shifts that come with low testosterone and aging. And just like women, men need a safe space to ask questions, explore options, and find practical ways to feel like themselves again.
His work focuses on:
Personalized hormone assessments and testosterone support
Evidence-based lifestyle and nutritional strategies
Addressing energy, libido, and mental clarity
Supporting men as whole individuals—not just a lab result
Pete’s mission is to normalize male hormone health and give men tools to age with strength, confidence, and purpose.
Because when men feel better, they show up better—for their partners, families, and themselves.
Final Thoughts
Aging is a shared experience, and hormone shifts are one of the most under-recognized parts of that journey.
But with the right tools, the right support, and a willingness to walk through it together, midlife can become a season of deeper connection—not distance.
If you or your partner are struggling with symptoms and not sure where to start, you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Defy Menopause - Own the Change
Many women tell me: "One day I feel amazing. The next, I can barely get out of bed. Is this normal?"
Yes, it is. And no, you don’t have to suffer through it alone.
Hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause can make you feel like you’ve lost control of your body. But knowledge is powerful. And there are clear, science-backed ways to support your hormones, ease symptoms, and reclaim your energy.
That’s exactly why I created Defy Menopause: Own the Change — a 30-day program designed to give you the tools, knowledge, and support you need to move through these changes with clarity and confidence.
Inside, you’ll find:
Weekly access to Dr. Tracy Verrico at live, group sessions
Clear action steps for managing symptoms naturally
Because you deserve more than just "putting up with it."
You deserve to thrive.
Let’s Connect
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