Conan O'Brien, 63, has opened up about experiencing andropause, commonly referred to as "male menopause," and a surprising realization about its effects. The comedian recounted a conversation with his late mother-in-law, a psychoanalytic therapist, who attributed his perceived shift in temperament to a drop in testosterone levels.
O'Brien had noticed a change in himself, feeling "wiser" and "less intense" compared to his younger years when he described himself as "very intense and very driven." He initially attributed this to maturing, but his mother-in-law offered a more biological explanation, stating, "Your testosterone level has just dropped."
Andropause is an age-related decline in testosterone that affects many men later in life. Unlike the more abrupt hormonal changes of female menopause, the transition in men is typically gradual and can often go unnoticed. However, experts note that testosterone influences more than just physical traits traditionally associated with masculinity, such as libido and muscle mass.
Dr. Hal Mohammed, MD, Men's Health Chief Medical Officer at Gameday, explained that testosterone also affects drive, competitiveness, assertiveness, and emotional reactivity. While O'Brien's experience might be linked to declining testosterone, Mohammed cautioned that personality changes are complex and can also stem from life experience, overall health, and environment. He emphasized that hormones do not solely define a person's identity.
Approximately five million men in the U.S. are estimated to have low testosterone, with natural production typically decreasing by about 1% per year after age 30. By age 70, some men may experience up to a 50% reduction in testosterone levels compared to their peak. Dr. Pete Stahl, Head of Men's Health at Hims, noted that 30-40% of men experience testosterone deficiency by their 40s or 50s, with certain health conditions like obesity and Type 2 diabetes potentially accelerating this decline. Some individuals may feel the effects as early as their 30s, while others maintain healthy levels well into old age.
The implications of declining testosterone can extend to various aspects of men's health and well-being, including impacts on work, relationships, confidence, and overall health. Low testosterone has also been associated with increased risks of diabetes, fractures, anemia, and cardiovascular issues.
Identifying and treating testosterone deficiency is considered an integral part of men's healthcare. Treatment options can include addressing underlying causes, medications to boost natural production, or testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). Restoring testosterone levels to a healthy range can significantly improve a man's quality of life and healthspan, according to Stahl.