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)
