Male Menopause (Andropause): What It Does to Your Skin and Hair

By Dr. Sheel Desai Solomon, MD, FAAD
Most people are familiar with menopause in women, but fewer realize that men go through their own hormonal transition over time.

It’s often called “andropause” or more accurately age-related testosterone decline.

And while it’s more gradual than menopause, it has very real effects on the skin, hair, and overall appearance.

What Is “Male Menopause”?

Starting around the late 30s to 40s:

• Testosterone levels decline about ~1% per year 
• Free (active) testosterone declines even more due to changes in binding proteins

This shift affects:

• Skin thickness
• Oil production
• Hair growth patterns
• Collagen levels

How It Shows Up on the Skin

1. Thinner, Less Resilient Skin

Testosterone helps maintain:

• Skin thickness
• Collagen density

As levels decline:

• Skin becomes thinner and less firm 
• Fine lines and laxity become more noticeable
• Wound healing may slow

2. Increased Dryness

Men typically have oilier skin when younger due to higher androgen levels.

Over time:

• Sebum (oil) production decreases
• Skin becomes drier and more sensitive 

This can lead to:

• Itching
• Irritation
• Increased susceptibility to eczema-like symptoms

3. Changes in Texture and Tone

• Dullness
• Rough texture
• Uneven pigmentation

These are often subtle at first—but cumulative.

How It Affects Hair

Hair changes are often the most noticeable—and the most distressing.

1. Pattern Hair Loss (Androgenetic Alopecia)

This is the most common.

What happens:

• Hair follicles become sensitive to DHT (a testosterone derivative)
• Follicles gradually shrink
• Hair becomes finer → eventually stops growing

Pattern:

• Receding hairline
• Thinning at the crown
• Progressive loss over time

By age 50:

• Up to ~50% of men have significant hair loss 

2. Body Hair Changes

Interestingly:

• Scalp hair decreases
• Body hair may increase (ears, nose, chest, back)

This is due to different follicle responses to androgens.

3. Slower Hair Growth

Hair cycles slow down:

• Longer resting phase
• Shorter growth phase

This leads to:

• Thinner overall density
• Slower regrowth after shedding

The Overlap: Skin + Hair + Hormones

These changes don’t happen in isolation.

Hormonal shifts can also:

• Increase inflammation
• Affect sleep and stress levels
• Influence metabolic health

All of which indirectly impact:

• Skin quality
• Hair growth

What Actually Helps

This is where a proactive approach guided by your Dermatologist makes a difference.

1. Skin Support

Daily Basics:

• Gentle cleanser
• Moisturizer (yes, even for men)
• Sunscreen (critical for preserving collagen)

Medical Options:

• Treatment for Rosacea
• Topical retinoids to stimulate collagen, but this a caveat of caution if there is co-existing Rosacea
• Treatments for dryness or inflammation

2. Hair Loss Treatment

Early treatment is key.

Options include:

• Topical minoxidil (stimulates growth phase)
• Oral medications (to reduce DHT effects)
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in select cases

The earlier we intervene, the more hair we can preserve.

3. In-Office Skin Treatments

For men noticing skin laxity or aging changes:

• Energy-based treatments to stimulate collagen
• Targeted treatments for texture and tone

These can help restore firmness and overall skin quality.

4. Lifestyle Factors Matter More Than You Think

• Adequate protein intake
• Resistance training (supports hormonal balance)
• Sleep and stress management

These all influence both skin and hair health.

When to make an appointment with a Dermatologist

Don’t wait if you notice:

• Progressive hair thinning or recession
• Increased dryness or skin sensitivity
• Changes in skin firmness or texture
• Scalp issues (itching, flaking)

Early intervention changes outcomes.

Final Thought

Male aging is often discussed in terms of strength or energy—but the skin and hair tell the story just as clearly.

The good news is that these changes are:

• Predictable
• Treatable
• Often modifiable when addressed early

Taking care of your skin and hair is increasingly recognized as an integral part of maintaining overall wellness, health and confidence.

Dr. Sheel Desai Solomon is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Preston Dermatology & Skin Surgery Center, providing comprehensive care for skin and hair health in both men and women at every stage of life.