In this episode of the Men’s Therapy Podcast, Marc Azoulay welcomes coaching psychologist and author James Davis. He unpacks one of the most under-discussed phases of a man’s life: the midlife crisis. Davis specializes in hormone health and andropause (commonly referred to as “male menopause”). He offers much-needed insight into the challenges that men experience from their 40s onward.
“The average 20-year-old guy today has lower testosterone than a 50-year-old did in the 1980s,” Davis reveals. He highlights the alarming trends in declining hormone levels. He explains that what many men mistakenly believe is aging or burnout might stem from a hormone imbalance. “We’re talking low libido, lack of focus, and just feeling like everything’s a chore.”
Davis is helping men recognize that a midlife crisis isn’t just emotional—it’s also deeply rooted in biology. “There’s a lot of shame and confusion. Guys don’t talk about it. But low testosterone isn’t about weakness—it’s about awareness,” he adds.
Andropause is the male equivalent of menopause. It typically begins when testosterone levels start declining steadily, often after a man’s twenties. “You lose one to three percent of testosterone per year,” says Davis. “By the time you’re in your 50s, you might be 30–50% lower than where you started.”
These changes can manifest as low energy, poor memory, irritability, and low libido. Davis warns that the symptoms are often misdiagnosed as depression. This leads men to treatment plans that may not address the root cause. “A lot of guys get put on antidepressants when what they need is a testosterone test,” Marc adds.
Testosterone plays a critical role in a man’s psychological resilience and drive. “It’s not just about muscles or sex. Testosterone affects your confidence, motivation, and emotional state,” Davis explains.
Men facing midlife challenges often experience a loss of purpose and identity. Particularly when career or family dynamics undergo significant shifts. “I hear a lot of guys say, ‘I’ve done everything right—career, family, house—but I still feel lost,’” Davis says. This emotional fog can be lifted, in part, by correcting hormone imbalances and adopting new mental frameworks.
Before considering Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT), Davis urges men to make targeted lifestyle changes. “Start with walking. Then move to resistance training. Hit each muscle group twice a week. Eat real food, cut sugar, hydrate, and sleep,” he advises.
Physical exercise, particularly heavy lifting and HIIT, has been shown to support hormone health. “Exercise also boosts dopamine and endorphins. Even on the days you don’t work out, you’ll feel better if you’ve built the habit,” Davis says.
Davis emphasizes psychological tools like practising gratitude, mindfulness, and aligning daily habits with personal values. “We have to shift our identity. Become the guy who works out. The guy who prioritizes mental health.”
TRT can be transformative for some men, but it’s not a quick fix. “Once you start TRT, it’s often a lifelong commitment,” Davis cautions. It can impact fertility and may not be suitable for everyone, especially those with certain health conditions.
Davis recommends tracking testosterone levels over time. He focuses on identifying exhausting lifestyle-based strategies before opting for medical intervention. “Get tested, make changes, then test again. See where you stand before deciding,” he says.
Social isolation is one of the strongest predictors of mortality in men. “We’re not lone wolves—we need a pack,” Davis says. Rebuilding social connections through activity-based bonding (like workouts, volunteering, or outdoor hobbies) helps men reconnect with themselves and others.
“As men, we bond through shared challenge,” Marc notes. “Talking isn’t always natural, but doing something together opens up the space.”
What Davis offers is not just a diagnosis—but a roadmap. The midlife crisis, often painted as a breakdown, can be a breakthrough. “This is a moment to re-evaluate. Ask: Who do I want to be in the next 10 years? What values do I stand for?” Davis says.
Rather than viewing change as loss, he reframes it as growth: “You’re not too old. You’re not stuck. You just haven’t recalibrated.”
Midlife doesn’t have to mean decline. With awareness, lifestyle shifts, and the right support, men can navigate this phase with strength and clarity. As James Davis reminds us, “You don’t need a big, dramatic change. Small, consistent actions build lasting transformation.”
For men in their 20s to 50s who are committed to mental health, self-awareness, and personal growth, the tools are here. The time to act is now.
James Davis is a coaching psychologist, midlife mentor, and the author of The Midlife Male Handbook. He has a background in psychology and fitness coaching. Davis is helping men across the world better understand and navigate the unique physical and emotional challenges of midlife. His work focuses on bridging the gap between lifestyle habits, mental well-being, and hormonal health.
Davis offers practical tools for men seeking clarity, confidence, and control during one of life’s most pivotal phases. His mission is to normalize conversations around testosterone, aging, and mental health. He aims to empower men to reclaim their energy and identity.
The Midlife Male Handbook by James Davis
The Happiness Curve by Jonathan Rauch
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Unpack what a modern midlife crisis actually looks like. Learn why the old stereotypes get it wrong. Discover how it can become an initiation instead of a collapse.
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