Meet the Man Rewriting the Midlife Narrative

Dr Zubair Cajee is part scientist, part strategist, and wholly obsessed with vitality. He is leading a hormonal shift that puts power back where it belongs, in your body, your clarity, and your confidence. In a world that treats burnout, brain fog, and fading energy as inevitable, he calls it what it truly is, imbalance. Through precision led hormone therapy, he is proving that midlife is not a decline, it is a recalibration. This is balance, backed by science, and delivered with confidence.

Our Editor in Chief, Kaniz Ali, sits with Dr Cajee in his wellness clinic in the heart of Jumeirah, Dubai, where he shares his insights.

Dr Cajee describes it as “balancing the midlife shift, or crisis as I like to call it.”

Kaniz: How does hormone replacement therapy support women and men through menopause and andropause?

Dr Cajee: Approaching midlife can feel like standing at a crossroads, emotionally, physically, and hormonally. For women, menopause marks the end of reproductive years, typically between ages 45 and 55. For men, a similar but often quieter transition, known as andropause, can begin around the same age as testosterone levels gradually decline. Both experiences can bring significant changes to energy, mood, sleep, and overall vitality. Today, hormone replacement therapy offers a science backed way to restore balance and improve quality of life for both women and men.

Kaniz: What is the best way to understand menopause and andropause?

Dr Cajee: Menopause is the natural decline in estrogen and progesterone production, signalling the end of menstruation. This shift can trigger symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, vaginal dryness, and sleep disturbances. Beyond discomfort, lower estrogen levels can also increase the risk of osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease.

Andropause, sometimes referred to as male menopause, is less abrupt. Testosterone levels in men begin to drop gradually after the age of 30. This can lead to fatigue, loss of muscle mass, decreased libido, mood changes, and even memory concerns. Though often underdiagnosed, the effects of low testosterone can be just as disruptive.

Kaniz: What is the role of hormone replacement therapy?

Dr Cajee: Hormone replacement therapy aims to supplement declining hormone levels to alleviate symptoms and restore balance.

For women, treatment may include estrogen therapy alone, combined estrogen and progesterone therapy, or in some cases, a combination of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. These therapies can significantly reduce hot flashes, improve sleep, enhance mood, and help protect against bone loss.

For men, testosterone replacement therapy helps restore hormone levels to a healthy range. It may be delivered through gels, injections, patches, or pellets. Many men experience improved energy, libido, muscle tone, and mental clarity, helping them feel more like themselves again.

Kaniz: What are the benefits and considerations?

Dr Cajee: Hormone therapy is not a miracle solution, but it can dramatically improve quality of life when used appropriately. Many patients report improved mood, better sexual function, clearer thinking, and more stable energy levels.

However, hormone therapy is not suitable for everyone. Some individuals may not be ideal candidates due to medical conditions such as certain cancers, liver disease, or cardiovascular issues. Personalised care and ongoing monitoring by a qualified healthcare provider are essential. Regular blood testing ensures appropriate dosing and safety.

The Modern Approach

Today’s therapies often use bioidentical hormones, which are chemically identical to those produced naturally by the body. Many clinicians find these easier to balance and well tolerated.

Hormone therapy works best when combined with healthy lifestyle choices. Balanced nutrition, regular exercise, quality sleep, and stress management all support hormonal harmony and long term wellbeing.

Conclusion

Whether you are a woman navigating menopause or a man experiencing andropause, understanding the hormonal changes behind the symptoms is empowering. Hormone replacement therapy is not about turning back the clock, it is about restoring vitality, balance, and confidence during one of life’s most transformative stages.

With the right medical guidance, midlife does not have to mean decline. It can mark the beginning of a stronger, clearer, and more energised chapter.