Mar 11
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Regaining Balance At Mid-Life: Male Menopause And Irritable Male Syndrome
“He was the sweetest guy you could envision, now he’s horribly rude and mean.” I hear this baffled worry from women all over the world. “She used to be gentle and caring, now I’m treated like her nastiest enemy.” Men are just as exasperated and aggravated. When relationships move into mid-life, millions of couples are finding that something odd is taking place.
Often I think it’s natures little joke to split us apart and send us looking for new partners to populate the species. But it is no joking matter for those facing the stresses of mid-life. The key to staying sane and keeping our relationship alive and well is to understand two related life changes affecting both men AND the women who love them at mid-life: Male Menopause or Andropause and Irritable Male Syndrome. Combined together we’ve got a double whammy. But with a little support and encouragement from those we love, we don’t have to let them do us in.
WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON SYMPTOMS OF MALE MENOPAUSE AND IRRITABLE MALE SYNDROME (IMS)?
1. Hypersensitivity-The smallest thing can set him off.
2.Anxiety-Even when things are fine, he worries all the time.
3.Frustration-At times, he seems like a pressure cooker about to burst.
4.Depression-He may not have the classic symptoms like sadness, feelings of worthlessness, or thoughts of death; but he certainly isn’t happy and he’s often irritated.
5.Loss of sexual desire-He doesn’t seem as interested as he once was.
6.Erectile dysfunction-Even when desires sex he may have issues with erections.
7.Fatigue-His energy level is often low even when he has a lot of rest.
After seeing this kind of behavior occurring in my own mid-life marriage and those of my clients and friends, I set up a research project to determine the extent of the problem. I developed an Irritable Male Syndrome Quiz http://www.TheIrritableMale.com that has been filled out by nearly 10,000 men and by hundreds of women. Based on the results I received I identified that there were four major causes of IMS.
First, were fluctuations in a man’s hormones. This can happen as we get older and our testosterone levels begin to drop. It can also result from lack of exercise and gaining weight.
Second, were variations in the biochemistry of the brain. For example,a drop of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin can result in feelings of hostility, anger, and blame.
The third cause of Irritable Male Syndrome was increasing stress levels in men as we get older.
Lastly, loss of male identity as we are challenged with new sex roles in a changing society can create issues.
Although mid-life relationships have there many challenges, there is tremendous value in working through these issues together. One man, who has been married 32 years and has raised three children with his wife, says, “Love is a lifetime of work. Be a little more kindhearted to the one who really cares for you. Take your time. Nurture your relationship. It’s all you really have.”
For more information on Irritable Male Syndrome and Male Menopause, please visit my website at http://SurvivingMaleMenopause.com and register for your free copy of my E-Book: Andropause (Male Menopause}: What Is This Crazy Thing We Are Going Through?
Dr. Jed Diamond has been helping men, and the women who love them, for over 40 years. He has written 8 books, including Male Menopause, The Irritable Male Syndrome, and Mr Mean. He is passionate about helping transform relationships and make the world a better place for us all.
Article from articlesbase.com
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