Andropause is a condition brought about by low levels of testosterone throughout the man's body. It normally occurs in men aged 40 years old and above where they experience symptoms similar to women's menopause. However, changes in men are gradual, characterized by fatigue, changes in moods and attitudes, and loss of physical agility, energy, and sex drive. Studies show that men may even acquire the Jekyll Hyde Syndrome or Irritable Male Syndrome (IMS) which can later on affect the people around him.
A lot of people are familiar with the book written by Robert Louis Stevenson entitled Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. It speaks about human psyche dealing with the mind of a male in particular. Dr. Henry Jekyll has a life-long pursuit of separating man's two natures to obtain the essence between evil and good.
Dr. Jekyll superiors and friends refused to help him. However, he succeeded in doing his experiments using his formula, but the results were shocking. Dr. Jekyll's evil nature, Edward Hyde, surfaces with a separate identity. Hyde starts to murder those people who refuse to support Dr. Jekyll's cause. From then on, Dr. Jekyll keeps on fighting to control his evil half.
It is really shocking that this transformation could occur with men undergoing andropause. Their attitudes can suddenly change from being once a loving and sensitive person to becoming mean and uncaring. Some wife does complain to their husbands that they completely changed from being Dr. Jekyll to Mr. Hyde.
There are pointers to understand in the manifestation of this syndrome. Mostly, men who experience IMS can really change apparently overnight. He could appear so peaceful, loving, and contented but suddenly he freaks out as agitated, mean, and discontented. Other factor which triggers the condition involves a crisis of a relative or close friend. It could also be a difficulty in achieving his real identity since he has different roles such as being a father, a son, a husband, or a friend. This leads to confusion and fear thinking that he has to destroy his old version to move into something new.
IMS has affected a lot of men. It was mentioned earlier that plummeting testosterone levels can cause a man to become withdrawn and irritable which is considered an internal cause. However, external causes also trigger IMS in men. It can include physical injury or illness, or a relationship or job loss. So he thinks that his problems are caused by another person thus complaining more about it. Then he justifies it with anger to release the blame viewing the world via distorted lenses.
But not all men acquired IMS. There are four factors that should come together to develop IMS. It is determined by changes in hormones, brain chemistry, loss of identity, and stress levels. You just can't easily rate men who are irritable and angry with IMS. They should take the tests to be sure that they have IMS since being irritable and angry are normal.
Men can seek counseling to treat IMS so that they could prevent themselves from becoming Mr. Hyde of course. Men having low levels of testosterone can have testosterone restoration. Right diet and exercise is also significant. Exercising can increase testosterone levels. But keep in mind that low-carb diets are not helpful. Low carbohydrates can lower serotonin levels making men irritable. Remember, understanding IMS and seeking proper help is worth all the effort.
Gradual decrease of testosterone hormones in men as they reach a certain age is referred to as andropause, or male menopause as it is called. It generally happens as men reach 40 years old and beyond. It does not occur precisely the same time or age for everybody. Some have it earlier or much later, varying on lifestyle and health conditions.
Changes are synonym to male menopause, as it is abundant in this so-called crisis among the male species. Signs like fatigue, mood swings, character and behavioral changes, lack of energy and agility, and poor sex drives are among the common symptoms of this dilemma. Studies even relate the Jekyll Hyde Syndrome or more popular as Irritable Male Syndrome or IMS to male menopause.
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde were given life by Robert Louis Stevenson on his book telling of a man's quest for splitting man's personalities to separate good from evil. Dr. Henry Jekyll was in pursuit of dividing man's two basic natures: the good and the bad. The book was about the human psyche, bespeaking of a male's mind in particular.
The book narrated how Dr. Jekyll's friends and colleagues failed to give him the help and support he asked from them. But he eventually succeeded with his experiment by using his own self. Thus, Mr. Edward Hyde came forth. He signified Dr. Jekyll's negative side. Mr. Hyde started to kill those people who did not offer assistance to Dr. Jekyll. Since then, Dr. Jekyll was in anguish to take control over his evil match.
It is astonishing that the same can happen to men as they go into transition in andropause period. Their attitudes are bound to change from gentle to fierce, from the loving sensitive man or husband to being uncaring and totally mean.
To clearly understand the situation and condition, some points may need to be tackled. Most men under the IMS spell are expected to change abruptly. As a start, he can be really loving and attentive, and then in the next instant he is agitated and discontented. Some other factors that trigger such instances can be a death or loss of a loved one or a dear friend. Traumas such as these are enough to add trouble to an already disturbed mind. There is no specified reason as to why such changes happen to men in their menopausal period. Hormonal changes are the only close call for this.
The irritable male syndrome affects men in more ways than one. Internal causes may yield an irritable and withdrawn attitude, while external factors also have their share of effect. External factors like illnesses, loss of a job or relationship, or physical injuries may trigger IMS in men. By this, a man tends to blame others for his abominable condition and justifies it with madness and anger to let go of the blame and pain he is inflicted with. Some men are in denial. Pointing fingers to anybody but himself.
This does not mean that all men get affected by IMS. Four factors can stimulate the development of the irritable male syndrome. These are hormonal changes, identity loss, brain chemistry and levels of stress. However, it is not fair to label an angry and irritable man with IMS. Tests are necessary to be able to conclude if IMS is really the culprit of a man's aggravating attitude.
Counseling is very helpful for anyone with IMS to prevent from becoming a Mr. Hyde. No one wants to be like him for sure. Convenient steps like maintaining a healthy and nutritious diet and exercise are beneficial enough. While those with low levels of testosterone can be amended with testosterone replacement therapy. The entire condition is baffling enough for one to take, how much more to those people around. To save a lot of pain and miseries, medical help or counseling is worth trying and is sure worth all efforts and you will find out that male menopause need not be a burden to carry but just a transition to pass through.
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