Mood swings in men are a primary symptom of andropause. Irritability as a result of a hormonal imbalance is a reality, especially for men between the ages of 40 and 60.
Irritable Male Syndrome
Irritable Man Syndrome or Irritable Male Syndrome (IMS) is the term used to describe the mood swings in men. Irritability in men is often a result of high stress cortisol levels and low testosterone levels. Some men respond by acting out while others hold these feelings in and become depressed. Behaviors characteristic of men with Irritable Men Syndrome include:
- Angry
- Impatient
- Sarcastic
- Anxious
- Tense
- Hostile
- Argumentative
- Unloving
- Frustrated
- Withdrawn
- Demanding
- Defensive
- Sad
- Dissatisfied
Although Irritable Male Syndrome is most often caused by high stress and/or low testosterone; high estrogen levels can also cause irritability in men. The main source of this imbalance is a declining level of testosterone associated with andropause and aging. Other factors can contribute to the andropause-related mood swings in men including weight gain. This creates fat cells which produce estrogen from testosterone. The higher the estrogen levels and the lower the testosterone levels, the greater the likelihood of irritability in men. Furthermore, high levels of the stress hormone cortisol diminishes testosterone levels, causing the same increased likelihood of mood swings in men. Certain medications can also cause hormonal imbalances.
The Solution: Treatment for Irritable Male Syndrome
Men experiencing Irritable Man Syndrome or Irritable Male Syndrome are often in denial and find fault everywhere except themselves. As a man, it is difficult to recognize and admit that there is something wrong with yourself, that something has changed—hormonal problems are often viewed as an issue only women face. The truth is that you are not crazy, something is wrong, and something can be done to fix it. Male hormone testing is the first step to determine your hormone levels. Bioidentical hormone therapy integrated with a customized nutrition plan and other lifestyle changes has been the solution for many men. Feeling better is within your grasp.
