The Irritable Male Syndrome (IMS)

According to Jed Diamond, psychotherapist and best selling author of Male Menopause and The Irritable Male Syndrome, Irritable Male Syndrome is defined as "A state of hypersensitivity, anxiety, frustration, and anger that occurs in males and is associated with biochemical changes, hormonal fluctuations, stress, and loss of male identity."

Irritable Male Syndrome (IMS) is the psychological, physiological and chemical changes that occur in all men between 40 to 55 years. This syndrome is also sometimes referred to as 'male menopause'. It is also known as andropause or midlife crisis. IMS can cause a number of mood swings ranging from happy to sad, lethargic to full of energy, sensitive to irritable. These moods swings are said to be stronger than mood swings in women. IMS has broken the myth that only women have mood swings and and are emotional.

The symptoms of irritable male syndrome are:

• Anxiety
• Bouts of Anger
• Frustration
• Jealousy
• Flushes and sweats
• Fatigue
• Decrease in bone mass
• Weight gain
• Depression
• Insomnia
• Defensive behavior
• Demanding nature
• Childish tantrums, if demands are not met immediately
• Unloving, sarcastic nature
• Decreased libido
• Erectile dysfunction

The main reasons for IMS is a fall in the testosterone levels of the body. It is very important for individuals suffering from irritable male syndrome to seek medical help. The mood swings make males irritable and decrease their ability to see things rationally.

In addition to the above symptoms, many hormonal fluctuations occur in a male body as well. These fluctuations affect mental, emotional and physical health. One may also experience memory lapses and bowel problems. Men suffering from IMS also face many prostrate problems, frequent urination and low stamina. Other symptoms that result due to low testosterone levels include cold hands and feet, constipation, dry skin and intolerance to cold temperatures.

IMS patients also suffer from many chemical and hormonal imbalances that occur in the adrenal glands, thyroid glands, pituitary gland and the pancreas. The imbalance in the adrenal glands can lead to arthritis, allergies, high blood sugar, weight gain and craving for sweets. The symptoms associated with high thyroid function are anxiety, vision changes, fatigue, hair loss, insomnia, sweating and weight loss. The pancreas monitor the blood sugar levels in the body. Fluctuations in the pancreatic secretions may lead to high blood sugar levels, high triglycerides and cholesterol, weight gain, increased hunger, poor circulation, and type 2 diabetes. The pituitary gland is the most important gland in the body as it regularizes the hormones in the body. If there is imbalance in the working of a pituitary gland, the entire endocrine system goes haywire. The symptoms of irritable male syndrome are an indication of problems related to pituitary glands.

The symptoms that males suffering from IMS experience may not be just limited to mood swings and decrease in hormones. The changes may be subtle, causing the individual to experience a rush of emotions never expressed before. Empathy and care suddenly ooze out of him from nowhere. A simple choir song may bring tears in the eyes of a grown man. There have also been situations where people suffering from IMS have suddenly opted for a change in lifestyle, bought a new sports car, or have even withdraw from society.

Men experiencing the irritable male syndrome are mostly in a state of denial. They usually find faults with everything other than themselves. Such men experiencing IMS should visit a doctor to check their hormonal level. A hormone replacement therapy or testosterone therapy may be advised, with a diet and fitness program to help lower mood swings.

It is always better to seek medical advice if one becomes angry or is frustrated with every person he meets. Irritable male syndrome is nothing to be worried about, its just a part of growing old. It's up to you to age gracefully or grumpily.