It seems we’ve reached the height of the “get off my lawn” culture, with men throwing tantrums everywhere. Whether they’re typing shrill messages in all caps, frothing in road rage, or aggressively drilling into your drywall, men seem angrier than ever. And with a cultural mentality of “boys will be boys” that allows bad behavior to persist well into men’s later decades, it’s hard to know when, or if, these antics will ever end.
Would you be reassured to know that there is not only a possible medical reason, but even an accepted syndrome designation, for this way many men interact with the world?
Maybe not, but the term “irritable male syndrome” do exists, and in the two decades since its creation it has become accepted in medical and psychological circles. Although it is not a clinical diagnosis, experts say it is an accurate description of a set of symptoms that often appear in aging men.
“Along with the term ‘andropause,’ which refers to male menopause, it is a useful shorthand to describe what happens to men through the gradual decline of testosterone and hormonal changes,” Dr. Justin Houmanassistant professor of urology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.
Andreas Kindler via Getty Images
According to Houman, the most common symptoms are:
- Mood changes, including irritability, decreased motivation, and feelings of depression
- Cognitive changes, such as difficulty concentrating or memory loss
- Low energy and fatigue that cannot be explained solely by poor sleep
- Decreased libido and fewer spontaneous erections
- Loss of muscle mass and strength despite regular exercise
- Increased body fat, especially around the midsection
- Sleep problems, including insomnia or poor quality rest
These symptoms don’t happen overnight, he said. “Male hormonal decline is gradual, with testosterone levels peaking in the late teens to early 20s, remaining relatively stable until the 30s, and beginning to decline by about 1% per year after age 40. Most men begin to notice symptoms like those listed above between the ages of 40 and 60, although lifestyle, chronic illnesses and genetics can hasten or delay the onset.
How we got here
The term “irritable male syndrome” (IMS) was coined in 2001 by Dr. Gerald Lincoln, a Scottish scientist known for his work in endocrinology and reproductive biology. He was studying testosterone levels in sheep when he observed a correlation between declining testosterone levels and increased irritability and aggression in rams after the mating season. He observed similar behaviors in other males when their testosterone levels dropped, eventually identifying the syndrome in red deer, reindeer and even Indian elephants.
It is a state of hypersensitivity, anxiety, frustration and anger that occurs in men and is associated with biochemical changes, hormonal fluctuations, stress and loss of masculine identity.
– Dr. Jed Diamond
Over the years, the term was taken up by psychologists and men’s health experts to describe similar emotional and behavioral patterns they observed in men, particularly regarding age-related decline in testosterone or stress-induced hormonal changes.
Psychotherapist and author Dr. Jed Diamond wrote the booksIrritable Male Syndrome” And “Mister Mean: Saving Your Relationship From Irritable Man Syndrome.” He described IMS this way: “It is a state of hypersensitivity, anxiety, frustration and anger that occurs in men and is associated with biochemical changes, hormonal fluctuations, stress and loss of masculine identity. Although it usually occurs in men later in life, I have seen men in their 20s and 30s, who have a poor diet, high stress, and other factors, can also suffer from IMS.
We react differently to this syndrome because it is more likely to “sneak up” on those who suffer from it and on those who love them, explains the psychologist coach. James Davis. “The hormonal changes of menopause in women occur in a relatively narrow window of time, but with age-related decline in testosterone, it can be more of a ‘slow drip’ rather than a sudden moment. This means symptoms can often be considered to be caused by aging, stress, or a combination of both.”
Although hormonal changes can revive IMS, other factors may play a role, Davis said. “These hormonal changes make men more anxious, which can lead to irritability. There may be a self-identity crisis that results from decreased physical performance, muscle loss, and lowered libido. When you layer in the stress of managing a career, finances, and relationships, as well as the state of the world in general, you can see that many factors could make a man more irritable. Then add in interrupted sleep, a lack of experience or framework for expressing vulnerability or problems and increasing social isolation, and you can see how several factors can accumulate to impact an individual.
One man’s experience
Israel Cassol is a podcaster who began raising awareness about “male menopause” after being diagnosed with the condition shortly after turning 40. He told the New York Post, “I was hesitant to share such intimate details of my life, but I needed to know if this was a problem others were facing. I couldn’t believe the response I received from men describing similar symptoms I had suffered from.”
Today, he continues to promote men’s health issues, giving this advice to HuffPost: “Men shouldn’t see it as a weakness or something to be ashamed of. For many, it’s a natural part of life, and talking about it helps break down the stigma around men’s emotional health. The sooner we recognize what’s going on, the sooner we can take steps to improve things, and that makes a huge difference not only for men, but also for their families and relationships.”
Do you suspect you have SMI? Here’s what to do
Diamond said the first step should be a doctor’s appointment: “I would say that any man over the age of 45 who regularly experiences these symptoms should see their doctor for a blood test to check their testosterone levels. »
What happens if these levels are weak?
“There are effective lifestyle adjustments that men can make to increase their levels naturally, and there is also the option of testosterone replacement therapy, which requires careful consideration,” Davis said.
What should you do if a loved one seems like a likely candidate for IMS? In addition to this medical evaluation, Diamond said, Houman suggested encouraging healthy lifestyle changes like a more balanced diet, regular exercise, good sleep hygiene and stress reduction. “Maintain open, non-judgmental communication, and seek advice if a strained relationship develops,” he said.
What happens next
It’s important to be compassionate when faced with this issue, Davis explained. “You need to understand that this is not a personality change per se, but rather the result of hormonal changes that affect behavior, emotions, cognition and even the way that person presents themselves in the world,” he added.
He also said it was an issue that deserved more attention. “We need to bring andropause out into the open so that men and women can understand what’s going on with male hormones and psychology at this time of life. Middle-aged men make up the highest suicide cohort, with a suicide rate nearly five times that of women of all ages, so the problem is important and we should not marginalize it by questioning its existence or attempting to downplay it,” Davis added.
Finally, Cassoll offered this encouragement: “Patience and understanding are very important, as men going through this phase don’t always realize what is happening to them. It helps if loved ones encourage healthier habits and also create space for honest, non-judgmental conversations. Suggesting a check-up can be very helpful, as it reassures the man that he is not ‘going crazy’ and that there are ways to feel better.”
The original version of this story was published on HuffPost earlier.
Gn Health
