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| HEALTH |
| MALE
SYNDROME (IMS) - PREPARED BY NIGEL JAMESON |
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Irritable
Male Syndrome, as the name suggests, is a condition
which causes irritability in males. This syndrome is
caused due to a drop in testosterone levels in the body.
A person becomes irritable, touchy and angry for no
apparent reason.
To know more about IMS, read on. 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. |
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