Understanding the Jekyll Hyde Male Menopause
Syndrome
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withdrawn and irritable which is considered an internal cause.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.
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