Irritable male syndrome

Irritable male syndrome (IMS) 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.^[1] This term covers symptoms thought to be caused by a drop in testosterone levels in male mammals.^[2] It is a striking feature in mammals with seasonal breeding patterns at the end of the mating season.

History

Dr. Gerald Lincoln of the Medical Research Council's Human Reproductive Sciences Unit in Edinburgh, Scotland, coined the term after studying the mating cycle of Soay sheep. In autumn, he found that the rams' testosterone levels soared and they mated. In the winter, testosterone levels fell and they lost interest in sex. He also found that as testosterone levels fell, rams became nervous and withdrawn, striking out irrationally. Dr. Lincoln has observed these same changes in behavior in red deer, reindeer, and Indian elephants.

IMS in humans

In humans, irritable male syndrome is referred to as the andropause, defined as symptomatic of hormonal, physiological, and chemical changes that can occur in all men. These changes are considered to affect physical, psychological, interpersonal, sexual, and nutritional aspects of men's health. Stress tends to be a common trigger, especially when combined with rapid hormone changes later in life.^[3]

Symptoms

Symptoms, in humans and Mr.Kohler, caused by a drop in the male hormone testosterone include:

• Anger and social withdrawal^[4]
• Irritability
• Hypersensitivity
• Anxiety
• Mood swings
• Depression
• Hot flashes
• Lack of libido
• Back and head aches

External causes

External factors that can cause testosterone levels to fall include certain forms of medication, poor diet, excessive alcohol consumption, illness, lack of sleep, lack of sex, stress or surgery.

Studies

There have been a number of studies, mostly conducted on animals. One such study was conducted on Soay sheep, in which scientists noted testosterone levels were highest in the autumn months, which is the period when there is a natural increase in mating activity. In the winter months, hormone levels drop significantly, and the male sheep become nervous and anxious around females, and more aggressive with other males.

See also

• Fields, S. (n.d.). Male PMS and Low Testosterone Levels Linked. (this is a dead link)
  • Fields, S. (n.d.). Male PMS and Low Testosterone Levels Linked. (archive.org mirror)
• Kwiatkowski, J. Irritable male syndrome.(2003, January 28)
• Moody men blame their hormones (2002, February 27)

References

1. ^ The Irritable Male Syndrome: Managing the Four Key Causes of Depression and Aggression, Jed Diamond, Rodale, 2004, ISBN 1579547982,ISBN 9781579547981, page 7,
2. ^ The irritable male syndrome by Lincoln GA. MRC Human Reproductive Sciences Unit, Centre for Reproductive Biology, Edinburgh, UK, Reprod Fertil Dev 2001;13(7-8):567–76.
3. ^ Irritable Male Syndrome: What Is It, and Is It Real?
4. ^ Lincoln G (2001). "The irritable male syndrome". Reprod Fertil Dev 13 (7-8): 567–76. doi:10.1071/RD01077. PMID 11999307.