Irritable Male Syndrome

The Irritable Male Syndrome (IMS, also known as Del syndrome, andropause or male menopause), 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.

The cause of this syndrome is a drop in testosterone levels in males (and virtually all other male mammals too). It is a striking feature in mammals with seasonal breeding patterns at the end of the mating season.

Symptoms include anger and social withdrawal, irritability, hypersensitivity, anxiety, hot flashes, mood swings, depression, lack of libido, back and head aches[1].

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.

[1] Lincoln: The irritable male syndrome in Reproduction, Fertility and Development - 2001