Irritable Male Syndrome

The Irritable Male Syndrome (IMS) is a recently coined term for a set of symptoms thought to be caused by a drop in testosterone levels in middle-aged men. These symptoms are similar to those of the so-called male menopause (also known as viropause or andropause).

IMS is defined as involving the hormonal, physiological, and chemical changes that occur in all men generally between the ages of 40 and 55, though it can occur as early as 35 or as late as 65. These changes are considered to affect hormonal, physical, psychological, interpersonal, sexual, nutritional, economic, social, ecological, and spiritual aspects of men's health. One of the most consistent symptoms is anger and sullen withdrawal present in men between the ages of 40 and 60.