Sorry guys, but women aren’t the only ones susceptible to moodiness. Men experience mood swings in much the same way that females do—especially with age. For some men the mood swings are so regular that they are referred to as irritable male syndrome, a condition marked by frequent, severe mood swings among men.
One of the reasons men experience mood swings with age is low T, or low testosterone.
Testosterone levels naturally decline with age, causing men to experience a variety of uncomfortable symptoms like weight gain, loss of sexual interest and chronic fatigue. Not all men with low T experience mood swings, but it is not uncommon for them to develop during this stage of life.
Irritable male syndrome (or IMS for short) is a relatively new term, first coined in 2004 by psychotherapist Jed Diamond. Since then the term has been adopted by many men as well as many in the medical community. It gives a name to a symptom of low T that confuses many men, leaving them feeling unlike themselves and discouraged by the changes taking place in their bodies.
Mood swings develop thanks to a combination of biochemical changes in the body, hormonal fluctuations in the blood and high levels of stress. When put together, these symptoms leave many men questioning their masculinity, which can lead to surges of severe emotions.
What Does a Mood Swing Feel Like?
A mood swing is an outpouring of emotion. The emotions of a mood swing are often more intense than you might rationally think the situation deserves. While many people think of mood swings as sharp and sudden shifts in emotion, this isn’t always the case. The pendulum can swing slowly. One day you may feel euphoric, the next depressed, but on both days you may register that the severity of your emotions feel unwarranted—more extreme than you are accustomed to.
During a mood swing you’ll feel a lot more than just happy or sad. Other types of emotions to be on the lookout for include:
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Hyper-sensitivity
- Anger
There are ways that you can control mood swings. Since mood swings in men are so commonly associated with low T, anti-aging treatment with hormone replacement therapy can often help. Habits like eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly and managing stress can also help you stay in control of your emotions.
