Male Midlife Crisis: Cliché Or Depressing Experience? :: By Natalie,  03/06/11

When a man reaches midlife, he experiences a number of physical and emotional changes. Male midlife crisis often becomes a target for jokes. However, it’s a serious condition that usually needs competent health assessment and medical treatment. The physicians call male midlife crisis andropause (equivalent to menopause in women), which is caused by physiological, chemical and hormonal changes occurring in men at the age of 40-50.


The consequent decline of testosterone level and natural aging process cause weight gain, decreased physical stamina and weakening of muscle tone. It’s very difficult for a man to accept all these changes. Psychologically, he thinks that he is not as strong as he was before, and this thought makes him feel low.


Men at this age experience a number of emotional changes and show signs of depression. When they realize that half of the life is already gone, the thoughts about mortality become more frequent and ominous. When a person is young, he doesn’t think about death at all, but when half of his life is already passed, it’s time to re-order priorities and values. Every man experiences andropause in its own way, but there are certain symptoms general for most of them:

• Anxiety, irritation or apathy
• Radical changes in appearances, career and personal life; making impetuous decisions
• Classical signs of depression – appetite loss, insomnia or sleeping more, fatigue

There are some health tips to help men cope with this crisis. First of all, change your diet, eat right and try to limit fats. Regular fitness training will help to remain in healthy physical condition and raise the level of endorphin (happiness hormone). Don’t bottle up your feelings, discuss your thoughts and problems with your wife or close friend. But if the symptoms are too severe and you can’t control your emotions, consult your GP for health assessment. He may prescribe you antidepressants or appoint a counselor.
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