Irritable Male Syndrome - The Male Version of P.M.S.
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This is a...
The Modern Man
Well, ladies, it's finally happened...and we've only ourselves to blame. After decades of telling our men that we wanted them to be more sensitive to our needs, sharing our favorite hair stylists with them, convincing them that there was absolutely nothing wrong with being manicured, pedicured and waxed, they've taken the final step and gotten their own syndrome.
Unlike our own beloved and much maligned, PMS, however, IMS (Irritable Male Syndrome) is not confined to a single week of the month. Without treatment, it's more like having PMS 24/7 without the gratifying chocolate binge and overwhelming urge to cry during sentimental television commercials. Yes, I know...it sounds horrible, doesn't it? At least if we're caught piggying an entire pint of Häagen-Dazs, we have the luxury of blaming it on hormones even if we claimed the same excuse just the previous week. No sane man would dare question it.
What do men get?
- Depression
- Irritability
- Erectile Dysfunction
- Flushes & Sweats
- Fatigue
- Weight Gain
- Decreased Bone Mass
- Insomnia
- Decreased Muscle Mass
- Decreased Libido
- Irrational Jealousy
- Forgetfulness
- Moodiness
- Suicidal thoughts
Now I understand that some of these symptoms occur naturally for the male of the species without IMS, such as being a Mr. Cranky Pants and forgetting what a laundry hamper looks like. Perhaps Prince Charming has put on a bit of extra padding because of your good cooking and every once in a while he's just too darned tired to do anything more than operate a remote control from the couch in the living room. Understand that just like our Häagen-Dazs moment, this is not IMS.
Actually, IMS can be rather serious and while I make light of it in this hub, a man displaying a large number of these symptoms should seek the advice of his doctor.
...and this was a worry?
IMS is a hormonal imbalance of testosterone. Unlike, andropause (previously known by the quaint term "mid-life crisis") IMS can strike a man at any age. According to Jed Diamond, a proponent of IMS therapy, many men experiencing IMS know that something is wrong, but because they view a fluctuation or decline in testosterone level as being rather unmanly, they simply choose to deny its existence and refuse to seek the help that they need.
Mr. Diamond points out in his book, The Irritable Male Syndrome, that while it seems perfectly normal to assume that women are hormonal and men are moved more by logic, this is far from the truth. Men are in fact just as hormonally driven as women (and in some cases more so) by hormonal cycles:
- Testosterone levels fluctuate four or five times an hour
- Testosterone levels are higher in the morning and lower at night
- Men have a monthly hormonal cycle that is unique to each man
- Testosterone levels are higher in November and lower in April
- Andropause, or male menopause, occurs in men between the ages of 40 and 55
- Hormonal changes can be related to stress
The medical community is only beginning to acknowledge this syndrome as being possible...which is pretty much how they viewed the theory of PMS when it first began to gain popularity. Fortunately, men are finding a great deal of empathy on the matter in their female counterparts, who seek to understand why a simple request like "Please pass the salt" is met with a response like "take, take, take...that's all you ever do!" We've been there, done that and have the t-shirts to prove it.
Like PMS, certain factors such as being overweight, improper diet, smoking, drinking and use of medication (whether medically necessary or for strictly recreational purposes) can exacerbate the problem. Uncontrolled stress can also lead to the more serious symptoms of IMS. Daily stressors such as work, traffic, the government can provoke feelings of uncontrolled anger and helplessness which unfortunately can make a man overly aggressive with those closest to him. Even worse, the anger can turn inward and force them to harm themselves.
Do not read if easily offended by bad language...
Personally thinking, why should anyone be miserable when there are other options? While milder symptoms of IMS can be controlled through relaxation exercises and diet modification, more serious symptoms can be treated with hormone replacement therapy. Why put your mental health, your relationships and job at risk? It all starts with recognizing the symptoms, consulting your physician and making a commitment to get help.
Still not sure if you are suffering from Irritable Male Syndrome and not Typical Male Syndrome? Feel free to discover this website and take the test.
It's not just for men, by the way. I took it for my own husband. Of course, I'm sure that things are different from his perspective, so I'm curious what his results will be.
At least one good thing has come from this information. I no longer have to put up with PMS jokes...
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LOL gwendymom! Thank you! Yeah...trying to separate the typical males from the irritable ones can be VERY tricky :)
very tricky indeed.
WOW!!! First of all, that picture at the top of the hub is priceless!!! Second, the hub is great! Very interesting!!! Last, I took the quiz for my boyfriend, and now I seriously think he needs help!
Hi Anna: Thanks! :) I'm going to be very curious about the responses on this one. Especially would like to know how many MEN are brave enough to take the test themselves and if they do, how it differs from the perspective of the women in their lives. Thanks for dropping by and commenting!
Sorry I cant find the quiz? I
I thought that GOM (grumpy old men) syndrome was normal and that because I am not grumpy I am abnormal?
Great interesting hub.
Hilarious Hub Spryte, I am pretty sure my man has more than enough testosterone due to his hairiness and his high sex drive. Luckily in most ways he is pretty laid back, so I don't think he has IMS just yet. :)
Pretty funny!! I know my husband has this. I can tell when he has these symptoms. Sometimes he is like Dr. Jekyl/Mr. Hyde.
Sixty - It's right under the green-framed words on the first page of the link...where it says...umm..."take the quiz". GOM sounds more like typical male behavior after a certain age...so if you don't get all cranky, then yep...it sounds like you are rather atypical. But I think most of us suspected you weren't an average kinda guy :)
Misty - You lucky woman! See...hairy men do have an advantage in some things! Men with hairy backs should point this fact out when dating.
Lady G - The whole Dr Jekyl/Mr Hyde is a dead give away isn't it? Hmmm...I wonder... Perhaps we now know what was actually in that secret formula he drank, or one of the key ingredients. Mr. Hyde was dosing himself with testosterone.
LOL As you rightly noticed, it's all a product of emancipation! If women claim to be equal to men in all aspects, this is just a logical result of it! Now we have a revenge! :P
Great hub, Spryte. I too love that pic at the top of the guy in the towel and face mask.
Thanks for being an awesome HubMobster, Spryte! Also, 'hormone replacement therapy' sounds painful...ouch.
Misha: LOL! Just beware...along with equality comes the jokes, the t-shirts and a handy dandy excuse for why men really shouldn't be allowed anywhere near that little red button in the white house. Can we afford to have such an irritable, angry, hormonal person's hand hovering over it? :)
Shirley: Me too! And thank you!
Ryan: Don't fret...I hear it comes in a cherry flavored liquid that can be swallowed. :) Just teasing about the cherry flavored part...but I have read that it is available in liquid form.
Great hub! My cat is like that if I get him wet :)
Thanks Uninvited Writer! Y'know...I didn't even think about the repercussion on the animal world, but you are right!
spryte
were you the one who stole my diary? please kindly return. no question asked.
My Score: 28
According to Mr. Diamond there are some indications of IMS. May need help or watchful waiting to see if things improve or get worse. Personally I don't think there's anything to worry about :)
Problem with this test is that a lot of it can simply be part of our human traits.
G'day Spryte, Brainstormer said you were loads of fun, all you want to talk about is tes... tes... tes.... you know that man stuff?.
Hey and I know what the laundry hamper looks like, especially the inside, the ends catch my ears when I take it off my head.
I'm going back to Brainstormer for a cheer-up.
Seriously now :-) love you hubs and have become a big fan.
Avagood1.
Benson - Sorry, I'm just getting to the good parts. I'm a fast reader though, I'll be done in no time. While you are here though could you explain page 43 to me? I didn't think that was possible for a man...
Ananta - Hmm, somehow I never figured you to be one low on testosterone. I wonder if taking the test at different times of the day would make a difference. Men can be rather moody you know...
Hey agvulpes - Oh he did now, did he? He's probably trying to keep me busy so I won't annoy his hubs :) Thanks for the comment, try the lamp it's easier to get on and off and I hope you come back often :)
Well Spryte, I think an internet-test can never really say anything about my testosterone-levels. :)
*sweet smile*
No...but Lazur can.
*grin*
Hi Spryte, I'm not showing your hub to my husband. I'd hate him to think that he has an excuse for his crankier moments!
Did I hear someone call my name? * Innocent smile*
Let me read...
MMM 28 dear? I'll be back here on monday. I'll do some testing of my own:P:P
I don't know what you are freakin on about. Man put on a few pounds, looses a bit of bone density, can't sleep and you think I have some lame IMS or something. The reason I have no interest in doing the deed and have that construction dysfunction thing is because ... its because. What was I talking about? Doesn't matter and you can hang your own washing out anyway.
Amanda: LOL! You should let him use it as an excuse...and then just think of the fun you can have! We really need to work on your evil side :P
Lazur: He scored a 28? Well hell...double check that would you? See if he's just in denial and get back to us, okay?
Brainstormer: There, there punkin....(passes the pint of ice cream to Brainstormer)...wanna just hang out in our bathrobes together and watch some soap operas and game shows today? I hear that Ellen is going to have animals on her show...wouldn't that be fun? And maybe we can paint eachother's toenails afterward...
So here I am again. I have to say that there is normally a score of 31. But I have to say that this weekend there were no signs of IMS :P:P He just didn't get the chance to show those signs* innocent look*
It's not a syndrome; that's what you make of it!
Lazur: Perhaps it's only IIMS with Ananta...Intermittent Irritable Male Syndrome? 31 isn't a bad score...my own beloved hit a 72 when I tested him. :) He hasn't taken the test HIMSELF, mind...but...I was very fair (I'm sure).
Ananta: What do you have against getting a free grouchy pass? heheheh
I'm not grouchy! *pout*
I'll bet that when we women fill in the test, it's more acurate than when the men do Spryte. (a)
Lazur - That wouldn't surprise me at all...due to our objectivity, of course. Men obviously have no idea when they are and when they aren't grouchy.
*gives a meaningful look to the post directly above yours*
I just ignore those moments Spryte. That seems to work best *whistles a bit and gets a beer *
No wonder we get irratable
because you have to get your own beer now?:P
Hell, I'm used to THAT, woman!
*whistles and gets another beer*
Tsss men and IMS
*spryte is suddenly inspired to write a new hub..."When PMS meets IMS - The Ugly Truth"
*grin*
which reminds me of a t- shirt I got from my cousin in the States many years ago. "Danger! This woman has hormones from hell!":P
Yeah, that'll be the day. The day I need a t-shirt to speak for me. Ha!
When PMS meets IMS? I'd write about the day after, in which case you have a Post Irritable Malicious Premenstrual Syndrome. Nicely abbreviated to PIMPS
Lazur & Ananta:
I only have one thing to say to the two of you...
You belong together. :)
It's getting greasy in here *lol*
I thought this hub would be a funny rant about ass-hole guys... but, apparently IMS is real!?
Thankfully, I am perfect in each and every possible way, so I had absolutely no idea this was going on.
Whew! Dodged THAT bullet... ;-)
What can I say CW...sometimes the real world just hands you something on a silver platter and you don't need to fabricate it! :)
As for your perfection...you know how to make a good cup of coffee AND french toast. I'm not going to argue with you since you seem to be off to a good start. When's lunch?
Can't make promises on that lunch. You know how popular us dudes who can cook are...
Would I have to wear long pants?
LOL! No...what you wear is completely up to you. Why? Do you have a special outfit that you cook in?
Hi Spryte, took your advise went and did the test. Made me feel great passed OK, scored 1. Yeah I faked it.
Hmm where have I heard that before.
You should point out that this disorder is progressive. I used to be known as B.T. Irritablepants. I quickly shot past Grumpypants and Angrypants, to my current Evilpants status, for which there is no known treatment!
Agvulpes - Nahhh...if anyone could get a "1" on that test, I'd suspect strongly it would be you.
BT: You have my unflagging sympathy...and I'll remember to stay out of reach of your antlers to be safe. It does make sense though and explains the whole killer rabbit scenario in Monty Python's "The Holy Grail." That bunny was beyond irritable. Perhaps a study should be conducted in the near future? Maybe a fundraiser?
Well... it depends on whom I am cooking for.
For you, it would be an apron. Just that. And maybe I'd accessorize with some leather converses and a backwards ball cap.
You are a dangerous man CW... :)
Any man that can cook AND take full advantage of how much of an aphrodisiac that is to any woman...can cook for me anytime.
I guess I don't need to ask about dessert?
thank heavens......
they got a name for it.
previously it was just called........
unreasonable........
LoL grumpy! I had another name for him...err...it...and it definitely wasn't as nice as "unreasonable". :)
Well... I don't know. How well do you wear fruit and chocolate syrup?
Depends...
Are we talking food fight or a practical solution to having to deal with dirty dishes?
Hmmm... No brainer. The food fight would be more fun.
CW: Yeah...I agree. It would be :)
Finally.... proof of what I have been saying for years - My husband has PMS for months at a time. "IMS"
Carolyn - LOL! You have my deepest sympathy :) From one fellow sufferer to another! Thanks for dropping in and commenting!
I hate when my husband is on his MANstral cycle. Good hub!
MasonsMom: Thank you! I hear ya about the cycle...the sad thing is they seem to ride it for a lot longer than we ride ours :)
Darn, now that I know it is an actual CONDITION homicide is no longer an option.
Harhar.
Hmmm....I dunno about that Gillsie. It could be a mitigating factor...as in "His IMS annoyed the hell out of my PMS and he was just asking for it." Perhaps it could be chalked up to a hormonal rage....err....hormonicide?
:)
I missed all of the comment-versation, BUT AT LEAST I FINALLY READ THE DAMNED THING! I always assumed that my IMS was caused by raised testosterone from her PMS! (is this a bad time of the month to be making this kind of comment?)
PM - *pauses to look at those two initials* - Odd,huh?
Paper Moon Syndrome. I think I just discovered a new syndrome!! Wait until I bring this one to the rest of the ladies' attention. You might want to start stocking up on candy bars and kleenex cuz we'll be visting soon, Moon.
I may have to change my name now! I may be in touch with my feminine side, but dont want to be emasculated! Though if all the ladies come by, I hope it is not during their "Lunar Cycle" ;)
YEA I FINALLY HAVE AN EXCUSE FOR MY BEHAVIOR AND I'LL TAJE ADVANTAGE OF IT
This is super interesting! I had no idea that this was a real condition and it explains a lot about some "dudes" I know! Just a side note, I.M.S. can be brought on by I.B.S. (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) which is brought on by excessive eating which is brought on by I.M.S... It's the gift that keeps on giving.
Flores: LOL! I guess I just assumed that everything got irritated...even the bowels. :) Thanks for commenting!
LoL! I have always seen that men, on general, are far more basic and instinct driven than women. And also that men have much more trouble with emotion-management and overall self-control.
It's just that their deeply embedded feeling of insecurity have made them (unconsciously, of course, for else they would have realized that their behavior was highly illogic) to treat women as second-class humans, all for the sake of not being overshadowed by the, in many respects, more superior women.
Every man that treats women as somewhat lesser, feels deeply insecured about himself. And that's a fact.
Wow, your hubs are hilarious, I'm glad I found them!!
LOL! :) Thank you, weestro!
Get off my back, leave me alone, don't even think of suggesting I need help. OK? OK? Haven't you heard a word I've been saying? Jeezus H Christ woman...
Lol! I think one of the signs of IMS is agreeing to go to an Elton John concert...just sayin'...
gwendymom 3 years ago
hy husband has these symptons, now we finally have a name for his condition. Thank you thank you spryte for writing this hub, you have probably changed our lives! Oh, never mind, he just has typical male syndrome. Great hub!