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Have you ever felt that your male partner is PMSing? They get awfully cranky, easily irritated and just feeling rather blue? Well, this could be the cause of IMS. While men do not get periods, an imbalance in their hormones does make them react in quite an irritable way. In this article, you’ll find out more about Irritable Male Syndrome (IMS) and understand why your male partner is all moody.
What is Irritable Male Syndrome (IMS)?

Via: Healthline – Irritable Male Syndrome
According to this study, the irritable male syndrome (IMS) is a behavioural state of nervousness, irritability, lethargy and depression that occurs in adult male mammals following the withdrawal of testosterone.
The question is, what causes a drop in testosterone levels in males to begin with?
- age (testosterone levels can start decreasing at the age of 30)
- stress
- changes in weight or diet
- insomnia or lack of sleep
- eating disorders
- illness
Symptoms of IMS

Via: Men’s Health – Irritable Male Syndrome
The leading symptom of IMS is irritability. While depression and inability to focus are also evident in IMS here’s what to expect if your partner is going through IMS:
- Angry
- Impatient
- Sarcastic
- Anxious
- Tense
- Hostile
- Argumentative
- Unloving
- Frustrated
- Withdrawn
- Demanding
- Depression
- Dissatisfied
- Low sex drive
- Low self-confidence
Causes of IMS

Via: Balance My Hormones – Irritable Male Syndrome
While many factors can affect your partner’s mood and energy levels, a dip in testosterone levels is just one of the causes of IMS. Here are some other causes of IMS:
- Changes in brain chemistry as a result of eating too much protein or too little healthy carbs.
- Chronic stress
- The ever-changing and evolution of male roles in society.
Treatment of IMS
While IMS is not a registered medical condition, there are a few things a male experiencing these symptoms can do to regulate their testosterone levels and therefore avoid the PMSing behaviour.
-
Testosterone replacement therapy
If your partner’s IMS is due to a drop in testosterone levels, then the most common solution is getting testosterone replacement therapy.
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Maintain a healthy lifestyle
Following a healthy lifestyle can help your partner keep track of his weight. Managing weight doesn’t just have a positive impact on IMS but can also help prevent health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. It can also regulate sleep and prevent sleeping disorders as well as regulate their energy levels.
Further reading:
- Menopause: What Is It? What Are Its Symptoms?
- Fathership: Are You Raising Your Son to Be a Sexual Harasser?
- Fathership: Raising Children Should Not Only Be a Mother’s Responsibility
Sources used in this article:
- The irritable male syndrome – MRC Human Reproductive Sciences Unit, Centre for Reproductive Biology, Edinburgh, UK
- Is Irritable Male Syndrome Affecting Your Relationships? Learn the Signs – Healthline
- Can Men Get Periods? – Healthline
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