Male menopause II
Common complaints as men reach middle age are poor sex drive, tiredness and fatigue, acknowledgement of ageing, hair loss and changes in body shape as they become less muscular and more rounded.
Other symptoms include irritability, sweating, flushing, generalised aches and pains, and low mood, sometimes depression.
Looking at these symptoms, it's easy to see why a comparison is made with the female menopause. Women may experience any or all of these symptoms.
Many doctors acknowledge that a genuine change for men occurs, but believe it has a psychological basis rather than a hormonal one. The realisation that they've left youth behind is reinforced by the signs of wrinkles, receding hairline and fat.
Many men may have progressed as far as they ever will in their careers and this may be hard to accept. As their children grow up and leave home, many will question whether they now have a role to play.
Marital disharmony, job dissatisfaction, financial problems or alcohol misuse are some of the other reasons that may be behind the way a man is feeling.