More often than not, anytime a woman acts emotional, the first thing she is asked is, “Are you PMSing?” While men have used PMS as an insult often, did you know men also have PMS-like symptoms? If women have PMS, men have IMS, aka Irritable Male Syndrome. But what exactly is it, and how can you determine if a man has IMS?

What is Irritable Male Syndrome?

Irritable Male Syndrome, or IMS, is a state of hypersensitivity, frustration and anxiety that occurs in men due to hormonal fluctuations. As per the National Centre for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), “The irritable male syndrome (IMS) is a behavioural state of nervousness, irritability, lethargy and depression that occurs in adult male mammals following withdrawal of testosterone(T).”

IMS mimics pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) as it causes mood swings, irritability, and anxiety. It is often caused due to high stress, low testosterone and high oestrogen in men. IMS is also likened to menopause and is known as andropause or male menopause, as it is most common in men above the age of 45.

Main symptoms of IMS

• Hypersensitivity
• Anxiety
• Frustration
• Anger
• Increased mood swings
• Emotional withdrawal

How to deal with IMS?

Physical activity

One of the best ways to deal with Irritable Male Syndrome is to have a healthy lifestyle with ample physical activity. Exercise can help you with mood swings, and exercising regularly contributes to emotional balance.

Balanced diet

A balanced diet is essential for a healthy body and mind. Have a well-balanced meal daily that includes lots of fruits and leafy vegetables, and is a nutritious powerhouse. Your diet should be a healthy mix of carbs, protein, fat, fibre, vitamins and minerals.

Stress management

A leading cause of IMS is high stress levels, so it is important to manage them—practice stress management activities like meditation, deep breathing and muscle-relaxing exercises. By regulating your stress, you’ll be able to regulate your mood swings and as a result, your IMS.

Seek therapy

Your mental health is affected if you have IMS, so it is essential to take care of your mental health. Talk to a specialist if needed, and make it a point to communicate healthily to people around you. Be mindful of your response to situations and deal with them accordingly, and if something bothers you, try to address it as calmly as possible.

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