Thursday, June 25, 2009

Morning Headache could be a Symptom of Depression

The most complicated thing about depression is that it is extremely hard to diagnose this disorder. Initially the symptoms of depression are quite unclear and most of the time seem to be common. It's hard even for the patient and his close persons to understand that he or she is affected by this disease. Most people will even say that depression is a normal thing and happens to everyone so there's nothing to worry about. Fact is that depression is officially classified as a mental disorder, and just by that it's wrong to state that it's normal. It is true that it happens to virtually all people, even children can suffer from depression. It is the most commonly met disease on the planet, but few people take it seriously. Although for most individuals depression can be just a downside phase of life that will shift pretty soon, but for many others it will be a serious concern. But doctors today tend to believe that depression is simply over diagnosed, meaning that too many patients with no obvious symptoms of clinical depression are prescribed with antidepressants (e.g. valium), some of them even asking for such a treatment on their own.

This leads us to the question of how can one identify whether he or she is suffering from clinical depression? Though it is quite hard to identify depression at earlier stages, there are certain signals one can watch out for in order to see if the disease is starting to manifest itself. Most important here is to become more cautious and instead of going with self-treatment consult with a professional doctor about the matter.

There's nothing strange about getting up with a headache in the morning. Even if you weren't partying all night long. Many people aren't satisfied by the quality of their sleep and have head and muscle aches when getting up from bed. And although it may seem pretty common to many, this is a definite signal that something is wrong. If this condition is chronic, then you should consult with your doctor. It was proven that chronic morning headaches are one of the symptoms of depression at its early stage. So instead of taking Valium with the thought that you can fix everything on your own, it is better to see a doctor. Sometimes this can be a signal for more serious problems than depression.
The most complicated thing about depression is that it is extremely hard to diagnose this disorder. Initially the symptoms of depression are quite unclear and most of the time seem to be common[...]

Labels: , , , ,

Monday, March 30, 2009

Menopause - The Silent Howl for Males | Male Menopause

An aged man walks along the road when a frog shows up in all of a sudden, the frog uttered to him, “If you will kiss me I will transform into a beautiful maiden.” The man, after hearing the words of the frog, picks it up at once and places it inside of his purse. The frog in its great confusion asked the man, “Why didn’t you kiss me?” But the man answers, “I would prefer to have a frog talking inside of my purse.”

This story can be likened to a satire wherein it depicts an aged man with a sexual insecurity. According to some researches, a man reaching the age of 50 and 60 are already not capable to perform for quite several reasons. And this situation is often associated to male menopause.

Nowadays, approximately 18 million of the male American population are affected with this dilemma on waning sexual potency, affected by the lowering of the testosterone level.

Moreover, this dilemma which is often termed as the midlife crisis for aging men does not solely affect their sexual potency; this also affects their mood, as well as their endurance, quite akin to the feelings of women when they are also reaching their menopausal period.

According to specialists, male menopausal may show various symptoms like frequent fatigue, grouchiness, the lowering of sex drive, decrease in life’s enjoyment, waning strength of erections, falling fast asleep after eating dinner, the ability in sports is gradually declining, lowering of strength ad stamina, and decrease in energy.

If a man above the age of 50 is experiencing three of the mentioned symptoms, there is a chance that it might already be a low testosterone syndrome.

There are statistical studies that also reveal the effects that can be related to the lowering of testosterone level, these are:

• Reduce of libido level, this includes the eagerness for sex and the sexual thoughts
• Reduce in muscle mass
• Reduce of memory level
• Increase of heart ailments

It is usual that on the part of the women, they often perceive that men will not go through to anything like what they will go through as they reach their midlife. However, with all these presented facts about male menopausal, it shows that women and men will be going through to a closely alike experience in the later years of their lives.

People frequently focus on the differences between the menopause of male and female that they tend to neglect the numbers of its similarities, like for instance the impulsive mood swings, anxiety and bad temper, the aching of neck and back, the lapses and loses of memory, the lowering of concentration, lowering of self-esteem, the feeling of gaining weight, and sickness or injury takes longer time to cure.

Although men go through some reproductive modification, they do not lose their capacity for reproduction, unlike women. However, because men are considered to have a sturdy performance in terms of sex, many of these men would prefer to keep the frog talking inside of his purse and dismiss the fact that it can transform into a beautiful maiden, than let the situation caused by male menopause insult his sexuality.

Note this, the fatigue brought by male menopausal dilemma is taken by these men quietly, yet, inside of them there is an out bursting howl.
An aged man walks along the road when a frog shows up in all of a sudden, the frog uttered to him[...]

Labels: , , , ,

Surviving and understanding the Jekyll and Hyde male menopause syndrome

Some if not all men fear this certain stage in man’s life called male menopause. For many, this crisis is the start of half dying and half living nature.

But what about male menopause is really scary?

When a man reaches the age of 40, he starts to become irritable, easily stressed and starts to lose his passion and purpose in life. This turning point of the way to andropause haunted men in one way or another - Male menopause syndrome.

There are three causes linked to male menopause syndrome. First is the fluctuation of male hormones. This is a normal occurrence as we age. But also, this can be manifested due to lack of nutrients and exercise. The next factor is the change in the brain’s biochemistry. The decrease in the supply of neurotransmitters increases hostility, anger and impatience. The third and the resolvable cause is the increase of stress level. It could be due to too much consumption of alcohol or due to psychological stresses. How you handle circumstances can be a big factor in this area. It could be avoided if only you would try. These factors became part of the mid-life struggles which challenge men to overcome.

Many wives had their stories to tell about their partners with altering characters, husbands who turn from being Jekyll to Hyde, from being compassionate to mean. The male menopause syndrome patterned to the book of Robert Louis Stevenson entitled “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” had so much in common.

The story is about Dr. Jekyll who had this pursuit of separating the good and the bad nature of man. In his quest, he encountered rejections from colleagues and superiors. For that he had to work alone for his project. Then, Dr. Jekyll had to do the experiment with himself. That separated his evil nature who turned out to be Mr. Hyde. In contrary to the good persona of Dr. Jekyll, Mr. Hyde had been murdering the board of governors who turned down the cause of Dr Jekyll. All through the story, Dr Jekyll had been pursuing in vain to control his evil half.

The same pursuit happens to men who are suffering from the male menopause syndrome. From being the responsible and loving Jekyll, they had the tendency to turn to being the irritable Hyde. Men at this age seemed to change overnight.

But these tendencies are often triggered by loss of a friend or relative. The death of a close person seemed to trigger thoughts of them being the next in line. And the realization of their being mortal is so striking that he has convoluted thoughts.

The confusion that he feels is often accounted to his responsibilities and to the people surrounding him. Then he describes this feeling as being trapped and subsequently loses his sense of being.

At this crisis, men need to be understood. It is a crucial period when a man would want to be free and to destroy the order of the old ways. It is the period when they need to feel needed, and that they are important. There could be a lot of remedies in store trying to relieve the symptoms of male menopause. They can cause side effects, however. The best cure is to give them enough support and guidance to overcome this crisis.

Labels: , , , ,

Male Menopause Symptoms and Its Strategies in Surviving Depression

It is not surprising that men are not spared from biological occurrences. Like women, men have also their menopausal stage. The male menopause known as andropause is a condition wherein the hormones of males naturally decline. Moreover, changes in their lives such as reordering life, career change, or divorce also happens. These events bring physiological and psychological changes which can later on become depression.

Andropause usually occurs in men at the age fifty and above. But some people are asking questions whether andropause is real or only a myth. Well, it is a fact that hormonal decline is not prevented as one person ages. However, the hormone declines in men are more gradual compared to women's menopause. That is why andropause is medically termed as A.D.A.M or Androgen Decline in Aging Males.

Like women's menopause, andropause in men are also characterized by different symptoms. These symptoms are apparent which are being manifested by erectile dysfunction or the failure of achieving an erection, mood changes, general tiredness, palpitations, and night sweats. Palpitations and night sweats happen because the autonomic system of men is overactive responding to their testosterone falling levels. But erectile dysfunction is considered the most important symptom of andropause.

Feelings to be closer to their family as well as friends are also developed during the andropause stage. Men in their early stage of life often focus on money, career, and power but when andropause strikes them, the transitions are clearly seen. These men became more concerned with their family and friends as if they regret their past attitudes.

Another symptom that is commonly reported is memory loss associated with the aging process. Nevertheless it is only minor and will not affect daily functioning compared to Alzheimer's disease.

As been said, andropause brings changes in men both physically and psychologically. Therefore, men should handle issues and changes carefully because these can cause stress. If stress is not successfully managed then depression might take place. But worry no more since there are six strategies so that men can successfully passed the andropause stage.

1. Learning to reward and love themselves and others. Remember that it is much better to give than to receive. It is very important to leave legacies.

2. Controlling and organizing their self. Keep in mind that discipline is vital as they face their later life. It is much better not to abuse themselves with alcohol and cigarettes. Time management is also good for preparing wills, advancing directives, and designating management.

3. Exercising. Muscle and cardiovascular conditioning surely helps in delaying aging processes.

4. Having good relaxation and rest periods. This is good for coping up with physiological changes.

5. Obtaining the right diet. Take note that it is necessary to eat foods suited to their age.

6. Enjoying the andropause and aging stage. Accept that there are inevitable things beyond human control. Learn to be satisfied and just make the most out of what life has to offer. Andropause is part of life's journey so be positive about it and concentrate on acquired blessings rather than being depressed.

Asking for the advice of a doctor can also help. Counseling may treat some physical and psychological changes. Fortunately, treatment for mood changes and erectile dysfunction or impotence is easily accessible today.

Men should take these helpful steps to avoid depression and see the brighter side of life despite facing andropause.
It is not surprising that men are not spared from biological occurrences[...]

Labels: , , ,

Understanding the Jekyll Hyde Male Menopause Syndrome

Andropause is a condition brought about by low levels of testosterone throughout the man's body. It normally occurs in men aged 40 years old and above where they experience symptoms similar to women's menopause. However, changes in men are gradual, characterized by fatigue, changes in moods and attitudes, and loss of physical agility, energy, and sex drive. Studies show that men may even acquire the Jekyll Hyde Syndrome or Irritable Male Syndrome (IMS) which can later on affect the people around him.

A lot of people are familiar with the book written by Robert Louis Stevenson entitled Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. It speaks about human psyche dealing with the mind of a male in particular. Dr. Henry Jekyll has a life-long pursuit of separating man's two natures to obtain the essence between evil and good.

Dr. Jekyll superiors and friends refused to help him. However, he succeeded in doing his experiments using his formula, but the results were shocking. Dr. Jekyll's evil nature, Edward Hyde, surfaces with a separate identity. Hyde starts to murder those people who refuse to support Dr. Jekyll's cause. From then on, Dr. Jekyll keeps on fighting to control his evil half.

It is really shocking that this transformation could occur with men undergoing andropause. Their attitudes can suddenly change from being once a loving and sensitive person to becoming mean and uncaring. Some wife does complain to their husbands that they completely changed from being Dr. Jekyll to Mr. Hyde.

There are pointers to understand in the manifestation of this syndrome. Mostly, men who experience IMS can really change apparently overnight. He could appear so peaceful, loving, and contented but suddenly he freaks out as agitated, mean, and discontented. Other factor which triggers the condition involves a crisis of a relative or close friend. It could also be a difficulty in achieving his real identity since he has different roles such as being a father, a son, a husband, or a friend. This leads to confusion and fear thinking that he has to destroy his old version to move into something new.

IMS has affected a lot of men. It was mentioned earlier that plummeting testosterone levels can cause a man to become withdrawn and irritable which is considered an internal cause. However, external causes also trigger IMS in men. It can include physical injury or illness, or a relationship or job loss. So he thinks that his problems are caused by another person thus complaining more about it. Then he justifies it with anger to release the blame viewing the world via distorted lenses.

But not all men acquired IMS. There are four factors that should come together to develop IMS. It is determined by changes in hormones, brain chemistry, loss of identity, and stress levels. You just can't easily rate men who are irritable and angry with IMS. They should take the tests to be sure that they have IMS since being irritable and angry are normal.

Men can seek counseling to treat IMS so that they could prevent themselves from becoming Mr. Hyde of course. Men having low levels of testosterone can have testosterone restoration. Right diet and exercise is also significant. Exercising can increase testosterone levels. But keep in mind that low-carb diets are not helpful. Low carbohydrates can lower serotonin levels making men irritable. Remember, understanding IMS and seeking proper help is worth all the effort.
Andropause is a condition brought about by low levels of testosterone throughout the man's body[...]

Labels: , , ,