Is 'Manopause' Real?

"Both menopause and andropause may increase irritability, moodiness, and depression because there is a decline in the hormones regulating the neurotransmitters that affect our emotions. "Why did I come into the kitchen?" moments and " brain fog" can also be part of both menopause and andropause. In this case, fluctuating hormone levels affect our memory storage and retrieval mechanisms, causing frustrating forgetfulness and trouble focusing."

"Women may talk about hot flashes more often, but we all complain about insomnia and frequent waking during the night. Body metabolism changes mean men and women are both noticing that their carb cravings are increasing-and their waistlines along with it. In addition, fat is now more likely to be stored in the belly, and joint and muscle problems can make staying active more challenging."

Men and women experience overlapping age-related hormonal effects that produce mood shifts, brain fog, sleep disruption, metabolic slowing, reduced libido, and muscle and joint problems. Menopause typically involves a relatively rapid drop in ovarian hormones, producing more abrupt and noticeable symptoms. Andropause involves a gradual, highly variable decline in testosterone, producing subtler and more individualized changes. Declining sex hormones alter neurotransmitters, impair memory retrieval, disrupt thermoregulation, and fragment sleep. Metabolic changes increase carbohydrate cravings and central fat deposition while reduced muscle mass and slower reaction times raise fall risk. Psychological responses differ, with many women seeking community and men more likely to experience changes privately.

Read at Psychology Today