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What Is Irritable Male Syndrome? Signs, Causes, and Remedies

author avatar Dr. Eric Berg 12/14/2024

Irritable male syndrome affects predominantly middle-aged men and is characterized by emotional and physical changes such as mood swings, depression, low libido, and lack of energy. 


This common condition is linked to age-related decline in testosterone levels, and understanding irritable male syndrome and its causes can help develop effective management strategies.


Discover the signs and symptoms of irritable male syndrome and learn how to support balanced hormone levels naturally.  


Andropause concept

What is irritable male syndrome?


Irritable male syndrome (IMS) describes a range of physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms that commonly emerge in aging men.


Also referred to as andropause or male menopause, IMS is linked to age-related hormonal fluctuation in testosterone production that can be exacerbated by factors such as stress, alcohol consumption, and nutritional deficiencies. 


Testosterone plays a critical role in male health by supporting muscle mass, bone density, mood stability, energy levels, and sexual function, with its decline often impacting overall physical and mental well-being.



While IMS isn’t an officially recognized medical condition and may not be widely understood among healthcare providers, it can significantly impact mental and physical health. 


Research published in the International Journal of Clinical Practice found that almost 40 percent of men aged 45 and older have declining testosterone levels.


This leaves a large proportion of the male population at risk of developing IMS. Unfortunately, due to a general lack of awareness and limited research, many men may not seek help, allowing symptoms to potentially worsen. 


Watch the video below to learn more about the link between low testosterone and IMS. 

Irritable Male Syndrome or Just Low Testosterone?

Symptoms of irritable male syndrome


Testosterone and other hormones critical for male health, such as dihydrotestosterone (DHT), regulate vital physical functions, body composition, bone density, energy metabolism, and reproductive health.


Unsurprisingly, hormonal imbalances and declining testosterone can negatively affect various bodily systems and contribute to a wide range of health issues. 


Here are common symptoms associated with IMS:

  • Irritability 

  • Unexplained mood shifts

  • Fatigue 

  • Erectile dysfunction

  • Low sex drive 

  • Sleep problems 

  • Muscle mass loss

  • Anxiety and depression

  • Poor stress tolerance 

  • Brain fog

  • Memory issues 


While these symptoms can be linked to hormonal changes, they may also be indicative of other medical conditions, and it’s crucial to consult a healthcare provider if you show signs of IMS.


A doctor can perform blood tests to evaluate hormone levels, which helps identify whether hormonal imbalances contribute to symptoms or if another underlying condition, such as hypothyroidism, might be the cause.


Conventional treatment to manage testosterone deficiency includes testosterone replacement therapy, which is typically beneficial in the short term but can exacerbate hormonal imbalance in the long run. 


Low testosterone concept

Potential causes of irritable male syndrome


Testosterone production naturally declines with age. However, various other factors can exacerbate low testosterone levels or trigger other hormonal balances that interfere with sex hormone production. 


Here are four potential causes of IMS. 


1. Stress

Stress has been found to be a major contributing factor to IMS, as elevated levels of the stress hormone cortisol directly suppress testosterone production. 


This has been confirmed by evidence published in Psychiatry Investigation reporting that men exposed to stress had markedly lower testosterone levels and were more likely to report feeling anxious, irritable, and aggressive. 


The authors summarize, “...anticipatory stress can reduce testosterone levels in men. Moreover, unlike the men with normal testosterone levels, men with low testosterone tend to have more anxiety and irritability.”


2. Alcohol consumption  

Alcohol consumption has been shown to lower testosterone levels by impairing the liver’s ability to metabolize sex hormones effectively. This disruption can affect hormone balance and contribute to a decline in testosterone levels.


Additionally, chronic alcohol use depletes essential minerals, such as zinc, which is crucial for testosterone synthesis and supporting the body's hormonal balance. 


Man eating junk food

3. Excess body fat

Obesity, often linked to a sedentary lifestyle and diet high in sugar, refined carbohydrates, and ultra-processed foods, has also been implicated in the development of IMS. 


Excess body fat disrupts hormonal balance by increasing estrogen production, even in men. Fat cells release an enzyme called aromatase, which converts testosterone into estrogen. 


As body fat accumulates, aromatase levels rise, accelerating the conversion of testosterone to estrogen and contributing to hormonal fluctuations linked to IMS.


4. Poor dietary habits 

High-carb diets, especially those that include refined sugars and processed grains, trigger rapid spikes in blood sugar levels, which causes the release of large amounts of insulin. 


While insulin is critical to regulating blood sugar balance, it also suppresses testosterone levels by disrupting complex hormone regulation pathways involved in sex hormone production.


Intermittent fasting concept

Natural ways to deal with irritable male syndrome


Because of the potential health risks associated with synthetic hormone replacement therapy, many men turn to healthier lifestyle choices to regain control of their moods, energy levels, and overall well-being. 


Here are five steps you can take to manage IMS symptoms naturally. 


1. Practice intermittent fasting 

Intermittent fasting is a mealtime schedule that cycles between fasting periods and time-restricted eating windows. This approach not only supports weight loss and metabolic health but has also been found to indirectly boost testosterone production.


This has been confirmed by a study published in the Journal of Contemporary Medicine, reporting that intermittent fasting significantly increases concentrations of growth hormone, which plays a crucial role in testosterone production and hormone balance.


Growth hormone enhances the function and activity of Leydig cells in the testes responsible for testosterone production. This explains why intermittent fasting is an effective strategy for promoting testosterone balance, which can help manage IMS symptoms.


Ketogenic diet concept

2. Limit carbohydrate intake   

Due to the detrimental impact of excessive carbohydrate intake on testosterone and overall men’s health, those affected by IMS symptoms may benefit from following a low-carb diet.  


A nutritious low-carb diet such as Healthy Keto® limits carbohydrate intake to no more than 50 grams daily, thereby keeping blood sugar and insulin levels steady, which is crucial to promoting testosterone balance. 


Evidence published in Endocrine investigated the impact of a ketogenic diet on sex hormones in men and reported that carbohydrate restriction significantly increased plasma testosterone concentrations. 


In addition, Healthy Keto focuses on nutrient-rich, minimally processed organic vegetables, grass-fed meats, wild-caught fish and game meat, pasture-raised eggs, and full-fat dairy.  


This dietary approach offers plenty of essential nutrients needed to maintain overall physiological functions, including optimal endocrine and hormonal health.   


3. Maintain optimal zinc levels

A study published in Nutrition found that zinc deficiency is common among men and is strongly associated with reduced testosterone levels.


The authors also report that zinc supplementation results in significant increases in testosterone levels, highlighting zinc’s role in supporting hormone balance and overall male health.


In addition to supplements, zinc can also be obtained from dietary sources such as oysters, shellfish, red meat, poultry, and dairy products, all of which provide bioavailable zinc to support optimal testosterone production.


Arginine-rich foods

4. Focus on L-arginine-rich foods 

L-arginine, an amino acid found in foods such as red meat, poultry, fish, and nuts, plays a crucial role in promoting nitric oxide production in the body. 


Nitric oxide helps relax blood vessels and improve circulation, which may be beneficial for managing IMS symptoms such as erectile dysfunction. 


“L-arginine also has calming properties and may assist in reducing stress levels,” explains Dr. Berg. “This can help mitigate cortisol’s negative impact on testosterone production.”


5. Incorporate regular exercise 

Regular exercise, in combination with a healthy diet, is essential for promoting testosterone production and managing IMS symptoms. 


Physical activity, particularly strength training and cardiovascular exercises, boosts testosterone levels by stimulating the release of growth hormone, which in turn supports testosterone production. 


Additionally, regular exercise has a profound impact on mood, stress levels, and overall well-being, which are critical factors in managing symptoms related to IMS. 


Testosterone sign

Key takeaways


Irritable male syndrome is a set of symptoms, including depression, fatigue, low sex drive, irritability, and muscle mass loss, that primarily affects middle-aged men. 


Age-related decline in testosterone is believed to be the primary cause, which can be exacerbated by stress, alcohol consumption, excessive weight, and poor dietary choices. 


Testosterone-boosting strategies, including intermittent fasting, restricting carbohydrate intake, regular physical activity, and maintaining optimal zinc levels, promote hormone balance and may help alleviate IMS symptoms.



FAQ


1. What are the signs of irritable male syndrome?

Common signs of irritable male syndrome (IMS) include low libido, fatigue, irritability, mood swings, sleep disturbances, and anxiety. 


Men with IMS may also experience difficulty concentrating, muscle mass loss, and poor stress tolerance, all of which are linked to hormonal imbalances, particularly low testosterone levels.


2. Is irritable male syndrome real or fake?

While not universally recognized as a clinical diagnosis, IMS is a medically acknowledged phenomenon that many men experience, particularly during midlife when testosterone production starts to decline.


3. What causes irritable male syndrome?

IMS is caused by a decline in testosterone, often associated with aging. Factors such as stress, poor dietary habits, and alcohol consumption can further contribute to hormonal imbalances and exacerbate IMS-related symptoms, such as irritability, fatigue, and mood swings.


4. What hormone causes irritability in men?

Irritability in men is often caused by a decline in testosterone, which can lead to mood swings, fatigue, and emotional instability.


In addition, elevated levels of the stress hormone cortisol may further exacerbate irritability and mood swings, as high cortisol can interfere with testosterone production.


5. Can fasting help with irritable male syndrome?

Yes, fasting is an excellent strategy to promote hormonal balance, boost testosterone, and manage symptoms of IMS. 


Fasting has been found to increase the release of growth hormone, which plays a critical role in stimulating and maintaining testosterone production in the testes.  


6. How can I deal with irritable male syndrome?

Dietary and lifestyle habits that promote hormonal balance, such as regular exercise, a nutritious low-carb diet, and stress reduction techniques, can help alleviate IMS symptoms.


In addition, practicing intermittent fasting, reducing alcohol intake, and ensuring optimal zinc levels support testosterone production, which can help manage IMS.



Sources


  1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16846397/ 

  2. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5128352/ 

  3. https://dergipark.org.tr/en/download/article-file/2456100 

  4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36149528/ 

  5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8875519/

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