THE menopause is a time of great change for women - but do men also go through a similar process?


IN female menopause the ovaries fail, sex hormones fall and periods stop. Clearly men don't have a menstrual cycle but they do have circulating levels of the male sex hormone testosterone that can decrease in later life. But the decline is much more gradual and not all men experience it.


MANY middle-aged men complain of poor sex drive, tiredness, irritation and low mood. Some will lose their hair and most will put on weight and become less muscular - similar symptoms to the female menopause.


MIDDLE-AGE is a time of great change for men too. You're no longer the young stud, your looks are fading and fitness levels falling. At work you may not know your next career move. Time for leisure can be short. The adjustment to these changes explain many of the symptoms of the male menopause.


ACKNOWLEDGE the change in life. It's not giving in to old age, but it's accepting the transition into elder statesmen and all the positive changes this brings. Address any relationship or marital problems you may have.

Give yourself some time to think about the future, sort out your finances and start new pursuits you can enjoy as you get older.

Although your body may hurt more than it did, you can still stay fit.

Exercise produces feel-good endorphins that boost your mood.

But remember that some medical conditions like thyroid disease can also affect your energy levels, so get a health check with your GP to make sure you have no problems.