Health
The Future of Men’s Mental Health
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This is the 5th in a series of articles on the Future of Men’s Mental Health. In Part 1, I addressed the questions, “Men and Mental Health, What Are We Missing?” Part 2 focused on the way that “Mental Health Crises Are Putting Everyone at Risk.” In Part 3, I explored Gender-Specific Healing and Man Therapy. In Part 4, I shared Recent Research From Leading Neuroscientists.
The title of the first chapter of my book, Male Menopause, was titled, “Putting the Men Back in Menopause.” I detailed my initial explorations this way:
When I began researching this book, I was skeptical about the concept of ‘male menopause.’ I had been a therapist for over thirty years and had worked with thousands of midlife men and women. Is there really a change of life that men go through?
I went on to describe my encounter with one of the earliest proponents of male menopause, the writer Gail Sheehy.
While browsing through my local bookstore, I was drawn to a copy of Vanity Fair magazine. Well, to be absolutely honest, I was drawn to the cover photo of Sharon Stone, nude to the waist, with her hands cupping, but only partially covering, her breasts. Sharon was staring seductively into the eyes of the reader, with two-inch letters emblazoned across her bare midriff proclaiming, ‘WILD THING!’ I was sure there was something important Sharon had to tell me.
I went on to say,
However, I never read the article to find out, because just to the left of Sharon’s blond hair, right below the April 1993 dateline, were the words that grabbed me by the throat (actually a bit farther south than my throat)—‘Male Menopause: The Unspeakable Passage by Gail Sheehy.’ Those words spoke in a quiet but insistent voice.
Male Menopause was published in 1997 and soon became an international best-seller. It has since been translated into more than fifteen foreign languages. My follow up book, Surviving Male Menopause: A Guide for Women and Men, was published in 2000. There continues to be a great deal of confusion and controversy surrounding the whole concept of what goes on at mid-life for men. As Sheehy recognized in the 1993 article,
If menopause is the silent passage, ‘male menopause’ is the unspeakable passage. It is fraught with secrecy, shame, and denial. It is much more fundamental than the ending of the fertile period of a woman’s life, because it strikes at the core of what it is to be a man.
I was one of the early researchers who was speaking out about Male Menopause (also called Andropause or Manopause). Here are a few of the important things I’ve learned over the years and have shared in my books and articles.
What is Male Menopause?
Male Menopause begins with hormonal, physiological, and chemical changes that occur in all men generally between the ages of forty and fifty-five, though it can occur as early as thirty-five or as late as sixty-five. These changes affect all aspects of a man’s life. Male Menopause is, thus, a physical condition with psychological, interpersonal, social, and spiritual dimensions.
What is The Purpose of Male Menopause?
The purpose of Male Menopause is to signal the end of the first part of a man’s life and prepare him for the second half. Male Menopause is not the beginning of the end, as many fear, but the end of the beginning. It is the passage to the most passionate, powerful, productive, and purposeful time of a man’s life.
What Are The Most Common Symptoms of Male Menopause?
- Loss of libido and sexual desire, particularly with the partner you are with.
- Increased fantasy about having sex with others.
- Difficulty developing and maintaining erections.
- Increased irritability and anger.
- Taking longer to recover from injuries and illness.
- Having less endurance for physical activity.
- Increased anxiety and worry.
- Loss of self-confidence and joy.
What Are Common Life Changes Associated with Male Menopause?
- Hormone levels are dropping, particularly testosterone.
- Sexual vigor is diminishing.
- Children are leaving.
- Parents are dying.
- Job horizons are narrowing.
- Friends are dying or getting serious illnesses.
- Martha Weinman Lear, writing in the New York Times Magazine summed it up this way.
The past floods by in a fog of hopes unrealized, opportunities not grasped, women not bedded, potentials not fulfilled, and the future is a confrontation with one’s own mortality.
Over the years, I have found two common extreme views: (1) Male Menopause doesn’t exist. Only women go through a hormonally driven change of life. (2) If men do go through a change, it is only a hormonal change, and can be “cured” by giving men supplemental testosterone.
I’ve learned that neither of these views are true. Men do experience a change of life, whether we call it Male Menopause, Andropause, or Manopause. I called it Male Menopause because I believe there are more similarities than differences between what women and men experience. I also believe, as does, Gail Sheehy, that it is much more complex than simply a loss of hormones and
It is much more fundamental than the ending of the fertile period of a woman’s life, because it strikes at the core of what it is to be a man.
Surviving Male Menopause Together. How Can Couples Navigate the Change of Life?
After Male Menopause was published and become an international best-seller with 15 foreign editions, I received letters from women all over the world asking questions about the relational aspects of what men go through. I wrote the book Surviving Male Menopause: A Guide for Women and Men to answer questions including the following:
- How does male menopause differ from the midlife crisis?
- Why do men have affairs at this time of life?
- What are the best methods for treating erectile dysfunction?
- Why do menopausal men act so much like adolescent boys?
- What can a woman do to help a man get through male menopause?
Is There Anything Good About Male Menopause?
Like so many complex aspects of life, when we try to oversimplify things, we lose the very essence of what we are trying to study. When we deny the reality of a “male change of life” and reduce it to a “midlife crisis” or simply see the change in medical terms, we give men few options.
For most of human existence our lifespan was quite limited to around forty years. Men and women rarely lived long enough to experience a “change of life.” Life was a climb up a mountain and we reached the peak when we were in our 20s and had produced children to keep our species going. Then, it was a quick decline down the mountain once the children were old enough to survive.
But now humans can live into our 80s, 90s, and beyond. Now there is another mountain to climb and what we call Male Menopause is simply the transition to the second mountain. If top of the first mountain is called “Adulthood,” the peak of the second mountain, is “Super-Adulthood” or “Elderhood.” That is why I say that
Male Menopause is not the beginning of the end, as many fear, but the end of the beginning.
Too Many Men Are Dying Before Their Time
These are confusing and challenging times for most people, but particularly for men. It has been said that “Old age is not for sissies.” While many men are embracing the later years, too many are losing hope and giving up. The suicide rate for men is much higher than the rate for women and gets even worse the older we get.
Take a look at this chart from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC):
Suicide rate among adults age 55 and older, by age group and sex: United States, 2021
We see the men’s death rates on the left and women’s on the right for four different age groups. It is clear that death by suicide is a huge problem for men as we age. The male/female ratio for ages between 55 and 85+ are almost 5 times higher for males. This is a tragedy and a crisis. Clearly older men are feeling pressures that women do not experience and are losing hope for a better future. This needs to change.
Welcome to the Second Mountain and an Expanded Understanding of Midlife and Aging
My friend and colleague, Chip Conley, is transforming our understanding of midlife and what we can look forward to as we prepare for and climb the second mountain of life. Says Conley, “The midlife crisis is the butt of many jokes, but this long-derided life stage has an upside.” In his new book, Learning to Love Midlife: 12 Reasons Why Life Gets Better with Age, he expands our vision.
What if we could reframe our thinking about the natural transition of midlife not as a crisis, but as a chrysalis: a time when something profound awakens in us, as we shed our skin, spread our wings, and pollinate the world with our wisdom?
We know midlife and aging is not all sweetness and light. It isn’t easy letting go of old ways that no longer work for us. We all know what happens to the caterpillar. As Conley reminds us,
When it is fully grown, it uses a button of silk to fasten its body to a twig and then forms a chrysalis. Within this protective chrysalis, the transformational magic of metamorphosis occurs. While it’s a bit dark, gooey, and solitary, it’s a transition, not a crisis. And, of course, on the other side is a beautiful, winged butterfly.
You can learn more about Chip’s work and his book on his website, https://chipconley.com/
Learning About Men’s Health, Male Menopause, and How to Live Well in the Second Half of Life
There is a lot we need to learn about life in the second half. Chip Conley suggest that there are three stages of midlife:
- Early midlife (Age 35-50)
During early midlife we tend to experience some of the challenging physical and emotional transitions—a bit like an adult puberty. We realize we are no longer young, but not yet old.
- The second stage of midlife (50-59)
This is the core of midlife in our fifties when we’ve settled into this new era and are seeing some of the upside. We begin to see opportunities for growth and finding passions we never knew we had.
We are still young enough to see and plan for what’s next, our senior years. Says Chip,
At 63, I am just getting acquainted with this third stage, but I do know it’s also when our body reminds us it doesn’t want to be forgotten.
I turned 80 last December and am well into the stage of Eldership. It’s a time where we are called to share what we know and have learned over our lifespan. Three years ago I started the MenAlive Academy for Gender-Specific Healthcare. The Academy offer programs for both men and women who want to learn about the unique mental, emotional, and relational issues that men face. It also offers programs for healthcare providers who are working with men and their families.
As my colleague Marianne J. Legato, M.D., Founder of the Foundation for Gender-Specific Medicine says,
Everywhere we look, the two sexes are startingly and unexpectedly different not only in their normal function but in the ways they experience illness.
If you would like more information about the MenAlive Academy for Gender-Specific Healthcare, drop me a note to [email protected] and put “MenAlive Academy” in the subject line. If you’d like to read more articles like these, I invite you to subscribe to our free weekly newsletter.
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This post was previously published on Menalive.com.
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Health
Can Stuff in Rosemary Extract Fight Cocaine Addiction?
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Researchers have discovered that an antioxidant found in rosemary extract can reduce intakes of cocaine by moderating the brain’s reward response, offering a new therapeutic target for treating addiction.
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The study in the journal Neuron describes researchers’ focus on a region of the brain called the globus pallidus externus, which acts as a gatekeeper that regulates how we react to cocaine.
They discovered that within the GPe, parvalbumin-positive neurons are crucial in controlling the response to cocaine by changing the activity neurons releasing the pleasure molecule dopamine.
“There are currently no effective therapeutics for dependence on psychostimulants such as cocaine, which, along with opioids, represent a substantial health burden,” says corresponding author Kevin Beier, an associate professor of physiology and biophysics at the University of California, Irvine.
“Our study deepens our understanding of the basic brain mechanisms that increase vulnerability to substance use disorder-related outcomes and provides a foundation for the development of new interventions.”
Findings in mice revealed that globus pallidus externus parvalbumin-positive cells, which indirectly influence the release of dopamine, become more excitable after being exposed to cocaine. This caused a drop in the expression of certain proteins that encode membrane channels that usually help keep the globus pallidus cell activity in check. The researchers found that carnosic acid, an isolate of rosemary extract, selectively binds to the affected channels, providing an avenue to reduce response to the drug in a relatively specific fashion.
“Only a subset of individuals are vulnerable to developing a substance use disorder, but we cannot yet identify who they are. If globus pallidus cell activity can effectively predict response to cocaine, it could be used to measure likely responses and thus serve as a biomarker for the most vulnerable,” Beier says. “Furthermore, it’s possible that carnosic acid could be given to those at high risk to reduce the response to cocaine.”
The next steps in this research include thoroughly assessing negative side effects of carnosic acid and determining the ideal dosage and timing. The team is also interested in testing its efficacy in reducing the desire for other drugs and in developing more potent and targeted variants.
Scientists from the University of West Virginia and the University of Colorado participated in the study.
Support for this work came from the National Institutes of Health, One Mind, the Alzheimer’s Association, New Vision Research, BrightFocus Foundation, and the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation.
Source: UC Irvine
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Previously Published on futurity.org with Creative Commons License
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Health
Hoka's 'Amazing' Walking Shoes That 'Have So Much More Cushion' Than Other Sneakers Are A Super-Rare 20% Off
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This summer was filled with discounts on almost every Hoka hiking shoe, from the light and breezy Speedgoat trail runner to the ultra-durable Kaha hiking boot. The brand’s iconic running shoes very rarely go on sale, but a select few have received surprise discounts at Dick’s Sporting Goods, including the Clifton, the Solimar, and now the ever-popular Bondi.
The Hoka Bondi 8 Running Shoe is on sale for $132 at Dick’s Sporting Goods right now—a rare 20% off the normal price of $165. These sneakers have maintained a 4.3-star rating after more than 4,300 votes, and they’re a top 3 bestselling style at Dick’s along with the Hoka Clifton and Brooks’ Adrenaline. The Bondi is only on sale in a single color—a nice neutral gray-green tone—but it’s available in all sizes from 8 to 14, though that may not be the case for much longer.
Hoka Bondi 8 Running Shoes in Slate, $132 (was $165) at Dick’s Sporting Goods
The Bondi 8 is one of Hoka’s bestselling models—if not the top dog—because it offers a massive stack of cushion that makes people feel like they’re walking on air. Its light and bouncy foam midsole is ideal for pounding neighborhood pavement on short runs, but it’s also great as a walking shoe and a shoe for standing all day. Up top, a breathable mesh upper helps keep feet cool while underneath, strategically placed rubber inlays help fight abrasion, extending the life of the shoe months beyond the average pair. They’re also certified by the American Podiatric Medical Association as a style that promotes good foot health.
Shoppers wear the Bondi everywhere from the track to the coffee shop, but it’s becoming increasingly popular among medical workers who need all-day support. “I am a resident physician and am on my feet for 80 hours a week,” a shopper began. “The Bondi 8 is the most comfortable shoe I’ve ever worn in the hospital…I used to just buy cheap shoes and would wear them until they fell apart, but these shoes are amazing. They have so much more cushion than other shoes that are popular among healthcare workers. My feet aren’t sore at all at the end of my shift.”
Hoka running shoes rarely go on sale, which is why it’s shocking to see the Bondi 8 for just $132 at Dick’s. If you’ve been shopping for a new pair and you’re into this neutral tone, grab yourself a pair soon, because when it comes to Hoka sales, sizes don’t hang around for long.
Health
From STEM to STEAM, a Conversation with Brooke Brown
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In our latest episode of The Schoolyard Podcast, host Nancy Chung welcomes Brooke Brown, a National Board Certified Teacher, National Presenter, and Curriculum Author specializing in STEM, Makerspaces, Coding, and Robotics.
Nancy and Brooke explore the world of STEM education and the importance of including the arts in STEAM education to prepare students for future challenges.
Brooke’s background in education has driven her passion for creating innovative products that foster engaging learning experiences. She emphasizes the significance of STEAM in bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world innovation and equipping students with essential skills for an evolving job market.
They discuss STEM education, and Brooke shares personal stories of integrating the arts into STEM projects, which has led to unexpected breakthroughs and memorable learning moments for her students.
![brooke brown and nancy chung, video call interview](https://blog.schoolspecialty.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/syp-s2e3-recording-screenshot.webp)
Brooke also talks about her favorite STEAM lessons, including chain reactions, pumpkin catapults, and paper roller coasters, highlighting the excitement and engagement these activities bring to students.
The episode concludes with a fun segment where Brooke imagines a STEAM superhero team, showcasing the unique powers each member would bring to solve global challenges. Listen in to hear who makes it on Brooke’s squad!
To learn more about Brooke Brown and her resources for STEM and STEAM education, visit her website and connect with her on social media.
Stay tuned for more insightful discussions on education in upcoming episodes of The Schoolyard Podcast. Class dismissed!
![brooke brown image](https://blog.schoolspecialty.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/brooke-brown.webp)
Brooke Brown
Brooke is in her 18th year of teaching literacy and STEM in Oklahoma. After 10 years teaching grades 1-3, she now serves as a Gifted Resource Coordinator for early childhood students, focusing on Gifted and Talented, STEM, Math Enrichment, and Advanced Literacy for grades K-2. Her classroom also functions as a Makerspace for grades K-2 on Mondays and Fridays.
Brooke is passionate about creating hands-on, innovative resources to foster engaging, play-based learning experiences. She is a National Board Certified Teacher as an Early Childhood Generalist and was honored as Roosevelt Elementary Teacher of the Year and Norman Public Schools District Teacher of the Year for 2013-2014. She holds a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education and a Master’s in Educational Leadership from the University of Central Oklahoma.
Brooke has authored resources for Teachers Pay Teachers and created STEM Bins® and Reading Construction Toolkits. Balancing teaching with family life, she spends quality time with her husband of 15 years, Andy, and their two children, Ellie and Beau.
Learn more about Brooke at Teach Outside the Box.
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