Male menopause and depression are commonly linked. Low testosterone levels have been known to bring on depression in middle aged men, similar to that of female menopause (although the process is quite different to a female).
Male menopause is not publicly talked about in the same way as female menopause is. In fact, many people including men refuse to even believe that male menopause exists. They may even refer to it instead as a 'mid life crisis' for fear of associating themselves with a condition more synonymous to women's health. Many men feel it is 'weak' and unmanly to seek help for depression he may be feeling due to the drop in testosterone levels that can occur during male menopause.
Male menopause and the underlying depression can set in from anywhere after forty years of ago. Some men begin producing less testosterone as early as their late 30's, however the 40's and 50's are the most common periods for reduced testosterone production and the onset of male menopause.
Male menopause does not even receive a significant amount of attention in the scientific field. This is a shame as male menopause can lead to serious bouts of depression in middle aged men; therefore it is well worth researching. Depression in men can lead to anger and aggression - quite the opposite to how women handle and react to depression when they are going through menopause. Women tend to become withdrawn, whilst men lash out.
Male menopause and depression comes about usually because of the fact that impotence and erectile dysfunction can set in. This is obviously highly distressing for a man which in turn leads to feelings of ill-worth and depressive thoughts. He may begin to think that it is his fault without realizing that he is actually going through a form of menopause.
Some symptoms of male depression during menopause are denial, aggression and occasionally complete withdrawal from regular activities. Statistics say that up to 80% of adults with depression will never seek help - this is an alarmingly high number of people who will never acknowledge that they are depressed, let alone try to combat it.
Male menopause and depression should be researched and spoken about openly - after all that is the only way to help combat it.