Signs & Symptoms of Climacteric

The term menopause refers to a woman's final menstruation, which occurs at the average age of 51 years "in most industrialized countries," says Dr. Peter Kenemans at the Obgyn website. For women, the climacteric is the transitional period that occurs around the time of menopause, and produces symptoms that are due to hormonal changes and natural aging of reproductive organs. The male climacteric occurs between the approximate ages of 35 and 60. Although remaining fertile, climacteric men may feel unsatisfied with their achievements and lifestyles, and experience a range of unpleasant emotions and physical symptoms that are linked to the aging process.

Women's Physical Symptoms

• Common signs of female climacteric include lengthening or shortening of the menstrual cycle and blood loss that becomes either heavier or lighter than usual. Hot flashes may occur up to two years prior to menopause and continue for several years, says Dr. Kristie McNealy of the Family Health Guide website. Palpitations and night sweats are common symptoms for women who are approaching menopause. Loss of muscle tone in the urinary tract may cause more frequent urination and stress incontinence, while some women become susceptible to urinary tract infections. Skin may become more dry or more oily than usual. Hormonal changes may also cause vaginal dryness, joint pain and abdominal weight gain.

Women's Psychological Symptoms

• Feelings of low mood, irritability and anxiety are common psychological symptoms of female climacteric. These may result from hormonal changes and are made worse by distressing symptoms such as hot flashes, poor sleep and fatigue. Elevated levels of testosterone in women who are approaching menopause may increase their risk of depressive illness, says Dr. Jessica Ward Jones at the Psych Central website. Women may also experience lack of sexual desire or libido as a result of vaginal discomfort caused by dryness or lack of tissue elasticity.

Men's Physical Symptoms

• Charles Zastrow and Karen Kirst-Ashman, authors of "Understanding Human Behavior and the Social Environment," explain that it is common for men to experience symptoms of male climacteric or "mid-life crisis," and to emerge "a bit changed, for better or worse." A gradual decrease in testosterone production may cause physical symptoms such as lack of energy, erectile dysfunction and muscle wastage. Deteriorating health of a man's heart, prostate, kidneys, hearing and digestive systems are also signs of aging that occur during the male mid-life, or climacteric, period.

Men's Psychological Symptoms

• Low levels of testosterone are associated with depressive illness in men, especially older men who are aware of inevitable signs of aging, such as wrinkles, graying hair and hair loss, says Ward Jones. Zastrow and Kirst-Ashman explain that climacteric men may experience depression as the result of living in "a culture that worships youth." Depression can occur when men fear aging and recognize that their sexual powers are waning. Self-doubt, feelings of dissatisfaction, fear of rejection and sensitivity to derogatory comments are also signs of male climacteric.