Do man also suffer from PMS?

November 24, 2015  23:45

A quarter of British men believe that they experience a monthly 'man period', according to new research.

As part of a study of 2,412 people (50pc men and 50pc women), male participants were asked if they frequently suffered the same common side effects of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) that women experience during their menstrual cycle, including tiredness, cramps and increased sensitivity.

And whilst 26 per cent of men revealed that they did experience these feelings on a regular basis, perhaps a more shocking statistic is that 58pc of their female partners believed them.

Furthermore, all female respondents whose partners claimed to experience 'man periods' were asked whether or not they offered any special support to their partners during these times, and 43 pc admitted that they did.

When asked how they had done so, the most commonly cited ways were "try and cheer him up" (44 pc) and "walk around on egg shells" (39 pc). Of those who didn’t believe their partners, 33 pc admitted to telling their partner to "man up".

Men identified several PMS-related symptoms as indicators of their 'man periods', from constant hunger to general irritability.

Increased cravings, tiredness and a "bloated" feeling were also reported, with 12 pc confessing that they were "more sensitive about personal weight". 5pc of respondents even reported suffering from "menstrual cramps".

According to the poll, commissioned by vouchercloud.com, the average British man who believes he has a ‘man-period’ spends an additional £81.53 on food and snacks per month, compared to those who don’t suffer from the much debated biological phenomenon.

The 'man period', which is formally known as 'Irritable Male Syndrome', has been heavily researched by Dr Jed Diamond, a specialist in male social patterns who staunchly maintains the condition's existence. 

"It is assumed that women are hormonal and men are moved more by logic," writes Diamond in his book, The Irritable Male Syndrome. "But men have a number of hormonal cycles and these affect their level of energy, anger, sex drive and irritability."

"Contrary to what is often assumed, men become violent when their testosterone levels go down," Diamond continues, "and whilst we traditionally associate rage with high testosterone, I have found that irritability, depression and withdrawal come with a deficiency of the hormone."

However, not all academics are so convinced. Dr. Gregory Jantz, a psychotherapist and author, has previously accused men of melodrama.  "With women, it's a fact of life that has to be dealt with," the doctor blogs, recognising that the female body undergoes a physically noticeable cycle. 

"Irritable male syndrome may be the most recent sticker slapped over the old mid-life crisis label," Jantz continues, "but as far as I can tell, the idea has been around for a few years and it hasn't gained much real traction amongst men."

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