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HOW TO SURVIVE THE MALE MENOPAUSE by Geoffrey Aquilina Ross

HOW TO SURVIVE THE MALE MENOPAUSE

By

Pub Date: April 1st, 1985
Publisher: Hamish Hamilton--dist. by David & Charles

Frank, even brusque midlife counsel from a Britisher--who defines the male menopause as an emotional, condition, ""caused by a reaction to the symptoms and the natural signs of physical deterioration,"" that occurs in the late thirties and early forties, and lasts about four years. Though he doesn't downplay the difficulties, Ross is optimistic about the outcome: ""For many men there are hellish patches of M-M to get through, but if. . . you base all your plans for the future on the ability to find personal satisfaction at work and at home, you lay down foundations for making the most of middle age."" He describes the symptoms in general terms, and through case studies (""if he is not bored with everything about him he is tired. . . the more he slows down his pace and narrows his interests seeing his life through grey-tinted specs the more bored he becomes""); he divides them as they affect mental outlook, work, home life, and health. The physical concerns are quickly put straight: yes, there is some deterioration at middle age which may be counteracted or minimized. Sex merits a separate section; from Ross' research and the interviews with therapists and their patients on which he draws, it is clear that with male menopause sex suddenly becomes a matter of much more or much less--either of which may be a problem. Survival tips are divided into emotional and physical matters--and cover the gamut from advice on ""personal revision"" (gaining an accurate self-view) to tips on good grooming. Not the customary pop psychology/inspirational yak--but a clear definition of the condition and practical advice on coping.