I see many posts ridiculing mature women on this forum. Some of these middle-aged women are going through or have gone through menopause. However, men go through a similar transition:

"There is a basic set of identifiable symptoms which signal changes in hormones. These symptoms include some of the same symptoms women experience:

Diminished sexual drive
Urinary changes
Lack of energy
Decrease in strength and/or endurance
Lost height, back pain
Decreased “enjoyment of life”
Irritability, anger, and grumpiness
Depression or withdrawn
Erections less strong
Deterioration in sports ability
Falling asleep after dinner
Decreased work performance
Joint aches and stiffness of the hands
Premature aging
Changes in hair growth and skin quality
Loss of physical fitness, weight gain, and “beer” bellies
Hot flashes
Increased anxiety
Loss of self esteem
Decreased memory and/or concentration"

Why are only menopausal women ridiculed? Why not menopausal men too?
Here is tons more info:
http://www.dmoz.org/Health/Men's_Health/Andropause/
According to one poster – who has "been there" himself, andropause IS of concern. If it weren't of concern to men then why would men seek to treat the symptoms? Verstehen?

I'm 40 years old.
Hot flashes, mood swings, anxiety/fear, heart palpitations, nervousness, insomnia, digestive problems, heavy periods with clotting, hair loss, getting 1 giant pimple the size of a dime each month, dry skin, and generally feeling frustrated and hopeless? Tell me I'm not losing my mind… so I can tell my husband his wife is not going insane.
I just started hormone replacement and I was hoping I'd feel better quicker. How long do you suppose this will last? It probably started much earlier, but since I was on anti-depressants for so long, I didn't feel the effects of most of these symptoms. Thanks

Please, I'd like answers from people who experienced this as opposed to cut and paste from medical sites

I have an appt with the doctor soon, but I am fairly sure this is what's going on (my mother, grandmother and great aunt all experienced it around 40-41 and I am 37).

My question deals with some of the symptoms…did your hot flashes usually occur shortly before periods?

Also, with hair loss…how bad was it and how much? I seem to be having the same kind of amount that I did after my son was born, but I am wondering how long that lasts and how much actually comes out!

I'm wondering if I might be going through menopause…I'm only 31 but for the last seven months I have been having major physical issues. My mom and my grandmother didn't go through menopause until their 60's and none of my sisters have experienced any of these symptoms but I'm not sure what else it could be. My symptoms are these: hair loss, weight loss/gain (it constantly fluctuates), haven't had my period in seven months, facial hair growth (a lot of it!!), hot flashes and constant acne.

I talked to a doctor about this four months ago and he told me it was stress. But I'm not stressed, I have nothing (except this) to worry me! I'm really starting to get concerned especially because my husband and I want to start a family. Can anyone help??

off for the last few months could it be the lower dose and the weaning off or the hormones themselves that are causing this her hair is brittle and dry too any info would be a great help as she is also suffering from night sweats and hot flashes during the day needless to say it is rather unpleasant around here(to say the least)

I am 44, premenopausal, stage IIB, one positive node, 4 removed, not sure yet on Her2 or estrogen +, get pathology report next week. Just had a masectomy 5 days ago. I am starting to read all about treatments and starting to get freaked out with all my body might have to go through!! I am set to start chemo in about 4 weeks and now I learn that on top of everything else, weight gain is on the list too!! I am already 40 lbs overweight and can't afford to get any heavier!! I'm just so overwhelmed with everything. I need the real low down on breast cancer side affects. Also, is this it for menopause? Will I menstruate after treatments end? Again, not only do you have to go through side effects of this dreaded disease, you have to endure the symptoms of menopause!! The hair loss is enough to endure. How can you have a positive attitude when you're bald, fat, having hot flashes, fatigued, scarred, nauseous, etc.?! Please help with any advice you may have! Thanks.

Are there any natural cures to comabat the symptoms of menopause like moodswings, bloating, confusion, and hot flashes?