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Male Menopause (also called viropause or andropause)
involves the hormonal, physiological, and chemical changes that
occur in all men generally between the ages of 40 and 55, though
it can occur as early as 35 or as late as 65. These changes
effect all aspects of a man's life.
Male menopause is, thus, a physical condition with psycho-
logical, interpersonal, social, and spiritual dimensions.
Purpose:
The purpose of male menopause is to signal the end of
First Adulthood and prepare men for Second Adulthood. The
initial signs often involve changes in a man's sexuality.
Context:
Think of life as climbing a mountain. Somewhere between 40
and 55 most men reach the summit. For most of human history we
then went "down hill" rapidly and died. Now, for the first time,
we can experience the full human life cycle. We can experience
the second half of life.
The Male Menopause Passage involves the trek down the mountain of of First Adulthood and through the valley below. To
complete the journey we must let go of the baggage that got us
through First Adulthood and develop new passion, power, and
purpose to see us through Second Adulthood.
Male menopause, rather than signaling the beginning of the end, actually signals the end of the beginning. It tells us we are finished with First Adulthood and ready to embark on a trek up a new mountain to Second Adulthood.
Male Menopause: The best is yet to come
Some believe that male menopause is the road to oblivion,
the end of our sexual power. But for those who have the courage
to take that road, male menopause is the passage to the most
passionate, productive, and purposeful time of a man's life. It
is a time to:
(1) Prepare for Second-Adulthood.
(2) Move from the pressure of sexual performance to the
joy of sexual fulfillment.
(3) Focus more on being and less on doing.
(4) Change from having a career based on necessity to
a calling based on soul-work.
(5) Relate to other men as friends and allies rather than
as competitors.
(6) Lay the foundation for becoming healthy, wealthy, and wise.
(7) Become a mentor to younger men.
(8) Learn to be a respected elder in your community.
(9) End the battle of the sexes and find the intimacy,
joy, and passion with your life-partner.
(10) Be a trailblazer for experiencing a life well-lived into your 70s, 80s, 90s, and beyond.
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