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.