I love my dad and he's always been around for any major and minor outbreaks in my life. But lately, this seemingly warm relationship is fast teetering on a rift. I don't understand why but he always seems cranky, moody, and most of the time, oblivious. I first thought that he was going through a rough stage of midlife crisis so I let him be. However, I noticed that's been gaining weight, mostly moping and wallowing on his
four-cornered office walls. So I immediately set up an appointment with the doctor, thinking that he might be schizophrenic or something.
Well, my old man hadn't gone nuts yet! I was quite relieved to learn that it's only menopause and we don't need to confine him in an asylum. My dad's in denial of course, but I'm not surprised. Who would think that there's such thing as a
male menopause?
At 52, his testosterone production is taking a plunge. Most of you could only imagine a weaker sex drive, but it also causes lower blood supply to the brain, hence, slower metabolism. But don't worry if you're a middle-aged man! Aside from sheer vanity, a healthy diet can do you good. Be more sensible in eating and in choosing what you eat. Better yet, renew your lifestyle. Just last month, we signed my dad to an exercise program and he's been developing muscles out of a sagging fat. And I also found a new way to bond with my dad. We would normally do groceries together or play golf on a weekend. Menopause is not a senile disease, but a wake-up call to keep up with the times and build up on your healthy rituals for the mind and body.
