Husband is 68, and quietly going into a funk of old age.

He is quite content to be by himself, with minimized interaction with others.

This gentleman has experienced a drop in libido, which I believe is age and depression related. Many years of borderline untreated High Blood Pressure may have also played a role in the ED and Libido, according to the Cardiologist which I insisted he be monitored by. I am in agreement with that theory.

Key point being is this person is monitored for health, even though his heart and blood pressure are fine.

We have an older relative (his brother) who has alzheimers, residing with us. That constant presence is proving to be demanding interaction for this man.

I am in charge of supplements, and diet for the most part. We have both taken adaptogens, and I have found they benefit me nicely. My husband claimed he did not feel anything while taking them, so I dropped them off of his regime.

The past three years has been hell since his libido vanished. He is easily irritated by interaction, and debates the most minor topics at the drop of a hat. It appears that is the wall he uses to distance people from him.

Well I decided to give Rhodiola a chance once again. Low and behold the disagreeable behavior quieted. I stopped after 6 days, and it returned. I didn't even tell him that I stopped the dose.

I merely pointed out something minor, and the old disagreeable nature returned, with him not even being able to respond. Instead he walked clear out of the room and has been sitting in silence watching golf since that incident.

Tomorrow I shall return to the rhodiola dose (a mere 100 mg) and am looking forward to seeing the other pleasant man return.

I know men go through hormonal changes. At one point I suggested that he was depressed, even though he insisted he was happy with himself and life.
I cannot help but wonder how far this aging mental decline will go. He is 68 and I have supported him to the point he is outwardly fit, and blood pressure is amazingly decreased and steady. The cardiologist attempted to converse with him regarding libido and emotions. This very nice Dr was dumbstruck by my husband lack of concern and response.

I am just thankful that I know about nutrition, supplements/adaptogens and preventive medicine. It may be the one thing that saves him from himself and me from his aging chapter.

We are both very youthful in appearance for our age, though I am a good ten years younger than he, he really doesn't older.

Have others experienced this aging of a spouse with a sort of irritable man syndrome?

I doubt there are answers here... I have consulted many medical professionals, all were equally floored by husbands what care I attitude about these changes.

Thank heavens for rhodiola... Though I will have to cycle it, as that is the proper way to take it. I am not looking forward to the weeks off on that cycle.

In the meantime I am joining a woman's workout cycling team, and staying fit as can be... I must take care of myself, so I can potentially be a decent care giver? Yes, I am prepared for the worst.