Scientists believe they have an explanation for grumpy and moody men.
Doctors believe that television characters like Victor Meldrew, Dinny and Miley Byrne may be out of sorts because of fluctuations in testosterone levels.
Gerald Lincoln of the Medical Research Council in Britain found that a ram's testosterone levels soared during the autumn mating season but then fell off considerably during winter months.
When testosterone was low, the rams became nervous, withdrawn and struck out for no reason.
The same symptoms were identified in men immediately after coming off hormone therapy.
Dr Emad Massoud of The Wellman Clinic said that men became withdrawn, irritable, angry, lethargic, had less libido and sometimes became impotent. Stress is identified as a major factor in causing these symptoms which can strike at any age. There are treatments on offer including testosterone replacement therapy and anti-depressants. However, Dr Emad Massoud is not excusing men behaving badly.
A little patience and understanding goes a long way.
An RTÉ News reports on this day in 28 February 2002. The reporter is Sharon Ní Bheoláin.
