Men are more likely to indulge in self-destructive practices, such as heavy alcohol consumption, smoking, drug use, irresponsible sexual behavior and fast driving. Job stress, while certainly not uniquely male, is also a large contributor to earlier mortality.

Menopause comes at a demanding time of life, when you may already be juggling work, child-rearing, and caring for aging parents. Add to this coping with menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats, and there's even more to be stressed about. Yet since stress can wreak havoc on your libido, you need to get this vicious cycle under control. Try deep-breathing exercises, practice guided imagery, go to therapy -- whatever you can do to relax.