Understanding the Difference’s Between Men and Women’s Hormones Through the Month
Hormones are like the conductors of an intricate symphony within our bodies, orchestrating various physiological processes and emotions. While both men and women share many hormones, the unique hormonal profiles of each gender lead to fascinating differences in physical and emotional experiences. In this blog, my goal will be to help shed some light on the world of hormones and their fluctuations. By exploring how they shape the lives of men and women throughout the month, I want both parties to gain a greater understanding for the other.
Woman’s hormones are regulated majority of their life by their menstrual cycle. This complex interplay between hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and luteinizing hormone governs various stages of the cycle, leading to mood swings, cravings, and physical changes.
Follicular Phase(aprox. 7-21days): Estrogen takes center stage, boosting mood, energy, and creativity. Women might feel more outgoing and confident during this time.
Ovulation(around day 14 of cycle): Luteinizing hormone surge triggers ovulation, and some women experience increased attractiveness and heightened libido due to hormonal changes.
Luteal Phase(aprox. 10-16 days): Progesterone rises, potentially causing mood shifts, irritability, and even physical discomfort. Cravings for comfort foods might also peak.
Menstruation(aprox. 3-6 days): A decline in hormones can lead to fatigue and a spectrum of emotions, from introspection to irritability.
Menopause: The cessation of menstruation brings about a decline in estrogen and progesterone, leading to a range of physical and emotional symptoms.
Men on the other hand are a little simpler when it comes to hormones. While both genders have testosterone, men have significantly higher levels. Testosterone is the key player for men, and it does more than just effect muscle mass.
Emotional Regulation: Higher testosterone levels might contribute to men being less prone to emotional fluctuations, allowing them to handle stress differently. If estrogen is higher and testerone is lower (due to stress or imbalances) you may see more difficulty managing emotions.
Libido and Sexual Desire: Testosterone is a driving force behind male libido, influencing sexual thoughts and desires. Men slowly decline throughout peaking at 25 then starting a slow decent. If sex drive changes suddenly, could be a sign testerone has been effected.
Muscle Mass and Bone Density: Testosterone aids in muscle development and maintenance, as well as bone health. Strength training, specifically legs, increases the body’s production of testerone, boosting training effectiveness.
Andropause: Often referred to as the "male menopause," andropause involves a gradual decline in testosterone levels, impacting mood, energy, and sexual health.
Not only do men and woman have different main players in our hormones, there are some big differences between how men and women’s brains respond to hormones in the body. Some studies suggest that women's brains have more cross-talk between hemispheres, potentially contributing to enhanced intuition and emotional intelligence. While men have less sensitivity, seeing statuations from a facts/logic perspective. Men and women also tend to handle stress differently due to variations in hormonal responses. Women often seek social support ("tend and befriend") while men may exhibit fight-or-flight responses.
When hormones fluctuate, it can lead to changes in mood and could effect mental health. Most commonly known is the Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): Hormonal shifts during the menstrual cycle can lead to mood swings, irritability, and even more severe symptoms in some cases. However, men can also deal with these mood swings with changes in testerone levels, increased cortisol (stress hormone), or increased estrogen. Thus both parties can deal with varying rates of depression and anxiety.
Hormones sculpt our experiences, from the rollercoaster of the menstrual cycle to the steady influence of testosterone. Understanding these intricate hormonal dances enhances our awareness of ourselves and others. By embracing these differences, we can navigate the unique challenges and strengths that come with our hormonal makeup, fostering empathy, connection, and ultimately, a more harmonious world.