Women go through a 28-day cycle that is governed by changes in estrogen levels. This cycle allows for the production of eggs as well as the preparation of the uterus for pregnancy. However, it causes a slew of negative side effects ranging from acne to physical discomfort to mood swings.
"Healthy men have a 24-hour cycle where they have the highest testosterone levels in the morning and the lowest late at night," says Dr. Abraham Morgentaler, a clinical professor of urology at Harvard Medical School. In fact, he added, some people believe this is one of the causes of morning erections, also known as "morning wood."
The hormonal variations "occur in healthy younger men, but even when levels are lowest during the day, they are not that low," according to the study. He added that once men reach the age of 40, this hormonal variation becomes even less pronounced.
Men, like women, go through hormonal ups and downs. A man's testosterone levels rise in the morning and fall in the evening every day. Testosterone levels can even fluctuate from one day to the next. It's a 24-hour cycle governed almost entirely by the ebbs and flows of their testosterone levels.
On average, men have ten times as much testosterone as women. The male body produces oestrogen and progesterone in much lower amounts than the female body. Some argue that these hormonal fluctuations can cause symptoms similar to premenstrual syndrome (PMS), such as depression, fatigue, and mood swings.
While testosterone fluctuates on a daily basis, it is also heavily influenced by environmental factors. It may sound cliché, but anything from watching an action movie to seeing someone they find especially attractive can cause testosterone to spike. Similarly, both alcohol and caffeine can cause a surge in testosterone.
It is well understood that women have a monthly menstrual cycle that includes hormonal fluctuations, and that these cycles eventually come to an end at menopause. While there are many jokes about male "manstruation," the question is - are those monthly hormonal swings consistent enough to be referred to as a "male period"?
The short answer is almost certainly No; men do not experience a monthly cyclical hormone shift. Instead, they experience a daily (or diurnal) rise and fall of testosterone, the most prominent hormone in their bodies.
While male bodies produce a form of estrogen called estradiol (largely through a process that converts testosterone into estradiol), testosterone is either directly or indirectly responsible for regulating sex drive (libido), bone mass, fat distribution, muscle mass and strength, and producing red blood cells and sperm.
For men in good to average health, testosterone levels are highest in the morning, resulting in morning erections as well as increased energy and vitality. Testosterone levels then gradually decline throughout the day, peaking at the end of the day and evening. As a result, men should have their blood testosterone levels checked in the morning for an accurate baseline.
Certain activities, such as intense exercise or sexual activity, can cause brief spikes in testosterone during the day. Similarly, stress and illness can cause sharp drops in testosterone levels in a single day. Levels naturally decline over the course of a man's life as he ages; testosterone levels begin to drop as early as age 30 between 0.5 and 1% below his baseline per year.
Other causes of testosterone drops include illness, ranging from the seasonal flu to serious diseases such as diabetes or cancer, because the body's need to conserve energy often reduces the need to produce sperm or have sex. Some research points to seasonal sources of testosterone spikes and surges, particularly in countries with longer than usual light and dark cycles, such as Finland or Norway, where testosterone levels bottom out in summer and peak in late fall. Eating disorders and sleep deprivation can also have an impact on testosterone levels and sperm production.
Loss of testosterone causes a decrease in sexual arousal, a decrease in the ability to achieve an erection, and a loss of muscle mass, tone, bone marrow, and density. More research has discovered that low estradiol levels in aging men may be associated with cardiovascular disease and heart failure.
Testosterone Cycles in Men
Male Hormones In The Morning
The morning is when testosterone levels are highest. This means they're more likely to be energetic, confident, impulsive, and temperamental right after waking up. Male sex drive tends to correlate with testosterone levels, so they're more likely to be up for morning sex than late-night sex. I say 'tends to' because this is heavily dependent on outside factors - cortisol, aka the stress hormone, can significantly impact the ability to produce testosterone, so a stressful day ahead or increased stress levels in general could deplete morning horniness!
Male Hormones In The Afternoon
Male testosterone levels decrease throughout the day, with the afternoon achieving that elusive 'goldilocks' balance. The morning's volatile moods have subsided, but enough of the governing hormone remains to keep them energized and motivated. The afternoon is a great time to get work done because they will be more focused and open to teamwork.
Male Hormones In The Evening
When testosterone levels fall, energy levels tend to fall as well, heralding calmer emotions and tiredness. They're also more likely to be uninterested in sex or intimacy, and they may have difficulty maintaining an erection due to low testosterone levels.
Final Thought
Finally, the best way for men to maintain normal testosterone levels is to engage in healthy lifestyle behaviors such as exercise and healthy eating, while avoiding opioid medications, alcohol, and smoking.
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