Why men's hormones follow a 24-hour cycle while women's hormones follow a roughly 28-day cycle?

 

           Understanding Hormonal Cycles: Men vs. Women

There are often misunderstandings about men's and women's hormones, leading us to ignore our anatomy and basic nature. This can lead to emotional roller coasters and mental health conditions. Let's reconnect with our fundamental nature before engaging in conflicts over sex, race, color, and gender. Understanding this can foster respect for everyone and improve our ability to handle these differences. This discussion focuses on the normal state; other sexuality and genders will be explored in separate blogs."

When it comes to hormones and their impact on mood and health, both men and women experience fluctuations, but the patterns and cycles differ significantly. 

 Why men's hormones follow a 24-hour cycle while women's hormones follow a roughly 28-day cycle?

Men's 24-Hour Hormonal Cycle

Testosterone: The Key Player

  • Daily Fluctuations: The primary male hormone, testosterone, follows a circadian rhythm, meaning it varies throughout the day. Testosterone levels are typically highest in the morning and gradually decline throughout the day.
  • Morning Peak: Men often wake up with their highest testosterone levels, which can enhance mood, energy, and libido. This peak aligns with the body's natural wake-up processes.
  • Evening Dip: By evening, testosterone levels tend to be at their lowest, contributing to feelings of fatigue and lower energy. This dip helps prepare the body for rest and recovery during sleep.

Implications for Mood and Behavior

  • Morning Energy and Focus: High testosterone in the morning can lead to increased motivation, assertiveness, and physical energy.
  • Afternoon Adjustments: As levels decline, men may feel more relaxed and less driven.
  • Evening Calm: Lower testosterone in the evening can result in a calmer state, suitable for winding down and preparing for sleep.


 

Women's 28-Day Hormonal Cycle

Estrogen and Progesterone: The Key Players

  • Monthly Fluctuations: Women's hormonal cycles are governed by the menstrual cycle, typically around 28 days, but can vary between 21 and 35 days. The two main hormones, estrogen and progesterone, rise and fall in a predictable pattern.
  • Follicular Phase (Day 1-14): The cycle begins with menstruation, during which hormone levels are low. Estrogen levels then gradually rise, peaking around ovulation (mid-cycle). This increase in estrogen is associated with improved mood, energy, and cognitive function.
  • Ovulation (Around Day 14): Ovulation marks the release of an egg from the ovary. Estrogen levels are high, and some women experience heightened energy, libido, and mood.
  • Luteal Phase (Day 15-28): After ovulation, progesterone levels rise to prepare the body for a possible pregnancy. This phase can bring about mood changes such as irritability or mood swings, especially if estrogen levels drop significantly.

Implications for Mood and Behavior

  • Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (PMS): The luteal phase is often marked by PMS symptoms due to the hormonal shifts, leading to mood swings, bloating, and fatigue.
  • Cycle Awareness: Understanding this cycle can help women anticipate and manage mood changes, optimizing activities and self-care practices accordingly.

Why the Difference?

Evolutionary Biology

  • Men: Men's daily hormone fluctuations are thought to be tied to their roles in ancient times, where early morning energy and focus were crucial for hunting and gathering.
  • Women: Women's monthly cycles are linked to reproductive biology, where the cycle prepares the body for pregnancy and supports fetal development.

Health and Lifestyle Impacts

  • Men: Daily routines that align with their hormonal peaks and troughs can help optimize energy and productivity. For example, scheduling intense physical or mental tasks in the morning can leverage peak testosterone levels.
  • Women: Awareness of their monthly cycle can help women plan activities and self-care strategies that align with their hormonal fluctuations, such as scheduling demanding tasks during the follicular phase when energy levels are higher.

 Men's 24-hour testosterone cycle supports daily routines, while women's 28-day menstrual cycle influences monthly rhythms. By aligning lifestyle choices with these natural hormonal patterns, both men and women can enhance their health and quality of life.

to know more about women's cycle attend our upcoming workshop  Check the link below for further information. https://www.adishivyoga.com/event-details?lang=en


 


Comments

Geeta Sharma said…
This a great article as it highlights that men are also cyclical being and not just women. I already change the timing of when I do certain tasks according to hormones- it would great to learn more about applying various specific Ayurvedic and yoga science concepts to the different stages we pass through
July 19, 2024 at 4:17 PM
Anjali said…
Great article! One can also say that men have a Sun cycle and women have a Moon cycle, we are so interconnected with nature <3
July 19, 2024 at 5:22 PM
Adith Panikkal said…
The article is amazing. It covers alot of points that people rarely talk about. It just goes to show that there are several approaches to taking care of one's mental health. Great work.
July 19, 2024 at 5:27 PM
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