Multiple articles mention the male hormonal cycle, but how true is this, is it correct to say that it has a cycle with the hormonal characteristics of a woman's cycle? Why is it important to know the hormonal axis of the man of 40 yearsWhat is the influence of TRT in the stability and vitality of man? Can changes in mood, anxiety of sexual performance or even depression be related to the male hormonal axis? Let's elucidate it based on physiology, medical science literature and our extensive experience in Dr. T Clinics of more than 7 years in Spain and more than a thousand patients. Let's start at the beginning, understanding the physiology of the testosterone, the hormone that is the protagonist of this topic.
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What is the male hormonal cycle and what does it consist of?
We all know that women experience a hormonal cycle associated with menstruation, but what about men? Is there a hormonal cycle in men? Is it the same as in women? Let's answer these questions below.
Unlike women, men do not experience a regular hormonal cycle such as the menstrual cycle, but their hormone levels can fluctuate throughout the day. These variations are part of a hormonal system that regulates various functions in the male body. Among the most important hormones are:
Testosterone
Produced in the testicles, it is the main hormone of the male system. It influences characteristics such as facial hair growth, deep voice and muscle development. In addition, it is key in libido, fertility and sperm production. sperm.
Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
Produced by the pituitary gland, the LH hormone stimulates Leydig cells in the testes to produce testosterone. Its release is controlled by blood testosterone levels through a negative feedback mechanism.
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
Also released by the pituitary, the FSH hormone It acts on the Sertoli cells in the testicles and is essential for sperm production.
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)
Produced in the hypothalamus, it regulates the release of the LH hormone and FSH hormone in the pituitary gland, ensuring the correct functioning of the hormonal axis that connects the brain to the testicles.
The importance of Testosterone
Testosterone It is the most important hormone produced by the testicles. The Leydig cells are located in the male gonads (the testicles), where this hormone is synthesized, which is a steroid formed from cholesterol.
In these specialized cells (Leydig cells), cholesterol is transformed by enzymes (17α hydroxylases) into pregnenolone (another steroid and main precursor of more steroids). Other enzymes contribute their function in a sequence of biosynthetic steps to obtain testosterone from pregnenolone: pregnenolone, progesterone, dehydroepiandrostenedione, androstenedione and testosterone.
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This process is controlled by our brain, and this is where the so-called Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Testicular Axis is completed, which works through signals (also hormonal) with which these 3 organs communicate.
El Hypothalamus sends you his order to the hypophysis through GnRH (Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone), indicating (to the Pituitary) to send a signal to the Testicle, this messenger is the well-known LH (Luteinizing Hormone), which stimulates the Leydig cells to produce the long-awaited Testosterone, which is directly sensed by the Hypothalamus
This is, roughly speaking, how the axis works. There are many more mediators, hormones and neurotransmitters participating in this process, but to make it easier to digest we have summarized it like this.
In short, testosterone plays a crucial role in men's lives, such as sexual and reproductive health, muscle development, pubic hair growth, and a change to a deeper voice tone, among others.
The hormone goes through different phases that impact both the physical and emotional state. low testosterone levels can cause sleep disturbances, mood swings, irritability, depression, decreased sexual desire or low libido and erection problems. Testosterone levels are generally highest in the morning and gradually decline throughout the day.
It may interest you: male irritability syndrome.
Functions of Testosterone in the male hormonal cycle
Here we begin to put things together, understanding the purposes for which Testosterone is released into our bloodstream. From our embryological period, the hormone produces differentiation of the central nervous system, here the brain and testosterone meet and become connected forever, influencing each other's well-being. Balanced levels of Testosterone allow for better cognition, minimizing brain fog or brain fatigue.
Without overlooking the important process of sexual and reproductive differentiation, the basis for the hormonal explosion that occurs years later in adolescence (fundamental to establishing low libido in women and men) that allows us to mature and grow to reach adulthood, a process that includes muscle building and the formation of bone mass that depends on optimal levels of testosterone.
Knowing this context, we understand that Testosterone influences brain-mediated biological processes such as the sleep-wake cycle, and the alteration of these can affect the final secretion of testosterone, which is why one of the symptoms of hypogonadism (low testosterone secretion) is insomnia, which leads the patient to remain in a vicious circle, lack of sleep, decreased testosterone secretion and vice versa. In our clinic, we help our patients break this vicious circle, resolve their insomnia and balance their circadian cycle, resulting in quality of life.
In association with this, we can talk about the interference of testosterone in mental health, inadequate levels of testosterone are related to mental disorders such as mood disorders, including anxiety, the hormone of depression that decreases and bipolar disorder; it has been linked to psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia and personality disorders. Low testosterone, high cortisol, low DHEA-S, high progesterone, among others, have demonstrated an established relationship with depression, both in men and women.
El high cortisol has a close and direct relationship with the high stress levels, which must also be corrected so as not to antagonize the action of testosterone, Multiple studies have shown that in the management of male depression receiving appropriate testosterone supplementation is an effective antidepressant strategy.
To help you identify early symptoms of depression, you can ask yourself if you have any of the following: Irritability, bad mood, insomnia, anhedonia (inability to enjoy activities that usually give you pleasure), low libido. As you can see, the symptoms of hypogonadism are almost indistinguishable from those of depression. In fact, depression is part of the larger clinical picture of hypogonadism, without saying that it is the only cause of depression, but they are obviously related.
It is important to remember symptoms such as progressive loss of muscle mass, physical fatigue, sterility, osteoporosis, gynecomastia, typical of hypogonadism.
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Types of male hormonal cycles
Having high or low levels of testosterone has a significant impact on both physical and mental health. Although research is still ongoing on this topic, a classification of male hormonal cycles has been identified based on peaks in testosterone production and their frequency:
- Extra short cycle: Also known as “Testosterone Minute Syndrome” (TMS), it describes hormonal fluctuations that last around 20 minutes. It is estimated that men experience these testosterone spikes between 6 and 7 times a day.
- Daily cycleTestosterone peaks upon awakening, with levels ranging from 800 to 1.000 mg. Throughout the day, levels progressively decline, reaching approximately 400 mg in the evening.
- Monthly cycle: About 60% of men have a testosterone production cycle that varies between 8 and 30 days. During this period, hormonal peaks similar to a "cycle" are observed, although they are not related to the cycle of women.
- Annual cycle: Testosterone levels tend to fluctuate seasonally, being highest in the fall and lowest in the spring. This seasonal pattern can influence energy and libido.
- Life cycleTestosterone begins to act even before birth, contributing to the development of the genitals during gestation. It then goes through different phases throughout life, from childhood, puberty, and adulthood, to old age, where production progressively decreases.
Obesity
Substance use
Sedentary lifestyle
Men who lead a sedentary lifestyle tend to produce less sperm compared to those who engage in regular physical activity. Exercise promotes better hormonal health and more efficient sperm production.
Heat exposure
Elevated temperature in the testicles can reduce sperm production. Factors such as wearing tight underwear, especially if made of synthetic materials, can contribute to an unfavorable environment for testicular function.
Together, these factors underscore the importance of a healthy lifestyle to optimize male hormonal health.
Hormonal cycle men VS hormonal cycle women
In comparison, it may go unnoticed that women also have testosterone in their body. In healthy adult males, the testicles secrete 4 to 9 mg (13.9 to 31.33 μmol/day) of testosterone daily. In women, small amounts of testosterone are released mainly by the ovary and to a lesser extent by the adrenal glands.
As for the amounts of testosterone in blood, both free and bound (albumin, SHBG), they are 300 to 1000 ng/100 ml (10.4 to 34.7 nmol/L) in adult men, compared to 30 to 70 ng/100 ml (1.04 to 2.43 nmol/L) in adult women.
In short, we share hormones but in quite different quantities, and in men the secretion occurs at daily intervals, while in women they occur in sequential phases during the course of the month. As the years go by, each one undergoes changes due to age, of course there are numerous exceptions in which the process can be affected before time, but in general, the hormonal deficiency progressively leads to Hypogonadism and Menopause respectively.
When do hormonal changes start in men?
Hormonal changes in men, specifically declining testosterone levels, typically begin around age 30. From that age on, testosterone levels tend to gradually decline at a rate of about 1% per year. These hormonal changes may become more noticeable and affect men more significantly starting in their 40s or 50s, when they may experience symptoms associated with andropause.
What are hormonal exercises for men?
“Hormonal exercises” for men are physical activities that can help maintain and increase testosterone levels, as well as improve overall hormonal health. Here are some effective exercises:
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Resistance training (weight lifting):
- Weight lifting, especially with compound exercises such as squats, deadlifts and bench presses, which involve large muscle groups and can stimulate testosterone production.
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High intensity training (HIIT):
- Short bouts of intense exercise followed by rest periods, such as sprints or high-intensity cycling, have been shown to increase testosterone levels.
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Full body exercises:
- Movements like burpees, push-ups, pull-ups, and kettlebell swings work multiple muscle groups simultaneously and promote the release of anabolic hormones.
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Moderate cardiovascular exercise:
- Activities such as running, swimming or cycling at a moderate pace can improve cardiovascular health and help regulate hormones.
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Yoga and stretching:
- Yoga and stretching exercises can reduce stress and levels of cortisol, a hormone that can inhibit testosterone production when present in elevated levels. Also optimal are: kegel exercises for men.
Additional tips to optimize hormonal benefits:
- Balance diet: Eat a diet rich in protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates to support hormone production. Avoid those foods that lower testosterone.
- adequate restGetting enough sleep is crucial for muscle recovery and testosterone production.
- Stress reduction: Stress management techniques such as meditation and deep breathing can help maintain healthy hormone levels.
- Avoid overtraining: A proper balance between exercise and rest is essential to avoid fatigue and hormonal depletion.
Implementing these exercises and habits can help improve hormone levels and overall health in men.
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CONCLUSION
The male hormonal axis, its daily secretion of testosterone (male hormonal cycle), and its optimal balance allow for stability and health in all aspects of man, not only physical but also mental and psychic. Multiple factors can lead to the loss of this balance, but there is a solution.
En Low T CenterWe help you to recover your quality of life with comprehensive management, giving you strategies for effective management of stress, anxiety and depression, based on adequate supplementation of exogenous Testosterone with close clinical and analytical monitoring according to our highly effective and proven protocols, our patients attest to this.
If you want to check your testosterone levels, you can do this online testosterone test totally FREE and with results evaluated by professionals.
BIBLIOGRAPHY/CYBERGRAPHY
- Physiology of the male reproductive system. In: Barrett KE, Barman SM, Boitano S, Brooks HL. eds. Ganong. Medical physiology, 24e. McGraw Hill; 2013. Accessed July 01,2022. Physiology of the male reproductive system
- Testosterone and mental health: a review – ScienceDirect
- DM Campagne, Organic and comorbid causes of depression: the first step, SEMERGEN – Family Medicine, Volume 38, Issue 5, 2012, Pages 301-311, ISSN 1138-3593, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.semerg.2011.12.010.
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