We often associate hormones with women, sometimes even using the phrase “her hormones are acting up” when discussing moods, while men are rarely described that way. However, hormones are not just a “woman’s problem.” They play a crucial role in the health of both men and women, affecting metabolism, mood, development, reproduction, and even cognitive functions. Why, then, does it seem that women feel the consequences of their effects much more intensely?

Hormones affect almost every organ in the body. Most hormones are the same in both men and women and perform similar functions. The main difference comes from reproductive hormones, which explain many physiological differences between the sexes.

In men, testosterone is the primary reproductive hormone. It is responsible for muscle mass, body hair, a deeper voice, fertility, and sexual function. Additionally, testosterone affects mood, cognitive functions, heart health, and metabolism.

In women, estrogen and progesterone regulate fertility, the menstrual cycle, sexual function, breast development, and body fat distribution. Beyond reproductive health, these hormones also support bone health, the heart, immunity, mood, and cognitive abilities.

While these hormones play an important role in both sexes, the rhythm and fluctuations are what make women feel their effects significantly more intensely.

In men, testosterone undergoes daily variations: it is highest in the morning and can drop by up to 40% by the evening. Nevertheless, throughout the month, these levels remain relatively stable.

In contrast, women experience a monthly cycle of estrogen and progesterone fluctuations, better known as the menstrual cycle. During this cycle, which usually lasts between 21 and 35 days, the levels of these two hormones change drastically, which has an obvious impact on mood and physical state. Hormonal balance is the key phrase here, as each phase brings its own specificities.

A Detailed Overview: Cycle Phases and Menstruation

This cycle is defined through several phases:

• Menstrual Phase (Days 1–5): The uterine lining sheds (menstruation), and levels of estrogen and progesterone are very low. During this phase, women often experience pronounced fatigue and lower moods.
• Follicular Phase (Days 6–13): Progesterone remains low, while estrogen begins to rise gradually to stimulate the growth of follicles in the ovaries. With this hormonal change, energy and stress tolerance increase, and focus improves.
• Ovulation Phase (Day 14): This is the shortest phase of the menstrual cycle, during which fertility is at its highest. In this phase, estrogen peaks while progesterone remains low. Energy and mood are significantly improved, and women often report feeling most confident about their appearance.
• Luteal Phase (Days 15–28): Estrogen begins to decrease, while progesterone is at its highest level. The uterine lining continues to thicken as the body prepares for a possible pregnancy. If pregnancy does not occur, progesterone drops sharply, triggering PMS or premenstrual symptoms. These symptoms vary significantly among women but can include decreased concentration, bloating, acne, back pain, mood swings, sleep problems, and many others.

While men experience a gradual daily drop in testosterone levels of up to 40%, which then repeats the following day, in women, estrogen can rise up to 20 times and progesterone up to 40 times during the month. It is clear, then, why hormones have a more pronounced impact on women.

This is also the case when looking at hormonal profiles throughout life. For example, as men age, the daily decline in testosterone becomes less pronounced, and total testosterone gradually decreases throughout life, about 1% per year after age 30. In contrast, women experience menopause, usually in their fifties, when estrogen and progesterone drop drastically—progesterone becomes almost absent, and estrogen remains very low. As a result, women experience very dramatic changes both physically and mentally, not only during the monthly cycle but also during different periods of life.

Although we have established that testosterone is an important hormone in men, and estrogen and progesterone are key in women, it is important to emphasize that all three hormones have important functions in both women and men. Women also have circulating testosterone; however, the levels of this hormone are significantly lower than in men and contribute to libido, muscle mass, and mood stabilization.

In men, very low levels of estrogen and progesterone help regulate cholesterol, fat distribution, cognitive functions, and sperm maturation. However, the level of each hormone and their cycles are what determine the main differences in how men and women experience the effects of reproductive hormones.

Understanding hormones and their rhythms helps you make the right decisions about your health and organize your life as best as possible. If you want to get to know your body and hormones better, or if you have symptoms that affect your daily life, scheduling a consultation with an endocrinologist at our polyclinic can provide personalized insight and advice. Your hormones are not just a “woman’s problem”; they are a key part of your health.