The internet has already coined terms like ‘male menopause’ and ‘male PMS’; however, a comprehensive understanding of the subject remains skewed, thanks to the age-old perceptions around masculinity
When it comes to mood swings, irritability, or sudden bursts of emotion, the default explanation often returns to hormones—but only if you’re a woman. For men, these shifts are chalked up to stress, burnout, or simply having a bad day. The idea that men could be influenced by hormonal changes is rarely part of the conversation, thanks to the outdated belief that masculinity is somehow immune to biological fluctuations.
Hormonal imbalances don’t discriminate. While women’s hormonal stability depends on an adequate harmony between estrogen and progesterone levels, men’s hormonal changes remain largely under the radar. Men experience shifts too—just less visibly and therefore, less discussed.
The internet has already coined terms like ‘male menopause’ and ‘male PMS,’, but beyond the memes lies a medical phenomenon rooted in fluctuating testosterone levels.
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“While women experience noticeable hormonal shifts, men also undergo hormonal changes,” says Dr David Chandy. Image: Unsplash
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Testosterone is responsible for regulating everything from mood and muscle mass to energy levels and libido
And it isn’t just about ageing—factors like chronic stress, obesity, poor sleep, and certain health conditions can throw testosterone levels off balance, leading to a ripple effect on one’s physical, emotional, and even sexual health. So why aren’t we talking about it more?
Hormonal imbalances in men are a real phenomenon
For the longest time, hormonal imbalances have been framed as a women-only issue, thanks to the visibility of discussions around menstruation, pregnancy, perimenopause and menopause—biological mile-markers that put female hormones in the spotlight. “This is a common misconception,” says Dr David Chandy, Director, Endocrinology & Diabetology, Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, Mumbai. “While women experience noticeable hormonal shifts, men also undergo hormonal changes.”
Testosterone is responsible for regulating everything from mood and muscle mass to energy levels and libido. But the amount of testosterone in the body isn’t fixed—it naturally declines with age, with studies showing that 1 in 4 men experience a drop in levels after the age of 30. Globally, testosterone deficiency affects anywhere between 10 to 40 per cent of men.
“HORMONAL IMBALANCES GREATLY AFFECT MOOD IN A LOT OF MEN, BUT THIS GENERALLY GOES UNNOTICED”
Rakhee Jain
“Testosterone, the primary male hormone, can decline with age or be disrupted due to various health conditions, leading to significant physical and emotional effects,” says Chandy. “Other factors that contribute to the same include obesity, diabetes, chronic stress, poor sleep, and conditions like hypogonadism (a condition in which the sex glands don’t produce enough sex hormones). Environmental toxins, excessive alcohol consumption, and certain medications could also play a potential role,” he furthers, stating the many causes of hormonal imbalances in men.
And it’s not just older men feeling the effects. “Low testosterone in men, often referred to as ‘Low T,’, can also occur in younger men due to other causes like obesity or certain endocrinological conditions,” highlights Dr Phulrenu Chauhan, MD, DM Endocrinologist, PD Hinduja Hospital, Mumbai. However, an imbalance in the thyroid hormone,or fluctuating levels of insulin and cortisol could also mount into hormonal imbalances in men, points out Mumbai-based nutritionist Rakhee Jain.
“Both hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid) and hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid) can affect men, leading to symptoms like weight changes, mood swings, fatigue, and changes in heart rate. Cortisol, the stress hormone, can be elevated due to chronic stress, leading to anxiety, sleep disturbances, weight gain, and reduced immune function. While estrogen is typically considered a female hormone, men also produce small amounts of it. High estrogen levels in men can lead to symptoms such as gynecomastia (development of breast tissue), mood changes, and erectile dysfunction,” adds Chauhan.
Do hormonal imbalances impact the holistic health of males differently?
While craving carbohydrates, and showing signs of petulance, and increased fatigue are often cited as indicators of hormonal imbalances in women, the system in men is more elusive—some overlap, some differ. “Since hormones play a crucial role in regulating various functions like metabolism, mood, energy levels, and sexual function for both men and women, a hormonal balance in men is bound to impact all of the above,” states Chauhan. “However, unlike women, who experience cyclical hormonal changes, men often have a more gradual decline, making signs of hormonal imbalance in men harder to recognise,” explains Chandy.
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“Low testosterone in men, often referred to as ‘Low T,’, can also occur in younger men due to other causes like obesity or certain endocrinological conditions,” says Dr Phulrenu Chauhan. Image: Pexels
A drop in the testosterone levels can impact the overall health and even the quality of life. Physical changes like muscle loss, weight gain, and increased bone density can creep in, increasing the risk of conditions like osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic disorders, according to Chandy. A meta-analysis of 70 studies corroborates the same—it demonstrated that elderly male patients with cardiovascular diseases exhibited significantly lower levels of testosterone and higher levels of estradiol. “Untreated hypothyroidism, insulin resistance, a significant risk factor for type-2 diabetes, and long-term elevated cortisol levels have been linked to increased risk of heart disease and obesity,” adds Chauhan. Hair loss is another side-effect, notes Jain.
But the effects aren’t just skin-deep. Declining testosterone levels and impairments have been linked to cognitive decline, increasing the risk of depression, anxiety, and stress—especially among men aged 65 and above.
“Hormonal imbalances greatly affect mood in a lot of men, but this generally goes unnoticed,” says Jain. Georgia-based Dr Tosha Rogers clarifies in a Reel that the male menopause phenomenon is medically called ‘andropause,’ or a drop in the testosterone levels, specifically due to age, which mirrors menopause in women.
“LOW TESTOSTERONE IS DIRECTLY LINKED TO REDUCED LIBIDO AND ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION, WHICH CAN IMPACT SELF-ESTEEM AND RELATIONSHIPS”
Dr David Chandy
Then there’s Irritable Male Syndrome (IMS), often compared to pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS). IMS is described as “a behavioural state of nervousness, irritability, lethargy, and depression that occurs in adult males following a withdrawal of testosterone of sorts.” Unlike andropause in men, which is age-related, IMS can strike at any time, particularly given today’s stress-heavy lifestyles. “Usually, there is a very natural fluctuation in hormones for IMS to occur in men,” says Jain. “Having said that, with the current lifestyle trends, men could have them more often than not.”
Perhaps the most significant—and still taboo—impact is on sexual health. e “Declining androgen levels, reduced sexual activity, and decreased sexual interest appear to be related sequelae of the ageing process in men,” reveals a study conducted on men aged between 41 and 93.
In concurrence, Chandy says, “Low testosterone in men is directly linked to reduced libido and erectile dysfunction, which can impact self-esteem and relationships.” As one Reddit user puts it, “Men do have hormonal fluctuations and they do affect mood and behaviour, but because it’s much less physically obvious when those things are happening, and because men are socialised to not acknowledge their emotional state, it’s not as recognised socially.”
Take all the threats to hormonal imbalances—a cocktail of physical, mental, emotional, and sexual health issues—shaken with a heavy dose of societal stigma, and it is the perfect recipe for strained relationships, unaddressed health concerns, and a culture that still refuses to admit that men have hormones too. .
How to treat hormonal imbalances in men, plus the the caveats involved
Testosterone decline—or andropause—begins in men as early as the age of 30, dropping at the rate of 1 per cent each year. While this may sound gradual, the cumulative effects can be significant. With conversations remaining scarce, buried under layers of stigma and outdated ideas about masculinity, the need for awareness as well as the right treatment options and lifestyle modifications can help.
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Testosterone decline—or andropause—begins in men as early as the age of 30, dropping at the rate of 1 per cent each year
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Rakhee Jain recommends consuming a diet rich in whole grains, lean protein, vegetables, and fruits to improve the overall hormonal health of men. Image: Unsplash
“There are many effective treatments for hormonal imbalances in men, and the choice of treatment depends on the specific imbalance. Hormone replacement therapies (think testosterone or thyroid hormones), medications, and lifestyle changes like diet, exercise, and stress management are all proven approaches,” recommends Chauhan. “If you suspect a hormonal imbalance, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider/endocrinologist who can evaluate your symptoms, conduct tests, and guide you to the best treatment option based on scientific evidence.” Chandy adds, “Strength training, improving your sleeping habits, and treating underlying conditions such as diabetes and thyroid concerns can also be helpful.”
When it comes to diet, small changes can make a big difference. Jain recommends consuming a diet rich in whole grains, lean protein, vegetables, and fruits. “Have minimally processed foods that contain fibre and are low in saturated fats. Look for options rich in antioxidants and good fats, such as colourful vegetables, nuts, seeds, spices and herbs that are generally used for cooking. Moreover, fatty fish, olive oil, leafy greens, eggs, onion, and broccoli are great options.” A modified Mediterranean diet—known for its heart-healthy benefits—is a perfect example of a good diet for men, opines the expert. “Regular check-ups and supplementation of Vitamin D is essential.”
However not all solutions come in a bottle—or should. A 2015 report by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) flagged concerns about over-the-counter the vitamin and hormone supplements marketed to treat andropause in men. Many lack the proper dosage of active ingredients, and, in fact, could increase the risk of prostate cancer and heart diseases. Misdiagnosis is another issue. In her video, Rogers also spoke about how patients with andropause are misdiagnosed more often than not; a treatment plan under the supervision of a medical expert is important.
Ultimately, the biggest challenge isn’t medical—it’s societal. The silence around men’s hormonal health feeds in delayed diagnosis, untreated conditions, and a cycle of misinformation. Normalising conversations about hormonal imbalances, recognising symptoms, and seeking timely medical advice can help men navigate these changes with clarity, not confusion. Hormones don’t care about outdated gender norms—and neither should you.
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