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With so much emphasis on female hormones and the menstrual cycle, many of us don’t realize that there is a natural male hormone cycle as well. We might not get much publicity for it but our testosterone levels naturally fluctuate throughout the day — but when does testosterone peak?
In fact, there are two ways testosterone peaks: long-term and short-term. The long-term peak is based on age and your entire lifespan, while short-term peaks are observed daily as testosterone levels experience ebb and flow from morning to night.
Symptomatic testosterone deficiency is expected to increase exponentially and to affect 6.5 million men in the U.S. between the ages of 30 and 79 by next year — ultimately growing an impressive 38% from population estimates in 2000.
Therefore, understanding when testosterone peaks, how your male hormone cycle works, and how oral testosterone or injections can help maintain healthy levels of testosterone is imperative to avoid the countless symptoms of testosterone deficiency.
The Male Hormone Cycle
Long-term, testosterone is driven by age, with most men’s testosterone output at a maximum during their late teens. Testosterone begins to dwindle down once you reach middle age. But what about testosterone peaks short term?
The male hormone cycle is driven by daily changes in testosterone levels, starting with the peak first thing in the morning. This so-called diurnal fluctuation leads to levels plummeting in the evening as your testosterone fuel has been used up.
Sleep and rest are particularly important as testosterone levels regenerate at night so you can start the day with a new boost of energy.
Interestingly, the male hormone cycle has been found to be aligned with the shrinking of the male brain from morning to evening.
Men can experience a remarkable 70% decrease in testosterone and even cortisol and estradiol from morning to evening. Alongside the hormonal nose-dive, the brain, thickness of the cortex, and deeper brain structure take a hit. However, more research is needed to link the male hormone cycle to potential brain changes during the day.
When Does Testosterone Peak? Oral Testosterone vs. Injections
We have established that naturally, your testosterone will peak in the morning and decrease throughout the day as you go about your daily activities. But what about individuals diagnosed with low testosterone where the male hormone cycle generates insufficient levels of testosterone?
If your doctor determines you have testosterone deficiency, he may recommend lifestyle and dietary changes. He may also recommend starting testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) as a means to normalize testosterone levels and avoid symptoms of androgen deficiency.
There are multiple forms of TRT available on the market, however, depending on your preferences, one form might work better than the other. Keep in mind that not all forms of TRT are equally effective, especially topical gels, which have a risk of transference and potential malabsorption.
Oral testosterone is becoming increasingly popular as it offers convenient and easy dosing options. Its peak more closely matches the natural testosterone production than injections, leading to countless benefits.
Oral testosterone undecanoate has not only been found to provide significant symptomatic relief but also mimics your natural testosterone cycle and avoids significant ups and downs.
Injections, on the other hand, are some of the most commonly used forms of TRT. While self-administration is possible, most patients are reluctant to self-administer and pay a visit to their doctor’s office once or twice a week.
The most common formulations of TRT injections are testosterone cypionate and testosterone enanthate. But when does testosterone peak after your injection?
See, the peak is probably one of the most significant downsides of injections as serum testosterone will peak within roughly 2 days of receiving the dose. Unfortunately, your testosterone will drop, to likely below the normal range, in the days prior to the next injection, putting you on a little bit of a rollercoaster with highs and troughs.
Because testosterone levels will differ throughout the dosing interval if you’re taking injections, you can still experience low testosterone symptoms intermittently.
Benefits of Oral Testosterone Undecanoate
By mimicking your natural testosterone peaks, oral testosterone undecanoate supports a healthy male hormone cycle and avoids significant fluctuations. This means that individuals on oral testosterone undecanoate could experience symptomatic relief more consistently.
In addition, some forms of testosterone, like short-acting testosterone injections, have been linked to higher risks of secondary erythrocytosis — which is an increase in red blood cells that can ultimately raise the viscosity of blood. However, no such high risk has been associated with oral testosterone undecanoate.
Above all, oral testosterone undecanoate is convenient to take, only requiring you to administer one or two capsules daily. It also doesn’t cause messes or come with the risk of transference like topical formulations and it’s completely painless.
Testosterone and Breast Cancer
Did you know that out of every 100 people diagnosed with breast cancer, one is a man? This is because a correlation between risk factors for low testosterone and breast cancer has been found.
Interestingly, factors like being overweight and obesity, which have been identified as precursors to low testosterone, are also risk factors for breast cancer.
At the same time, certain forms of hormone replacement therapy, in short HRT, have also been linked to breast cancer. HRT with estrogen, which is typically used for the treatment of prostate cancer can further increase a man’s risk of developing breast cancer as well.
With October marking Breast Cancer Awareness Month, let’s work towards educating each other about the risks and signs of this disease.
You Can Help Control the Male Hormone Cycle
Healthy testosterone levels depend on countless factors, many of which can be manipulated by you. Keep in mind that lifestyle, diet, and physical activity are significant contributors to a balanced hormone system and should not be overlooked.
Curious about other forms of TRT and how the male hormone cycle is affected by them? Sign up for our newsletter and learn more about everything testosterone.
