“Historical Myths, Hormonal Fluctuations, and Evidence-Based Lifestyle Strategies”
Written by
Prof. Dr. Deepak Sharma
BHMS, MD, Ph.D. (Scholar)
H.O.D. Department of Paediatrics
Sri Ganganagar Homeopathic Medical College & Hospital, Tantia University
Founder – Orbit Clinics (World Class Homeopathic Clinics Worldwide)
+91-9711153617 | responseds@gmail.com | wwww.orbitclinics.com
Abstract
The concept of “male menstruation” has appeared in cultural traditions, folklore, and early medical literature. While men lack the anatomical structures required for menstruation, research suggests that cyclical hormonal fluctuations and associated symptoms in men can mimic aspects of the female menstrual cycle. This article reviews the historical origins of the male menstruation myth, the endocrinological basis for hormonal variation in men, and the potential role of homeopathy, nutrition, and physical activity in managing these variations. Selected case studies and clinical evidence are discussed to highlight manifestations of male hormonal imbalance and therapeutic interventions.
Introduction
Menstruation is defined as the cyclical shedding of the endometrium in women, mediated by fluctuations in estrogen, progesterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Men, lacking a uterus and ovaries, cannot menstruate in the biological sense.
Despite this, the notion of a “male period” has persisted historically and culturally. In modern contexts, the term is often applied to men’s mood disturbances, irritability, fatigue, and other symptoms linked to variations in testosterone secretion, sometimes referred to as Irritable Male Syndrome (IMS).
This review evaluates whether “male menstruation” is myth or fact, considers the biological basis of male hormonal rhythms, and assesses the roles of homeopathy, diet, and exercise in maintaining men’s hormonal health.
Historical and Cultural Perspectives
Ancient Interpretations
Greco-Roman physicians believed the body required periodic blood purification. Recurrent epistaxis or rectal bleeding in men was misinterpreted as a counterpart to menstruation.
Folklore Traditions
In several societies, cyclic bleeding in men was symbolically linked to fertility and equated with menstruation, though without anatomical basis.
Biological Basis of Male Hormonal Fluctuations
Testosterone Rhythms
Testosterone levels in men vary diurnally, peaking in the morning and declining throughout the day. Seasonal variations also influence mood, energy, and libido (1).
PMS-like Symptoms in Men
Mood instability, irritability, reduced motivation, and fatigue have been documented in association with hormonal fluctuations. These have been colloquially described as “male PMS” (2).
Medical Mimics of Menstruation
Conditions such as recurrent epistaxis, hemorrhoids, or parasitic infections (e.g., schistosomiasis) may result in periodic bleeding. Rare intersex variations involving residual uterine tissue can also lead to cyclical bleeding (3).
Therapeutic and Lifestyle Approaches
Role of Homeopathy in Managing Male Hormonal Symptoms
Homeopathy aims to restore systemic equilibrium by prescribing remedies based on an individual’s totality of symptoms. Several remedies are traditionally recommended for conditions resembling “male PMS,” irritability, fatigue, or hormonal imbalance.
Key remedies include:
- Nux Vomica – For men with irritability, digestive disturbances, stress from overwork, and heightened sensitivity to external stimuli.
- Sepia – Indicated for apathy, indifference to family, chronic fatigue, and low libido.
- Pulsatilla – For emotional sensitivity, mood swings, and weepiness, often worse in warm rooms and better in open air.
- Lycopodium Clavatum – For bloating, digestive issues, poor self-confidence, and performance-related anxiety.
- Ignatia Amara – For mood fluctuations linked with suppressed grief, emotional shock, or relationship stress.
- Sulphur – For men with heat intolerance, skin complaints, intellectual overactivity, and hormonal imbalance presenting with fatigue.
- Calcarea Carbonica – For overweight, sluggish men prone to cold, anxiety about health, and endocrine sluggishness.
- Phosphoric Acid (Phosphoricum acidum) – For exhaustion, weakness of memory, sexual debility, and low sperm count.
- Natrum Muriaticum – For introverted men, prone to silent grief, headaches, and periodic fatigue.
- Agnus Castus – Specifically noted for reduced sexual desire, premature aging, and mental depression associated with hormonal decline.
- Conium Maculatum – For men with reduced sexual drive, prostate enlargement, and depressive moods in later life.
- Selenium Metallicum – For mental exhaustion, nervous weakness, and diminished seminal fluid quality.
- Staphysagria – For suppressed emotions, irritability, and weakness following sexual excess.
- Aurium Metallicum (Aurum Met.) – For severe depression, loss of willpower, or suicidal tendencies linked to hormonal and psychological imbalance.
Nutrition
Dietary modification is essential for maintaining hormonal stability:
- Protein sources (eggs, fish, lean meats) enhance testosterone synthesis.
- Complex carbohydrates (whole grains, legumes) stabilize blood glucose.
- Healthy fats (nuts, seeds, olive oil) regulate endocrine function.
- Micronutrients such as zinc and vitamin D play critical roles in androgen regulation (6).
- Limiting alcohol, sugar, and processed foods reduces endocrine disruption.
Exercise
Exercise exerts measurable effects on endocrine health:
- Resistance training promotes testosterone production.
- Aerobic activity improves circulation and mood regulation.
- Yoga and mindfulness reduce stress and improve sleep quality.
- Regular practice (≥30 minutes daily) optimizes hormonal balance (7).
Clinical Evidence
Homeopathy and Fertility
A prospective study of 45 subfertile men with oligoasthenozoospermia demonstrated improvements in sperm density and motility following individualized homeopathic treatment (4).
Case Report in Oligospermia
A 25-year-old male with longstanding infertility showed improved semen parameters following Phosphoricum acidum administration, suggesting potential benefits of constitutional treatment (5).
Hormonal Profile in Premature Androgenetic Alopecia
A case-control study involving 50 men with early-onset alopecia revealed lower sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and elevated free androgen index compared to controls, highlighting measurable endocrine imbalance (6).
Hypogonadism in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
A large-scale study of 900 Indian men with type-2 diabetes mellitus reported a hypogonadism prevalence of 20.7%, with many symptomatic patients showing normal total testosterone, underscoring the complexity of male hormonal dysregulation (7).
Discussion
While male menstruation in the literal sense is a myth, hormonal fluctuations in men are a physiological reality. Symptoms resembling premenstrual syndrome, though not linked to cyclical endometrial changes, reflect the influence of fluctuating testosterone levels and metabolic comorbidities.
Interventions such as dietary modification, structured exercise, and individualized homeopathy may offer supportive benefits. However, rigorous clinical trials are needed to establish efficacy and causal links.
Conclusion
The concept of male menstruation remains a cultural and historical construct rather than a biological fact. Men cannot menstruate due to the absence of uterine and ovarian structures; however, they do experience hormonal fluctuations, predominantly in testosterone, which can manifest as mood disturbances, fatigue, irritability, or libido changes—symptoms often colloquially referred to as the “male period.”
While scientific evidence does not support the existence of a male counterpart to menstruation, growing recognition of male hormonal variability emphasizes the need for broader clinical awareness and research. Integrative approaches—including individualized homeopathy, balanced nutrition, and structured physical activity—may help mitigate hormone-related symptoms and improve quality of life.
Current literature highlights the prevalence of hormonal imbalances in men, particularly in association with infertility, metabolic disorders, and aging. However, rigorous, large-scale, randomized clinical studies are required to establish causality, treatment efficacy, and standardized guidelines for male hormonal health management.
By reframing the discourse from “male menstruation” to male hormonal health, clinicians and researchers can foster a more accurate and constructive understanding of these physiological processes, ultimately improving both medical care and public perception.
Acknowledgment
The author(s) gratefully acknowledge the contributions of prior researchers and clinicians whose work has expanded the understanding of male hormonal physiology. Special thanks to the libraries and digital databases (PubMed, PMC, and ResearchGate) that provided access to relevant case studies and peer-reviewed literature. Appreciation is also extended to colleagues in integrative medicine and homeopathy who continue to explore holistic interventions for male health.
Future Directions
Although the idea of male menstruation has been largely demystified, important questions remain about the broader scope of male hormonal health. Current research has identified testosterone variability, hypogonadism, and associated mood or metabolic disorders, but the clinical framework for managing these phenomena is underdeveloped.
Future studies should prioritize:
- Longitudinal Hormonal Profiling – Large-scale studies monitoring diurnal, seasonal, and age-related testosterone fluctuations to define their clinical relevance.
- Symptom Mapping – Standardized tools to assess PMS-like symptoms in men, correlating subjective experiences with objective biochemical markers.
- Interventional Trials – Randomized controlled trials investigating the impact of diet, structured exercise, and homeopathic or integrative approaches on male hormonal balance.
- Comparative Studies – Exploring parallels between female premenstrual syndrome and male irritability/mood disorders, to better understand overlapping neuroendocrine pathways.
- Holistic Health Models – Incorporating psychological, social, and lifestyle determinants into clinical approaches for male hormonal health.
- Awareness Campaigns – Public health initiatives to educate men about hormonal variability and encourage proactive management of lifestyle factors influencing endocrine function.
By advancing research in these areas, the medical community can move beyond myths toward a comprehensive, evidence-based model of male hormonal health. Such progress will not only improve diagnostic accuracy but also support more effective, integrative interventions tailored to men’s physiological and psychological needs.
References
- Bremner WJ, Vitiello MV, Prinz PN. Loss of circadian rhythmicity in blood testosterone levels with aging in normal men. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1983;56(6):1278–81.
- Zitzmann M. Testosterone deficiency, mood, and depressive disorders in men. Results from a large cross-sectional study. Eur Urol. 2013;64(5):947–54.
- Gryseels B, Polman K, Clerinx J, Kestens L. Human schistosomiasis. Lancet. 2006;368(9541):1106–18.
- Oberbaum M, et al. Homeopathy in male subfertility: a prospective study. Homeopathy. 2003;92(1):44–6. PMID: 12322866.
- Sharma R, et al. A case of oligospermic male infertility successfully treated with personalised homoeopathic medicine Phosphoricum acidum. J Evidence-Based Integr Med. 2023;28:2515690X231168229.
- Trüeb RM. Molecular mechanisms of androgenetic alopecia. Exp Gerontol. 2002;37(8–9):981–90. PMC: 3877475.
- Dhindsa S, et al. Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in men with type 2 diabetes mellitus: prevalence and clinical implications. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2004;89(11):5462–8. PMC: 5240083.
14 September 2025 23:15
