When we talk about hormones, the conversation often gravitates towards female hormone health, but men have a complex and vital hormonal system that impacts their well-being too. These hormones are key drivers of men’s energy, mood, skin health, muscle mass, sexual wellbeing, and more.
However, there are no exclusively ‘male hormones’. Men and women have the same hormones, just at different levels, affecting the body differently, and many people don’t realise that men, just like women, have hormonal cycles.
Men also have oestrogen, progesterone, cortisol, and other hormones like women do, though in much smaller amounts. These hormones still play vital roles in libido, sperm production, and emotional balance. Yet the personal care and supplement markets have been slower to adapt to this evolving, science-backed view of male hormonal health.
There is a significant market gap, and while female-focussed hormonal support is a growing industry, male hormonal well-being remains largely underserved. This poses an opportunity for brands to create products designed to support men’s hormonal cycles, imbalances, and age-related changes.
How do male hormones work?
Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone, produced mainly in the testes and regulated by signals from the brain’s hypothalamus and pituitary gland. It is responsible for the development of male characteristics such as increased muscle mass, deeper voice, facial hair, and sex drive. It also plays a vital role in maintaining bone density, red blood cell production, and mental clarity.
While women’s hormonal fluctuations typically follow a monthly rhythm, men experience a 24-hour testosterone cycle, with levels peaking in the early morning and dropping steadily throughout the day.
In healthy men, testosterone levels naturally follow a circadian rhythm, peaking in the early morning and gradually declining throughout the day.
Although often considered a ‘female hormone’, oestrogen is essential in men as well. It supports libido, erectile function, sperm production, and even bone and brain health. However, problems arise when oestrogen levels become too high relative to testosterone. This imbalance is often triggered by excess body fat, which increases the enzyme aromatase that converts testosterone into oestrogen. Elevated oestrogen in men can lead to symptoms such as gynecomastia (breast tissue development), low libido, erectile dysfunction, mood swings, reduced sperm count, and increased fat storage, particularly around the abdomen.
What can disrupt male hormones and cause hormonal imbalances?
Hormonal imbalances in men are often driven by lifestyle and environmental factors. Chronic stress raises cortisol, which suppresses testosterone production and disrupts hormonal feedback loops. Poor sleep reduces the body’s ability to regenerate testosterone, especially if REM sleep is compromised. Obesity, particularly visceral fat around the abdomen, also not only lowers testosterone but also raises oestrogen, further disrupting balance. Insulin resistance and type II diabetes are also linked to lower testosterone levels, and exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in some plastics, pesticides, and personal care products can mimic oestrogen and contribute to imbalances.
Nutrient deficiencies are another overlooked contributor. Key vitamins and minerals such as zinc, magnesium, vitamin D, and B vitamins are essential for healthy testosterone production and hormone regulation. Without adequate intake, either through diet or supplementation, men may experience fatigue, lowered libido, poor concentration, and a decline in physical performance.
Despite how common hormonal imbalances are, they are often under-recognised. Many men may not realise that persistent fatigue, mood changes, low motivation, or weight gain are linked to shifts in their hormone levels. But as awareness grows, there is an opportunity for brands and formulators to create targeted products that not only support hormonal health but also educate men on the importance of balance in their internal biochemistry.
Is the male menopause real?
The term ‘male menopause’ (andropause) is increasingly being used in media and wellness conversations, but it can be a misleading and often unhelpful label.
Unlike the female menopause, which involves a rapid and defined drop in oestrogen, men do not experience a sudden hormonal shift in midlife. Instead, testosterone levels decline gradually at a rate of about 1% per year starting around age 30 to 40, a slow reduction that, on its own, is unlikely to cause significant symptoms.
This makes the term ‘male menopause’ problematic, as it suggests a universal, hormone-driven transition that doesn’t mirror the female experience. The symptoms often associated with male menopause, such as fatigue, low libido, irritability, depression, weight gain, and reduced muscle mass are real, but they don’t always come from a hormonal cause.
In some men, these symptoms may be linked to a condition known as late-onset hypogonadism. This is a medical diagnosis marked by abnormally low testosterone levels and may develop in later life, particularly in men with underlying health issues such as obesity or type 2 diabetes. When present, it can significantly impact wellbeing and may require clinical treatment.
However, in many cases, these midlife changes have more to do with lifestyle and psychological factors, such as chronic stress, poor diet, lack of exercise, alcohol consumption, poor sleep, or emotional strain, than a hormone deficiency.
For brands and formulators, this distinction matters. Rather than simply aiming to ‘boost testosterone’, there’s an opportunity to support men in a more rounded way, much like approaches to menopausal products for women, addressing energy, resilience, mental clarity, and emotional balance.
Natural ingredients to support men’s hormonal health
Men are increasingly looking for natural, effective ingredients that address hormonal skin issues, stress, energy, and ageing, without the harsh synthetics or hormone-disrupting compounds found in many conventional products. A Global Cosmetic Industry study of male consumers found that 49% purchase natural/organic beauty and personal care sometimes, with 66% doing so because they see them as healthier alternatives for internal and external wellbeing.
And as the conversations and interest around male hormonal health grows, it is a powerful opportunity for brands to create multi-functional, natural products that nourish the body both inside and out.
Here are some of our favourite ingredients that can be incorporated into male hormonal support formulations:
Rich in oleic acid and antioxidants, it helps calm hormonally reactive skin and restore suppleness, especially useful for dryness or stress-related irritation.
An oil that replicates the skin’s natural functions, reinforces the skin barrier, and supports elasticity, making it ideal for ageing or testosterone-deficient skin.
More people are embracing inner wellness for outer radiance, and Ahiflower is a powerful plant-based omega source, offering an even more effective conversion to EPA than flaxseed, supporting hormonal balance, inflammation regulation, and skin health when taken as a supplement.
Offers natural antibacterial properties and barrier protection, while also soothing and conditioning the skin.
Natural Waters
Waters can be used as bases in formulations or as part of refreshing mists and tonics, providing calming, balancing properties to hormonally sensitive skin.
Supports emotional balance, skin hydration, and can gently tone the skin without stripping.
Natural Exfoliants
Hormonal imbalances can lead to sluggish skin turnover, breakouts, or dullness. Natural exfoliants can gently renew skin without irritation or microplastic pollution.
Both offer physical exfoliation suitable for men’s thicker skin types.
O&3 thoughts on opportunities for innovation in men’s hormonal care
Formulating for men’s hormonal wellness means moving beyond basic products that simply promise to ‘boost testosterone’. Targeted ingredients that nourish the body, reduce stress, and support natural hormonal rhythms can help men thrive through these years, not just survive them. And by acknowledging the complexity behind the ‘male menopause’, brands can create products that respect men’s health journeys and the real science behind them.
Please note that the views/opinions expressed in this blog are solely our own. It is the responsibility of our clients to conduct the necessary testing to substantiate any claims and ensure compliance with industry standards for every ingredient. We will not accept any liability for claims made based on our content.
As the personal care industry evolves, there’s a growing opportunity to support men’s intimate health with well-formulated, natural ingredient-based products.
