Men may experience low moods when facing high stress, adverse environments, or poor health, but this should not be equated with a "menstrual cycle."
Experts note that as men age, more will develop organic sexual dysfunction. However, not every man will experience such issues.
With the popularity of the reality show "Where Are We Going, Dad?", the interactions between the fathers and children featured have become a hot topic. Occasional displays of strictness by some fathers towards their children have sparked heated discussions online. What causes men to occasionally experience involuntary irritability and frustration? In this era, people's understanding of the term "male emotions" varies widely.With gender equality, do men experience days each month when they feel irritable and deserve understanding from those around them, just like women? Compared to women, do men have a similar physiological cycle? The Undefined Male Menstrual Cycle "Personally, I don't believe there is such a thing as a male menstrual cycle,"He Zhanju, researcher at Peking University Health Science Center's Sexology Research Center, Chair of the Sexology Professional Committee, and Standing Committee Member of the Chinese Medical Association's Andrology Branch, stated: "Although media often uses terms like 'male menstrual cycle,' I believe that when individuals face high stress, adverse environments, or poor health, various factors can trigger low moods or decreased libido. However, these do not exhibit regular biological rhythms, so they cannot be termed a physiological cycle."
Some argue that all living organisms possess biological rhythms. Human growth, development, physical strength, cognitive function, heart rate, respiration, digestion, urination, sleep, and even emotions are all governed by internal biological rhythms. These rhythms may be more pronounced in some individuals than others. Some believe that male physiological cycles are linked to fluctuations in male hormone levels.He Zhanju explains that male testosterone levels peak in the morning, gradually decline to a low point from noon to evening, and then rise again to their highest peak between 7 and 10 a.m. the next day, repeating this cycle. Since testosterone follows a 24-hour cycle, if a "physiological period" is closely tied to hormone levels, it's difficult to say that the so-called "male physiological period" aligns with the daily cycle of testosterone secretion.
Men lack the same physiological markers as women
Psychological counselor Wu Zhihong states, "Women endure far greater physical suffering than men." This physical suffering is most easily triggered before menstruation. During this period, many women suffer intensely from negative emotions. Thus, "the severity of women's suffering determines their physiological responses during menstruation, including the intensity of menstrual cramps."Some women experience severe menstrual cramps, while others feel little difference during their period. Emotional fluctuations during menstruation are merely a common occurrence—not universal. Not all women experience this," Wu Zhihong explains. "Though people mention a 'male menstrual cycle,' it lacks the universal recognition accorded to the female cycle. Men may have their own biological rhythms, but they lack the distinct physiological markers of women. Thus, men do not have a confirmed physiological cycle."
Emotions are more closely tied to psychology
So what about the so-called "unexplained irritability" or emotional lows during the menstrual period? Wu Zhihong further explained that even if we hypothetically assume the existence of a male menstrual cycle, while human emotions can be influenced by physiology, they are not determined by it. Emotions remain more closely related to psychological factors.Emotions aren't random phenomena, and outbursts aren't uncontrollable issues. Emotions can be understood, and menstruation isn't an excuse for emotional instability.
Repressing emotions—maintaining outward composure while internally churning, silently struggling against oneself, stubbornly resisting...—is the preferred choice for most Chinese men. Wu Zhihong emphasizes that this approach isn't necessarily correct.
"Psychologically speaking, when emotions fail to flow freely at the emotional level, it's because one isn't aware of their own feelings. Some habitually suppress emotions. Though they may appear calm on the surface, the suppressed emotions will express themselves through the body—manifesting anxiety as duodenal ulcers, stomach ulcers, mouth ulcers, or heart disease.""Wu Zhihong explains that when emotions erupt uncontrollably, "it's the subconscious taking over, not conscious choice, and certainly not determined by physical constitution. Therefore, better self-understanding leads to better emotional management."
■ Physical Fatigue
Typically emerges around age 40
Fatigue is a common physiological symptom that increases the functional burden on organs. It reduces oxygen supply to tissues and cells, further diminishing cellular metabolism and intensifying fatigue. This creates a vicious cycle.
Around age 40, or even as early as 30, physiological fatigue triggers a "crisis" for men. Middle-aged men, once the pillars of their families, cross this age threshold feeling drained and overwhelmed. They lose interest in people and activities, and even lose their "interest" in marital intimacy.
"Poor rest, work pressure, poor physical condition, or even temporary factors like excessive heat or cold can all contribute to this fatigue. If sexual issues arise as a result, trust that this is only a temporary situation. Avoid excessive worry that could create severe psychological pressure," advises He Zhanju, urging men experiencing temporary erectile dysfunction not to burden themselves with psychological stress.Simultaneously, he urges partners to offer understanding rather than pressure. Merely shouting "Go for it!" won't resolve the issue. Overemphasizing the problem is counterproductive; nonverbal support through physical affection may prove more effective than verbal encouragement. At this stage, men often equate sexual performance with self-worth, potentially interpreting positive encouragement as negative pressure—which could create lasting psychological barriers.
Organic Sexual Function and Age
Some view 40 as a "turning point" for men. After 40, hormonal levels naturally decline, leading to a gradual decrease in sexual function. Additionally, middle age often brings reduced physical stamina and health compared to youth, potentially contributing to varying degrees of ED."A U.S. study reported an ED prevalence exceeding 52% among men aged 40-70. I believe the clinical incidence isn't that high—temporary loss of sexual interest isn't true ED," Dr. He Zhanju offered his interpretation.He acknowledges that as men age, more will experience organic sexual dysfunction. However, not everyone will develop such issues. Clinically, He observes that most patients with sexual dysfunction are introverted. Organic causes account for 50% of cases, while psychological factors contribute to the other 50%. Among all these patients, 70%-80% develop psychological issues, often compounded by psychological problems alongside organic conditions."Underlying conditions like diabetes and hypertension can trigger psychological distress in patients. It's common for these psychological issues to persist long after discontinuing medication for the primary disease," the expert cautioned. After middle age, conditions such as gastritis, gastric ulcers, and cardiovascular diseases often emerge, each posing varying degrees of harm to male health.Middle-aged men should learn to manage stress appropriately outside of work, adopt a balanced diet, and maintain regular sleep patterns. Additionally, they should cultivate a positive and optimistic mindset. Couples should communicate frequently to jointly address potential issues in their sexual relationship. Should any adverse symptoms arise, they should be taken seriously, and prompt consultation at a reputable hospital is essential.■Related Links
PDE5 Inhibitors: The First-Line Treatment for ED
He Zhanju explains that when facing organic sexual dysfunction, PDE5 inhibitors are currently the internationally preferred treatment for ED. Today, options include once-daily, low-dose medications that not only provide stable, long-lasting efficacy but also help patients achieve psychological relief, restoring them to a state of health.
Premature ejaculation medications should be taken as needed
Premature ejaculation is another common male sexual health issue.Academician Guo Yinglu of the Chinese Academy of Engineering believes the actual negative impact of male sexual health issues far exceeds public perception. Prior to December this year, the long-standing lack of FDA-approved medications specifically indicated for premature ejaculation forced many andrologists and urologists to prescribe off-label. This practice hindered effective doctor-patient communication and posed heightened safety risks.Professor Zhang Zhichao, Director of Andrology at Peking University Hospital, explains that during premature ejaculation, serotonin levels in the interstitial spaces of the body decrease, impairing ejaculatory control. Using dapoxetine hydrochloride—the only imported drug approved by China's National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) for premature ejaculation—restores serotonin to normal levels, thereby improving the condition.Surveys indicate that 74% of physicians consider on-demand dosing (e.g., 1-3 hours before sexual activity) the optimal treatment approach for premature ejaculation. One key feature of dapoxetine hydrochloride is its on-demand administration. Prior to this, most premature ejaculation treatments required daily dosing regardless of sexual activity.■ Q&A
Weak Constitution Doesn't Necessarily Lead to Irritability
Q: Are men who engage in mental work, lack physical exercise, or have weaker constitutions more prone to experiencing periods of physical and mental exhaustion, irritability, and frustration?
He Zhanju: I don't believe this is significantly related to physical exercise. It's more closely tied to communication with partners, life pressures, and other factors.
Wu Zhihong: Less exercise and weaker constitution merely indicate reduced vitality in men; they don't determine whether one experiences emotional instability or fatigue. Of course, appropriate physical activity stimulates dopamine release, improving mood and enhancing bodily vitality.