This store requires javascript to be enabled for some features to work correctly.
Most men are told testosterone is the only hormone that matters.
Science tells a more complete story.
Progesterone isn’t just a “female hormone.” Research shows it plays an important role in men’s hormone balance, testosterone production, sleep quality, and overall vitality — especially as men age.
As men age, changes in hormone levels dramatically impact energy, body composition, mood, libido, and long-term health. Most discussions focus on testosterone — and deservedly so — because it’s central to male vitality. But new and under-appreciated research shows that progesterone plays a meaningful role in male hormone balance too.
In this post, we’ll:
A 2004 review in Aging Male titled “Progesterone: the forgotten hormone in men?” highlights some of the ways progesterone functions in men — and why it matters.
Progesterone levels in men are not dramatically lower than in women once you adjust for menstrual cycles.
Progesterone influences:
Spermiogenesis and sperm function
Testosterone biosynthesis in Leydig cells
Sleep and brain function via neuroactive metabolites
Immune, cardiovascular, renal, respiratory function, and adipose tissue metabolism
Progesterone interacts with hormone receptors in ways that are not fully understood, suggesting potential benefits beyond simplistic “male vs female” hormone views.
In short: progesterone isn’t just a “female hormone.” It serves roles in male physiology that may influence vitality, metabolism, and overall hormonal balance.
Most conventional hormone discussions focus on testosterone — and for good reason. Healthy testosterone levels are strongly connected with:
✔️ Muscle mass & strength
✔️ Libido & sexual function
✔️ Bone density
✔️ Energy & mood
✔️ Metabolic health
✔️ Cognitive function
But as men age, progesterone and testosterone both gradually decline — and the balance between hormones becomes just as important as absolute levels.
📚 Science Spotlight
A peer-reviewed review published in The Aging Male confirms that progesterone is active in male physiology and may support testosterone synthesis, brain function, sleep, immune balance, and estrogen regulation in men.
This means that ignoring progesterone can:
Testosterone underpins sexual health, strength, energy, and metabolic balance. Large bodies of research, including randomized trials, show that testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in men with confirmed low levels can improve:
But testosterone isn’t the whole story.
Men produce estrogen via the enzyme aromatase, especially within adipose tissue. While estrogen supports bone density and mood in small amounts, too much relative to testosterone can relate to:
Progesterone plays a counter-balance role to estrogen and may assist:
Hormone health isn't just about taking hormones — it’s about balancing the endocrine ecosystem.
✔️ Optimize sleep — poor sleep disrupts testosterone and progesterone pathways. L-Theanine helps the mind to stop racing and helps balance stress.
✔️ Strength training + resistance exercise — boosts testosterone and body composition.
✔️ Balanced nutrition — adequate healthy fats and zinc support hormone synthesis.
✔️ Manage stress — cortisol competes with other hormone pathways.
✔️ Consider bio-identical hormone support when indicated — especially when symptoms are significant and levels are confirmed with testing.
Men’s hormone health isn’t just about testosterone — it’s about balance.
Progesterone is a real hormone in men with physiological roles that intersect with sleep, brain function, testosterone synthesis, and estrogen modulation.
When you address both testosterone and progesterone — along with lifestyle and metabolic factors — you unlock a more complete approach to:
This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure disease. Always consult a healthcare professional before beginning hormone support.
