Hormones influence a huge percentage of our behaviors and physical appearance. If we say our hormones are what makes us, we won’t be exaggerating. Yet we hardly discuss it, thus only a few know about it, or believe in it.
Hormones regulate critical bodily functions such as metabolism, blood pressure, growth, reproduction, and mood. Even small changes in hormone levels can significantly impact our health, affecting everything from sleep and energy to appearance and cognitive function.
I’ve summarized the explanation in the simplest language possible so that I wouldn’t suffocate you with medical jargon. As promised, this outing is about male hormones…
….Finally 🤗.
Puberty in boys, typically starting between ages 9 and 14, is driven by hormonal changes, mainly testosterone. This triggers physical changes like increased sweating, acne, voice deepening, growth spurts, and the onset of sexual attraction. Emotionally, boys may experience mood swings, irritability, and seek independence.
Because they sweat a lot due to changes in their hormones and physical activities, they are bound to smell. This is one of the best times to ensure that they master personal hygiene, as they’re too old to be bathed by their mothers. Do this, and his wife will thank you later.
Teenage boys should learn about Islamic teachings on wet dreams and ritual baths. They should learn about weekly shaving, use of deodorants and perfumes, proper bathing, washing of unders and sport wears daily.
At this crucial stage, parental support is vital. Don’t ignore and assume that boys don’t need attention and sympathy. They need it as much as their female counterparts. Parents should be patient, encourage open communication, set healthy boundaries, and model empathy. Ensure a healthy lifestyle with proper nutrition, regular exercise, and adequate sleep (at least 9 hours).
This is the phase when boys are likely to succumb to peer pressure and are likely to experiment on good, bad, and ugly, as they are fearless and careless. Parents should pay attention and make efforts to curb the impact of peer pressure, sexual attraction, and risky behaviors by monitoring their (a) friends, (b) how they use social media, (c) discussing the consequences of actions and inactions, and, (d) most importantly, prayers and setting a positive example.
Parents should also promote emotional intelligence by having heart-to-heart talks with their male children, validating their feelings, and encouraging open expression. This gesture will go a long way in teaching them about expressing their feelings, listening to others, and communication in general.
Puberty is a crucial stage in a boy’s life, shaping both his body and mind. With patience, understanding, and the right guidance, parents can help their sons navigate this period with confidence, setting the foundation for healthy adulthood.
Men’s hormone levels stabilize in early adulthood, peaking in testosterone around age 20 and growth hormone around 25. After age 30, testosterone decreases by 1% annually, and growth hormone declines by 2-5% every five years. Cortisol, the “stress hormone,” and melatonin, which regulates sleep, become important for well-being.
During fatherhood, testosterone may drop, potentially reducing aggression and libido. In midlife, decreases in aldosterone and growth hormones can affect blood pressure and muscle mass. In late life, low testosterone impacts sperm quality and fertility. Aging men should also monitor glucocorticoid and insulin levels, as imbalances can affect metabolism, memory, and diabetes risk.
Let me share some fundamental secrets with you. While women’s hormonal rollercoasters are quite pronounced, men’s hormone levels are mostly stable. However, the productivity, compassion, and cooperation of a boy cum man are boosted when they feel accepted, respected, appreciated, admired, and validated.
Lack or shortage of the aforementioned elements will make a man’s emotions unpredictable. It will trigger reactions similar to women experiencing hormonal changes and mood swings.
We need to know how to treat the male gender with these measures from childhood. It’s the only way to get them to do what is desired of them. Naturally, that’s how our Creator made them.
Being treated with respect and admiration will make a man (and a boy) drop his ego and defenses without even knowing it. (Just like how love and caring open a woman’s heart and make her drop defenses). Au, na tuna this outing is for za other gender ko🤪?
Anyway, as wives and mothers, knowing this will go a long way in helping us in our relationships with husbands, male children, and the other gender in general.
Aisha Musa Auyo is a Doctorate researcher in Educational Psychology. A wife, a mother, a homemaker, caterer, parenting, and relationship coach. She can be reached via aishamuauyo@live.co.uk
