A new study published in Psychoneuroendocrinology shows that men’s stress responses rely on the balance between two hormones, not just their individual levels. In young men, how stressed they feel depends on the interaction between testosterone and cortisol.
When cortisol is low, higher testosterone is linked to a reduced sense of stress. Conversely, high cortisol changes the effect of testosterone, offering little to no protection against stress. The findings add nuance to how we understand emotional health for men in Thailand and around the world.
Stress is a daily reality in Thai life. Work pressures, exams, and home responsibilities all contribute to the stress people experience. Understanding why some individuals view the same situation as a challenge while others see it as a threat can guide better coping strategies.
The research supports the dual-hormone hypothesis, highlighting how the interplay between status-related hormones like testosterone and stress-response hormones like cortisol shapes behavior and emotion. Absolute hormone levels alone don’t predict stress responses.
In Thailand, economic fluctuations, academic demands, and social expectations intensify stress for many. These insights offer new avenues for culturally sensitive stress management approaches in schools, workplaces, and communities.
The Vilnius University study recruited 37 healthy men aged 20 to 28. Baseline testosterone and cortisol were measured via saliva tests. Participants faced a mild stress task: singing the national anthem for three seconds on camera, designed to provoke a light social-evaluative anxiety. Heart rates rose during the task, indicating nervous system activation.
The stressor did not trigger large cortisol increases, suggesting the mild nature of the challenge. Afterward, participants rated how stressful the experience felt. The researchers found that men with low cortisol who had higher testosterone felt less stressed. Those with high cortisol showed little effect from testosterone. Among men with low testosterone, higher cortisol actually helped buffer perceived stress. These patterns held across statistical analyses, underscoring the robustness of the results despite the small sample and mild stressor.
These findings have practical implications for everyday life. They point to the importance of considering hormonal balance in stress management strategies rather than focusing on a single hormone.
Cortisol, produced in the adrenal glands, helps the body respond to stress and supports metabolism and immune function. Testosterone, more abundant in men, influences behavior related to status, dominance, and competitiveness. The study emphasizes balance over sheer hormone quantity in shaping emotional responses.
For Thai society, where exams, presentations, and public scrutiny are common, the hormone balance concept offers a biological layer to understand stress. Buddhist teachings on balance and mindfulness resonate with these findings and can complement modern therapies for resilience.
Experts caution that the study connects only to men, and researchers call for more diverse work, including women. Future research should explore how estrogen and progesterone interact with stress and how results translate across different populations and ages.
The global relevance of these results aligns with rising mental health awareness in Thailand. Public health authorities emphasize the need for stress management resources in schools and workplaces. As urban life intensifies, understanding how hormones influence stress perception can inform more personalized approaches to wellbeing.
Practical takeaways for Thai readers include prioritizing sleep, regular exercise, and mindfulness practices to support hormonal balance. Building strong social support networks and seeking professional help when persistent stress or anxiety occurs are recommended steps.
As science advances, Thai communities may see more programs that integrate evidence-based approaches with traditional wellness practices. The convergence of modern research with timeless Thai approaches—such as meditation and balance-focused therapies—offers a culturally resonant path to better mental health.
Researchers advocate larger and more diverse studies to confirm and expand these findings, including exploration of how other hormones interact with stress. The ongoing dialogue between science and Thai cultural perspectives will continue to shape effective, inclusive mental health strategies.
For readers seeking practical guidance, the key message is clear: stress management is both a mind and body effort. Prioritize healthy sleep, regular activity, mindful breathing, and supportive relationships to foster resilience in the face of daily pressures.
These insights come with the hope that better understanding of hormonal balance will lead to more empathetic, personalized support for mental wellbeing in Thailand and beyond.