Yeah, patronizing is not exactly the right word but you got it. Thing is, males have way more ego than women. For a man, the act of asking for help is subliminally translated into “I am lesser than the other person”. How many male coworkers ask for help compared to female coworkers in your workplace? Why men don’t like therapists? You know, it’s difficult to grasp it if you are not a man. What insecurities are for women, ego is for men (same difference in the end though). This comes from a guy with a huge ego and believe me, asking for help sucks big time. Everything that hurts your ego sucks big big time.
Now, as you so accurately put it hormones are liars. Ego as well! That’s why letting go of ego is necessary for success. Controlling you instincts/emotions and thinking logically is the way to go. Of course it’s easier said than done as always!