Our endocrine system plays an important role in our overall health. It creates and expels hormones that tell our body what to do and when to do it. Hormones are responsible for everything from metabolism and sleep to sexual function and mood. Because of this, it’s not surprising that hormone health is important to maintaining overall health and well-being. However, sometimes things go wrong and our hormones get a little out of whack. In this article, we’ll focus on men’s hormone health and the effects of hormone imbalances on men’s health.
Types of Hormone Imbalances in Men
To better understand men’s hormone health, it’s important to know the types of hormone imbalances that can occur. Adrenal fatigue is when your adrenal glands are so overworked that they can’t produce enough of the stress hormone cortisol.1 Hypothyroidism is when you have an underactive thyroid and hyperthyroidism is when you have an overactive thyroid—both of which can cause problems with weight and energy levels.1 The most common type of hormone imbalance in men is andropause. Andropause is also referred to as male menopause and occurs due to age and a decrease in testosterone production.1 All of these imbalances create symptoms that you should look out for.
Signs and Symptoms of Male Hormone Imbalances
Depending on the type of imbalance you have, your symptoms will vary. Regardless of the type of hormone imbalance, symptoms tend to appear gradually, so they may be hard to pinpoint right away. Oftentimes, men only realize they have a hormone imbalance after it’s already progressed. Some of the most common signs and symptoms of male hormone imbalances include the following1:
- Erectile dysfunction
- Hair loss
- Low libido
- Fatigue
- Lack of energy
- Night sweats
- Hot flashes
- Memory lossMood swings
- Irritability
- Heart palpitations
- Muscle loss
- Muscle weakness
- Sleep apnea
- Insomnia
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Constipation or increased bowel movements
- Increased body fat
- Gynecomastia (development of breasts in men)
The primary causes of hormone imbalances in men are age and environmental toxicity2. In extenuating cases, hormonal imbalances may be due to prostate cancer or hypogonadism3. The important thing is seeing a doctor if you notice any signs or symptoms so that you can determine the underlying cause and find a treatment option that works for you.
Addressing Men’s Hormone Health
Men’s hormone health is important to ensure a well-functioning body. Hormones play a crucial role in many bodily functions, so if you think that you have any hormone imbalances or low testosterone levels, don’t hesitate to reach out to the doctors at Atlas Health Medical Group today. Many men who experience low testosterone or andropause experience devastating mental and physical effects, but this doesn’t have to be your new normal. There are ways to balance your hormones and take back your health while improving your well-being and taking control of your sex life. Bio-identical Hormone Therapy (BHRT) for men will lead to an improvement in mood and well-being while simultaneously reducing the risk of diabetes, Alzheimer’s and cardiovascular disease, and high cholesterol. BHRT will also allow your body to properly maintain muscle mass and improve sexual health and functioning. If you’ve been feeling down, noticing any signs or symptoms of hormone imbalances, or have seen a decline in your sexual health and function, don’t hesitate to talk to a professional. There are plenty of treatment options available for you to take back control and start feeling like yourself again. To learn more or to schedule a free consultation at Atlas Health Medical Group, call us at 480-648-1534 or fill out this form.
Sources:
1https://www.bodylogicmd.com/for-men/hormone-imbalance-in-men/ 2https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2823119/ and https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/08/140814191528.htm 3https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321486#hormonal-imbalances-in-men
