Signs Of Imbalanced Hormones In Men
Testosterone plays important roles in development, as well as your energy levels, sexual health, and physical well-being. As a result, imbalanced levels of testosterone, as well as other hormones, can greatly impact your life.
Common signs of a hormone imbalance in men include:
- Constipation
- Sensitivity to cold or heat
- Sleep problems, such as insomnia
- Thinning hair or baldness
- Weakened bones and osteoporosis
Commonly Asked Questions About Female Hormones
What is the lifelong role of estrogen in female health?
Most people think estrogen is primarily responsible for reproduction, but it also helps with bone, skin and cardiovascular health. In addition, it affects thyroid hormone production. During menopause, estrogen levels decline along with the production of progesterone and testosterone. Hormone replacement therapy , which means replacing lost hormones by re-introducing them into the body, is often suggested to offset the positive benefits of estrogen and can be helpful in reducing common symptoms of menopause. But some studies show that artificial doses of estrogen carry risks and have been linked to cancer, dementia, strokes and arthritis. Never assume that hormone replacement therapy is the right thing to do without consulting your healthcare provider.
What is Puberty? Hormones that control puberty
Puberty is the time in life when children begin to show changes through hormone secretions that indicate they are about to become adults physically. In girls, the most obvious sign of puberty is the onset of menstruation. It can happen anywhere between the ages of 9 17, with a median age of 12. The menses, or monthly cycle, is interrupted during pregnancy and typically ends when the ovaries stop secreting steroid hormones a stage known as menopause.
What are the hormonal milestones in a females life?
What Causes Hot Flashes?
Why do I feel so different during my monthly cycle?
Why dont men have monthly cycles?
What Are The Types Of Hormone Imbalance In Men
The most common types of hormone imbalance in men are as follows:
- Andropause Andropause, commonly known as male menopause, results from low testosterone levels.
- Adrenal fatigue Adrenal fatigue can be caused by low cortisol levels, your stress hormone. Fatigue often results from long exposures to stress.
- Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism A hypothyroid gland produces insufficient thyroid hormones due to an underactive thyroid gland. On the other hand, having an overactive thyroid gland can cause a high thyroid hormone level and increase metabolism.
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Hormonal Imbalance And Men
You may think that women are the ones facing hormonal imbalances. But this is not the case. Men, as well as womens bodies, produce several hormones that are essential for wellbeing. One very well-known male hormone is testosterone. But, did you know that men, also, produce estrogen? Testosterone is mainly produced in the testicles and, a small amount is produced in the adrenal glands. It is responsible for ones manly characteristics, such as:
- Facial and Body Hair
- Muscle and Bone Density
- Deeper Voice
It also stimulates the production of sperm and affects your desire for sex. It also plays a major role in the way one gains weight and, how and where the body will end up accumulating these fat cells. Finally, red blood cells production is linked to testosterone levels.
Estrogen is made from testosterone with the help of an enzyme known as aromatase. As you age, not only do your testosterone levels naturally drop, but your estrogen levels go up simultaneously. The loss of testosterone with age is referred to by some professionals as andropause male menopause.
However, testosterone levels can drop, even in young men, from several causes, such as:
- Injuries to Scrotum or Testicles
- Mumps
- Testicular Cancer
- Liver Disease
But, testosterone and estrogen arent the only hormones that can get out of balance in men. You can suffer a decrease in cortisol levels if you are under a lot of stress, or even an imbalance in the thyroid hormones.
Cortisol Imbalance
Thyroid Imbalance
What Is A Hormonal Imbalance
Hormones are chemicals in your body that are produced by the endocrine glands. Hormones move through your bloodstream to reach the organs and tissues in your body, and regulate functions like:
A hormonal imbalance occurs when your body produces too much or too little of the important hormones in your bloodstream. Although an occasional irregularity is not harmful, a major imbalance can have severe consequences on your health.
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Surprising Signs And Symptoms Of Hormone Imbalance
Did you know the human body contains almost 50 different hormones? Some hormones that may be familiar include estrogen, insulin and cortisol. However, there are lesser-known hormones such as prostaglandins, which aids tissue repair. All these hormones together regulate many parts of the body, including reproduction, growth and mood. While some symptoms of a hormone imbalance are well-known, there are some signs that may surprise you. Keep reading to learn more about some surprising hormonal symptoms.
How Testosterone And Covid
A hormonal imbalance is when the body has too much or too little of the major hormones. Hormones are chemicals the endocrine system produces to regulate functions throughout the body. In particular, they are responsible for:
- Growth and development
- Metabolism, including body temperature and appetite
- Mood and stress levels
- Reproductive cycles and sexual functioning
- Sleep cycles
There are three hormones primarily responsible for imbalances in men:
- Testosterone: Low testosterone levels can cause andropause, which is commonly known as male menopause.
- Cortisol: Low levels of cortisol can cause adrenal fatigue, especially if a man is exposed to long-term stressors.
- Thyroid hormones: Low levels, or hypothyroidism, may lead to a decrease in metabolism conversely, hyperthyroidism, or too-high levels of thyroid hormones, can result in increased metabolism.
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Hormone Therapy In West Palm Beach
At Hormone Logics, we can help you understand how hormone therapy can benefit men. Our goal is to get you feeling better and having more energy by finding and removing factors that affect your hormones.
West Palm Beachs Hormone Logics is a hormone clinic that makes aging better effortless. Men and women going through menopause and low testosterone may benefit from our individualized hormone therapy.
Hormone therapy can help reverse signs and symptoms of hormone imbalance, giving you the ability to enjoy life. We offer exercise and diet programs on top of hormone therapy to help you reach your health goals. We can also help you understand how these imbalances affect your body.
With our effective hormone therapy programs designed for men, you will be able to enjoy a new phase of your life. Come see what our program can do for you! Contact Hormone Logics today at 640-3333 to schedule a consultation.
How Are Hormonal Imbalances Treated
Treatment for a hormonal imbalance will depend on whats causing it.
If you have lower-than-normal hormone levels, the main treatment is hormone replacement therapy. Depending on which hormone is deficient, you may take oral medication or injection medication.
For example, if you have low thyroid hormone levels , your provider can prescribe synthetic thyroid hormone pills. If you have growth hormone deficiency, youll likely have to take injections of synthetic growth hormone.
If you have higher-than-normal hormone levels, there are many treatment options depending on the cause. Options include medication, surgery, radiation therapy or a combination of any of these.
For example, if you have a prolactinoma, a benign tumor that causes excess prolactin , your provider may prescribe a medication to shrink the tumor or you may need surgery to remove it.
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What Are The Causes Of Hormone Imbalance In Men
Hormonal imbalances are an unfortunately common issue for many men, particularly as they age. However, just because hormonal imbalances happen, it doesnt mean they are just part of life. There is often a reason these hormonal imbalances happen, and treatments that you can try in order to get back to feeling like yourself.
The key to getting help with hormonal imbalance issues is to understand what causes these problems. Lets start with the basics.
What are the Symptoms of Hormonal Imbalances in Men?
Hormonal imbalances can happen to men at any age, but they are often most common when men are 30 or older. Unfortunately, these imbalances can come with a number of symptoms that can seriously disrupt a persons quality of life.
These symptoms include:
- Anxiousness
- Inability to maintain muscle mass
Over time, these imbalances can also lead to other health issues like decreased bone density, blood sugar issues or abnormal heart conditions.
What Causes Hormonal Imbalances in Men?
Hormonal imbalances can happen to any man virtually at any time. In fact, everyone will experience some type of natural period of hormonal imbalance or fluctuation at one point or another. However, when the body doesnt regulate itself back out, there may be something else to blame.
This includes some of the following causes:
- Poorly functioning endocrine glands
- Type 1 or type 2 diabetes
- Underactive or overactive thyroid
- Certain cancers
- And more
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Signs Of Sex Hormone Imbalance In Males:
- Low libido
- Inability to gain muscle
- Frequent urination
- Menstrual cramps
- Infertility
As you can see many of the symptoms listed above can be caused by estrogen dominance.
Estrogen dominance in females means that you have too much estrogen in comparison to your progesterone. Occasionally, estrogen dominance can be due to low progesterone production, which likely means you arent ovulating. This naturally occurs during perimenopause and can also happen from being on a birth control pill. However, more often, estrogen dominance is because the body has too many unhealthy, artificial estrogens from xenoestrogens, which are chemicals in our environment that mimic estrogen in the body. Or in some cases, estrogen dominance occurs when you have both low progesterone production and too much estrogen in your body the combination of the two makes symptoms even worse.
Estrogen dominance in males means you have too much estrogen in comparison to your testosterone. This can occur from low testosterone, which reduces with age, from insulin resistance, and stress. It can also occur from excess estrogen even if a man has a healthy testosterone level. Often it is a combination of excess estrogen and low testosterone, making the imbalance even worse. Men can also be affected by the unhealthy, artificial estrogens from our environment, just like was mentioned above with females.
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Getting Diagnosed With A Hormonal Imbalance
Getting diagnosed with a hormonal imbalance will require a visit to the doctor. At the appointment, the doctor will perform a blood test to check the levels of all the sex hormones in the body and may also do a sperm count test to see if the levels are below normal. The doctor will also offer a questionnaire and conduct a physical exam to look for clinical signs of an imbalance.
Typical Signs Of Hormonal Imbalance In Both Men And Women
Symptoms associated with the most common causes of hormonal imbalance include the following
- Unexplained weight gain or loss
- Problems sleeping
- Very dry skin and rashes
- Irritability and anxiety
- Changes in blood pressure, heart rate, and blood sugar
- Infertility
Women suffering with hormonal imbalance have many of the above symptoms, but they also have some additional signs like heavy, irregular, or painful periods, hot flashes, breast tenderness, acne before and during menstruation, hair growth on the face, neck, back, or chest, skin tags, deepening voice, clitoral enlargement, and darkening of the skin along neck creases, in the groin area, and under breasts.
Signs specific to men include erectile dysfunction, low sperm count, reduced libido, reduced muscle mass, enlargement of breasts, reduced body hair, and osteoporosis.
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Male Hormonal Imbalance Treatment You Can Try
Before looking at the medication route, you should try rooting out the other causes of your male hormonal imbalance.
1. Manage Stress
Take stress off the table. The rise of the stress hormones cortisol and prolactin may cause a decrease in testosterone.
2. Eat Healthily
The next thing you should look at is your diet. Certain foods, like soy, contain estrogen and will hike up your supply if you eat too much of them.
3. Get Good and Enough Sleep
Sleep helps maintain your hormones at an even keel so if youre having sleep issues, you will need to find a way back to good sleep. You should also talk to your doctor about this if its starting to become a daily problem.
4. Exercise Regularly
You should include exercising in your schedule. Some forms of exercise can raise your testosterone levels and help you manage stress at the same time.
5. Try Hormone Replacement Therapy
When lifestyle change doesnt work, thats when you turn to medical assistance.
A doctor can offer you a treatment called hormone replacement therapy or testosterone replacement therapy.
Hormone Replacement Therapy Definition: This form of treatment revolves around supplying the body with low or lacking hormones through oral medications or injectables.
Male hormonal imbalance symptoms will crop up from time to time since dips and rises in hormones happen as we age. With the right information and management, you can minimize these symptoms and your seasons ahead.
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Urinating More Than Usual
If you find yourself urinating more than you usually do, a hormonal imbalance may be to blame. It can be at night, during work hours and even right after you just went. You might even think that you drank too much water without realizing it. However, nocturia and increased urination in the day can signal low testosterone levels. If you continue to experience frequent urination, you might require hormone replacement therapy.
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Foods That Boost Testosterone And Lower Estrogen
In addition to medications to treat underlying conditions associated with male hormone imbalances, diet and lifestyle changes can be very effective for endocrine health.
If youre looking for how to lower estrogen in men or increase testosterone in men, here are foods you should incorporate into your diet.
Talk To Your Doctor For Treatment
If youre experiencing symptoms and have questions on what to expect or how to prepare, the best person to consult is your doctor. Your family doctor can help with the basics, but a specialist in hormone imbalance may be best equipped to assist you. When talking with your doctor, its important to be prepared with information about your symptoms. The following are some topics to keep in mind:
- When did your symptoms first occur?
- How often do they occur?
- Do you have an increase in stress?
- Do you have trouble with maintaining or getting an erection?
- Have you had a recent change in your weight?
- Does anything help relieve your symptoms?
Remember to bring a list of all current medications, supplements, and vitamins.
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What Are Symptoms Of High Progesterone
In men, high progesterone levels will increase estrogen levels, which can result in symptoms such as depression, fatigue and the development of heart conditions. For women, high progesterone is associated with symptoms including anxiety, bloating, depression, reduced sex drive and/or weight fluctuations.
How Does The Male Reproductive System Work
While there are hundreds of hormones that control the bodys chemistry, testosterone is a versatile and critical part of the balance that specifically controls male characteristics and sex drive. When the levels dip, the result can cause a male to experience low sex drive and depression, among other complaints. Low T as it is commonly referred to in the media, can cause a number of symptoms, including:
- Fatigue or generalized weakness
- Memory problems or lack of concentration
- Changes in mood or irritability
- Erectile dysfunction
Some diseases, like diabetes, can cause similar symptoms, so it can be hard to diagnose. To further complicate matters, testosterone decline in men is a slow process and, some healthy men can produce sperm well into their 80s.
In addition, there are variables that affect hormonal decline and speed up the process. These include weight gain, drug use, tobacco or alcohol abuse, mental illness or severe depression, as well as stress and chronic illness. One may need to keep in mind that medical experts still disagree about the link between declining hormone levels in men and their need for HRT.
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Physical Symptoms Of Hormonal Imbalance In Men
When hormones arent at their proper levels, the resulting hormonal imbalance can wreak havoc throughout the body. Men experience states of hormonal imbalance during their life, including puberty and aging. Hormone imbalance might also be brought on by stress, an acute injury or illness, poor nutrition, inadequate exercise, or several other factors. Botes Method of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, or BHRT, may help address these physical symptoms. Keep reading to learn more about the physical symptoms of hormonal imbalance and how Biote may help.
How Do You Fix Hormonal Imbalance
Many health conditions that involve hormonal imbalances, such as diabetes and thyroid disease, require medical treatment.
Many nutritional supplements in stores claim to treat different hormonal imbalances, but few of them have been scientifically proven to have a beneficial effect. Its important to always talk to your healthcare provider first about taking supplements.
Aside from medical treatment, your provider may recommend certain lifestyle changes to help manage a hormonal imbalance, such as managing your stress levels and getting routine exercise.
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How Do Testosterone And Estrogen Differ
Testosterone, the key hormone in men, is the chief regulator of muscle tone and lean body mass, or the very essence of what gives a man his masculine appearance. A normal level of testosterone is a broad term, making deficiencies difficult to detect. The hormone is produced by the adrenal glands and testicles, with levels highest in the mornings and decreasing throughout the day.
Testosterone also regulates a mans sex drive. Lack of sexual desire and performance, often associated with low levels of testosterone, or low T, is a common complaint from men as they age and hormone levels drop. Sex drive and performance, however, require the presence of both estrogen and testosterone.
Estrogen, by contrast, is the hormone responsible for sexual and reproductive development in women and is also referred to as the female sex hormone. Estrogen is really a group of hormones that includes estrone, estradiol and estriol. Estrogen is produced in the ovaries but also by fat cells and the adrenal gland.