Recently, we covered what women should know about hormone imbalances – the symptoms, causes, and treatment options. In this article, because Father’s Day is also this month, we’ll dive into various hormone imbalance issues men may be facing as well.
As with women, hormone imbalances can present in a number of different ways in men. You may discover a decreased libido, infertility, or even hot flashes if your testosterone numbers are off. Here are some factors to note when it comes to this health issue, potential causes, and your options if you are diagnosed with a hormone imbalance.
Symptoms of Hormone Imbalances in Men
Symptoms of hormone imbalances can pop up at any time, though they do tend to appear as you get older. If you suspect this medical issue or are experiencing these symptoms, it’s important to talk to your doctor. It can be very easy to overlook signs of low testosterone or attribute it to normal aging. Getting your hormones on track can improve your overall health.
Some signs of low testosterone or other imbalances include
- Lower sex drive
- Over-development of breast tissue or tenderness
- Lower muscle mass
- Less body hair or beard growth
- Low sperm count or infertility
- Erectile dysfunction or ED
- Osteoporosis
- Hot flashes
- Difficulty concentrating
Men could also have high testosterone, but it is extremely rare (unless the patient is taking steroids). Some symptoms are
- Acne
- Headaches
- Excessive body hair
- Heart problems
- Liver problems
- Hypertension
- Infertility
- Insomnia
- Mood swings
- Prostate enlargement
- Weight gain
Low Testosterone and High Testosterone in Men – The Causes of Hormone Imbalances
One of the most well known causes of hormone imbalances in men is low testosterone. While this could be the cause of your own imbalance, you definitely want to understand exactly what is causing that deficiency.
Low Testosterone or Hypogonadism
Low testosterone, also known as hypogonadism, can actually happen at any age and once the deficiency starts, men will begin to notice issues in just a few weeks. It’s defined as “a failure of the testes to produce the male sex hormone testosterone, sperm, or both” and usually comes from a testicular disorder or interference with the hypothalamus or pituitary gland.
Hypogonadism can be caused by a number of different factors including
- Stress
- Some medications
- Illness
- Malnutrition, poor diet, or eating disorders
- Obesity
- Alcohol
- Type 1 and type 2 diabetes
- Hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia
- Hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism
- Tumors
- Iodine deficiency
- Allergic reactions
- Infections
…Or Andropause
Similar to hypogonadism, andropause refers to the normal aging process and the resulting decrease in testosterone production. It’s often compared to menopause in women, though it’s not quite the same thing. Men will often see their testosterone levels decline about 1% a year after the age of 40.
High Testosterone
High testosterone usually doesn’t occur naturally – it’s often caused by steroid use. However, the issue could also be caused by tumors in the testicles or adrenal glands. Sex-hormone producing adrenal tumors though are extremely rare, affecting only about 2 in a million people.
Options for Treatment
When diagnosing a hormone issue in men, blood tests are usually a good start as they will be able to pinpoint your hormone levels. Your doctor may also order a pelvic exam, ultrasound, biopsy, x-ray, thyroid scan, MRI, or a test to check your sperm count, depending on whether your symptoms are related to too much or too little testosterone production.
If you are diagnosed with a hormone imbalance, treatment depends on the cause. For low testosterone caused by other issues, you will most likely be recommended to take testosterone medications, including bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. These treatments can lead to improved sleeping, increased energy levels, and improved sex drive.
It’s also possible that your doctor will recommend lifestyle changes. Losing weight, for example, could help with ED and hormone levels. Eating well, reducing alcohol intake, and exploring stress management solutions can also benefit your overall health in addition to hormone levels.
If you believe you’re suffering from low testosterone, it’s important to talk to a doctor as soon as possible about causes and treatment options. Catching the symptoms early and taking advantage of treatment options can help your energy levels, mental focus, sex drive, sleep patterns, weight, and more.
Are you curious about how bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can help your hormone imbalance? Explore how this effective way of replacing natural hormones could help you get back on track with your health and your life. If you haven’t connected with us yet, give us a call at 816-888-5200 or Schedule your Ready to Feel Good Again Strategy Call by going to this link: https://drwoodswellness.youcanbook.me