Men are often forgotten in the world of health when it comes to hormonal balance. They are often the underlying factors that bring about poor health. Often they dismiss the signs of hormonal imbalances as just a natural part of aging. While women’s hormonal balance is more overt.

Subtle changes in the endocrine system in men can cause a variety of conditions:

• Hot flashes

• Psychogenic changes

• Bone mineral loss

• Decreased libido and/or sexual function

• Weight gain

• Depression and other symptoms identical to the female menopause.

These conditions happen more often as men age. Yet, men at any age can suffer from adrenal insufficiency. A leading factor of insulin resistance and low testosterone levels. In younger men, this manifests as:

• Burnout

• Anxiety

• PTSS (Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome)

• Insomnia and depression.

• What You Should Know About Hormones

Hormones have a profound effect on your everyday health and well-being.

Although present in only tiny amounts, hormones act on every cell of your body. Hormones have individual effects. They also interact with each other to produce dramatic effects in the body. The interactions are able to trigger many body systems. When any of the hormones are not balanced, symptoms may occur. Imbalances are most common in early and later ages in life, but imbalances can happen at any age.

The slow decline of hormones as men age cause many symptoms:

• Fatigue

• Irritability

• Soft erections

• Low libido

• Weight gain

• Inability to build muscle.

Hormones are potent substances; it only takes a small amount to start an action. They are secreted into the bloodstream by the glands and then enter cells through “receptor” sites. Once inside, they get to work, flipping the switches that govern growth.

When your hormones become unbalanced due to physical/emotional stress or the effects of aging, hormone functions become disrupted. Signals do not reach the right place at the right time. On occasion, cell functions shut down completely. In other cases, cells are over stimulated. All this chaos causes unpleasant symptoms. Hormone imbalances that are severe lead to chronic disorders.

To maintain the intricate systems in which hormones operate. The body must fine-tune the release of hormones. Keep levels within proper limits – much like an orchestra keeps music “in tune”. This balance is accomplished through an intricate series of positive and negative feedback mechanisms.

For example:

An overproduction of one hormone prompts the release of one or more complementary hormone. The body does this to restore balance. The complexity of these interactions, a hormonal issue rarely stems from only one type. More often, the problem involves a series of hormones. A disruption in the balance of hormones can cause other gland systems to malfunction.

How Do You Know If You May Have a Hormonal Imbalance

Fat cells manufacture estrogen (a powerful hormone). So it is crucial for men to maintain normal weight to have balanced sex hormones. Excess fat can lead to an excess of estrogen in men. Beer belly and breast-buds (female-like development of breasts) probably, mean there is excess estrogen. This may be the reason that overweight and obese men have a higher incidence of prostate cancer. It could also be the cause of benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). Higher levels of dihydrotestosterone, a hormone derived from testosterone, can be associated with BPH. In prostate cancer; increased levels of estrogen also appear to play a role.

Other non-sex-hormone factors can create imbalances in the sex hormones. An excess or deficiency of the thyroid hormone will change sex hormone levels. Replacing the sex hormone in any quantity will not correct the problem. Until you have compensated for the thyroid function. Changes in liver function can also cause a shift in the relative amounts of various hormones. Because the liver processes most sex hormones. Many menopausal-aged people, still have normal or even high levels sex hormones. Mammalian hormones in this instance are inadvisable. Because they can create an excess of hormones with the associated problems. Faulty liver function, causes high cholesterol levels and contributes to inadequate transformation of hormones. Improving liver function is a key step in normalizing hormones.

Remember that good health is critical to the body’s production of hormones. Inadequate nutrients from diet is a major factor in hormonal imbalance. Drinking alcohol in excess, eating refined carbohydrates (sugars) has a negative effect on hormone levels.

When We Suspect a Hormonal Imbalance

If we suspect a hormonal imbalance, we recommend blood tests and/or salivary hormone tests. These often reveal what may be happening. Laboratory testing helps us know exactly which hormones are out of balance and by how much. The conventional approach involves potent hormone injections, thus, is an extreme approach. If you want to prevent age-related changes we recommend laboratory testing and personal consultation. Every man is different and requires a personalized strategy. We recommend a combination of these methods which will allow us to specifically address your particular issues. A personal consultation provides a strategic plan for repairing and enhancing your system. Your blood chemistry and salivary hormone test form a picture of your hormonal landscape. Together, we can then determine what areas may be causing a failure in the endocrine system.