Feeling Off? Common Signs and Causes of Hormone Imbalance in Men

Hormone imbalances are more common in men than you might think. Hormones play an important role in regulating a wide range of bodily functions, and even small changes in hormone levels can lead to uncomfortable symptoms and disrupt your quality of life.

In this blog, we explore common signs, causes and treatments of hormone imbalance in men.

Key Takeaway

You might have a hormonal imbalance if you experience changes in sexual function, mood, or physical appearance. Factors like aging and stress can contribute to these imbalances. If you notice such symptoms, consult a healthcare provider to get a proper diagnosis and find the right treatment.

What is Hormonal Imbalance?

Hormonal imbalance occurs when there is too much or too little of a hormone in your bloodstream. Hormones like testosterone, cortisol, and thyroid hormones are important for regulating everything from your mood to muscle mass. When these hormone levels fall outside the normal range, it can result in a wide range of symptoms and affect your overall health.

Common Signs and Symptoms

When your hormones are out of balance, your body responds in noticeable ways. You might experience a range of symptoms that can significantly affect your daily life.

Sexual Function and Libido

• Low libido: When your testosterone levels drop, your sexual desire often declines too. You might find that you’re less interested in sex, even in situations where you previously felt aroused.
• Erectile dysfunction: Low testosterone, can make it difficult for you to achieve or maintain an erection. This happens because testosterone stimulates the brain to produce nitric oxide, a molecule that helps initiate and sustain an erection.

Physical Changes

• Loss of muscle mass: Testosterone is important for building and maintaining muscle. When levels drop, you might notice your muscles becoming weaker and smaller, even if you’re working out regularly.
• Weight gain: Low testosterone can slow down your metabolism, making it easier to gain weight and harder to lose it.
• Loss of body hair: You might notice thinning hair on your scalp, face, and body. This change in hair growth can be subtle at first but may become more noticeable over time.
• Increased body fat: Alongside weight gain, you might find that fat accumulates in areas where it didn’t before, particularly around the midsection.

Mood and Mental Health

• Mood changes: Testosterone and cortisol play a significant role in regulating your mood. When these hormones are imbalanced, you might experience increased irritability, anxiety, or even depression.
• Poor concentration: If you’re finding it hard to focus or experiencing what’s often described as “brain fog,” it could be due to hormonal imbalances.

Other Symptoms

• Hot flashes and night sweats: If you think these symptoms only affect women, you are mistaken! Fluctuations in testosterone and cortisol levels can lead to sudden feelings of heat, excessive sweating, and night sweats.
• Sleep disturbances: Cortisol and melatonin regulate your sleep-wake cycle. When these hormones are imbalanced, you may struggle to fall asleep or stay asleep through the night.

Causes of Hormonal Imbalance in Men

Several factors can lead to hormonal imbalances in men, each affecting your body’s hormone production differently.

Aging

It’s natural for testosterone levels to decline gradually as you age. This decrease starts around the age of 30 and continues at a slow rate over the years.

Injuries or Tumors

Injuries or tumors affecting the endocrine glands, such as the pituitary gland, adrenal glands, or testes, can disrupt normal hormone production. 

For instance, a pituitary tumor can interfere with the gland’s ability to produce hormones that regulate testosterone and cortisol levels. 

Even injuries to the testes can lead to reduced testosterone production, resulting in symptoms like erectile dysfunction.

Autoimmune Diseases

The body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues, including hormone-producing glands. Conditions like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis can lead to hypothyroidism, where the thyroid gland produces too little thyroid hormone.

Similarly, autoimmune disorders affecting the adrenal glands can lead to Addison’s disease, where cortisol production is impaired, leading to fatigue, weight loss, and low blood pressure.

Poor Diet and Lifestyle Factors

Diets high in processed foods and sugars can lead to insulin resistance, which is closely linked to hormonal imbalances, including low testosterone and elevated cortisol levels. 

Lack of exercise contributes to weight gain and poor muscle mass, further exacerbating hormone-related symptoms.

Environmental Factors

Environmental toxins, such as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), can interfere with hormone production and balance. 

EDCs are found in various products like plastics, pesticides, and personal care items. These chemicals can mimic or block the actions of hormones, leading to imbalances.

For example, bisphenol A (BPA) found in some plastics can affect testosterone levels, while phthalates in personal care products can disrupt thyroid hormone production.

Types of Hormonal Imbalances

There are several types of hormone imbalances. Here we will talk about testosterone, cortisol,  thyroid, insulin and growth hormones. 

Low Testosterone

Testosterone is the main male hormone responsible for your muscle mass, bone strength, and overall energy levels. When your testosterone is low, it can affect how your body builds muscle and maintains vitality.

High Cortisol

Cortisol is your body’s stress hormone. It helps you manage stress and regulate your metabolism. When cortisol levels are too high, it can disrupt your body’s natural balance and lead to various health issues.

Thyroid Hormone Imbalance

Your thyroid hormones control how your body uses energy. They regulate your metabolism, body temperature, and energy levels. An imbalance in these hormones can make your body’s systems work too fast or too slow.

Imbalances in Growth Hormone 

Growth hormone (GH) is important for how your body grows and repairs itself. It helps you maintain muscle mass, bone density, and a healthy metabolism. If GH levels are off, it can affect your body’s ability to recover and stay strong.

Insulin Imbalance

Insulin regulates your blood sugar levels, ensuring your body has the energy it needs. If your insulin levels are not balanced, it can lead to issues with your metabolism and how your body processes sugar.

Diagnosis of Hormonal Imbalances

Diagnosing hormonal imbalances requires a comprehensive evaluation, including:

• Medical history assessment: This will help to understand your lifestyle factors and any existing medical conditions.
• Physical examination: A thorough physical check to identify symptoms related to hormonal issues.
• Blood tests: Measurement of hormone levels to get a baseline of your hormones.

Treatment Options

A variety of treatment options are available, depending on the specific hormonal imbalance, including:

• Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT): Available in multiple forms, including injections, patches, and pellet therapy, TRT aims to restore testosterone levels, improving sexual function and overall well-being.*
• Lifestyle changes: Incorporating a balanced diet, regular exercise, and quality sleep can help restore hormone levels naturally. Focus on reducing stress and maintaining a healthy weight to support endocrine function.
• Medication: Depending on the specific imbalance, medications may be prescribed to either reduce hormone levels or stimulate hormone production.

*At Madison Integrative Medicine, we offer testosterone injections that you administer yourself  in the comfort of your home. 

Testosterone Replacement Therapy in Madison AL

Under the guidance of our experienced practitioner, Blake Gilliam, you can explore effective treatment options such as Testosterone Replacement Therapy and personalized lifestyle strategies to regain the wellness you deserve.

If you are searching for ‘testosterone replacement therapy in Madison, AL’ we can help. Call (256) 325-0955 to book an appointment or complete the online inquiry form.

Don’t let hormonal imbalances dictate your life—take the first step toward hormone balance today.