Hormonal Imbalances in Men
A proper hormonal balance is imperative for the well-being of a person, as these chemical messengers support a range of bodily functions. Hormonal imbalance can trigger severe reactions in the body and cause troublesome symptoms, impacting the physical and mental health of the person. Hormonal imbalance in men differs from that of women.
Symptoms of Hormonal Imbalance
An imbalance in hormones, such as testosterone, makes it difficult for a man to achieve or maintain an erection. The person may also experience
- Decline in sex drive
Loss of muscle mass, energy, and endurance- Growth in abdominal girth
- Sleep apnea
- Joint pain/ stiffness
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Hair loss
- Memory loss
- Low libido
- Erectile dysfunction
- Mood swings or irritability
- Night sweats
- Muscle loss or weakness
- Hot flashes
- Fatigue
- Increased body fat
- Heart palpitations
- Constipation
- Gynecomastia
Men with hormonal imbalance may be prone to depression, lose self confidence and self esteem, have concentration problems, or feel irritable or angry. The symptoms may become worse over time.
In andropause, also known as male menopause, there is a drop in the levels of testosterone below the normal range. Testosterone balance is critical to support male sexual characteristics, body shape, sex drive, emotional and physical strength, and performance during sex. Low testosterone could result in:
Erectile dysfunction- Fatigue
- Depression
- Premature aging
- Decreased energy
- Irritability
- Decreased libido
- Low sperm count
- Infertility
- Loss of muscle mass and strength
Physical trauma to the testes, aging, chemotherapy, or pituitary tumors may cause hormone Imbalance. Inadequate production of gonadotropin releasing hormone in the pituitary gland also affects testosterone levels in the body.
Restoring Hormonal Balance
Hormone replacement therapy is the most common treatment to restore hormonal balance in men. Testosterone supplementation can be done through oral, topical patches. It is also available in injectable forms. Hormonal replacement therapy is used to restore balance of testosterone in males. Many aging men experience restoration in energy levels, better mood, and increased sex drive. The hormonal therapy can help men with low testosterone and suffering from hyogonadism.
Testosterone replacement can be given in the form of
- Patches worn on the body
- Through muscular injections
- Topical gels applied on arms, shoulders, or abdomen
However, you can fight aging by indulging in physical exercises to build muscle mass and keep your heart strong. Talk to your doctor regarding testosterone therapy when you are deeply concerned about hormonal imbalance in men.