Male Hormone Imbalance

While it’s more common to hear about female hormonal imbalances, these can happen in men too. A lot of the signs are the same, but there are also some that are unique to men. 

Unfortunately, male hormone imbalances are not acknowledged and discussed nearly enough. But there can be various severe health conditions that can result from hormone imbalances. 

Therefore, it’s incredibly important to understand male hormone imbalance symptoms and the ways that they can be balanced, or at least managed with various lifestyle changes. 

Hormones That Become Imbalanced

It is common for hormone imbalances to take place as we get older. However, there are many other factors that can influence hormone imbalances in men which will be listed below. 

When it comes to the hormones in males that are most prone to becoming imbalanced, these include:

• Cortisol
• Testosterone
• Growth hormone 

What Causes These Changes

Being stressed, certain medications, and diet are all known to cause hormonal imbalances.

Medical conditions, particularly those involving the endocrine system or glands, can also cause hormonal imbalances.

The following are the most common causes:

Andropause

This is a transition in the testosterone hormone caused by aging that can impact libido, mood, and muscle mass.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is an ailment where the thyroid is underactive, resulting in fatigue, weight fluctuations, muscle pain, depression, or constipation.

Hyperthyroidism 

This is the opposite of hypothyroidism, and is a condition where the thyroid is overly active, causing potential baldness, loss of weight, tiredness, mood swings, and greater sensitivity to temperature.

Adrenal Fatigue

Adrenal fatigue is a condition in which the adrenal gland fails to produce enough hormones, causing symptoms such as muscle aches, weight fluctuations, baldness, or discolored skin.

Symptoms of Hormonal Imbalances in Men

When it comes to the symptoms of hormonal imbalances, there are a few that are the same for both men and women. These include mood swings, weight changes, and fatigue. 

However, there are certain symptoms that are unique to only men: 

Hair Loss

One of the biggest symptoms of hormonal imbalances in men is hair loss. This is why it is fairly common for men to lost hair as they become older, since aging can lead to hormonal changes. 

Men’s hair follicles can actually shrink due to androgen receptor changes. This leads to changes in their hair growth cycle. Over time, their hair may thin out until no hairs remain and the follicles go into dormancy. 

Muscle Mass Loss

There is a strong link among lower testosterone levels, increased estrogen, and male weight gain. Men frequently notice a body fat increase, particularly in the abdominal area, along with a loss of muscle mass as they age.

According to research, muscle mass loss is more probable when higher stress is present and is coupled with poor nutrition and lack of physical activity.

Memory Loss

Men can encounter loss of memory during the initial stages of andropause, also known as male menopause, despite the fact that it doesn't work in the same way that menopause does. 

(Testosterone production naturally begins to decline around the occurrence of andropause.) 

According to research, men are more likely than women to develop cognitive impairments. Men are also more likely than women to develop these symptoms at a younger age.

Inconsistent Erections

Another sign of hormonal changes is difficulty obtaining or maintaining a firm enough erection for sexual intercourse.

This problem can be caused by an increase in prolactin (a hormone produced by the pituitary gland). Other causes of this condition include an overabundance or not enough thyroid hormone and the hormones that improve prostate health.

Reduced Libido

Low testosterone levels cause weakened testicular function (also known as male hypogonadism). This male hormonal imbalance symptom can result in lowered sex drive, delay in puberty, and significant bone deterioration.

This ailment can even eventually cause the testes to stop producing sperm. Furthermore, an excess of iron present in the blood could cause testicular or pituitary gland dysfunction, affecting testosterone production.

How to Naturally Balance Hormones

Unfortunately, imbalance hormones are becoming more and more common. While there are aspects of hormonal imbalance that are out of our control, there are still lifestyle changes that can be made to better balance our bodies. 

Some of the best things you can implement to balance your hormone levels include the following:

• Consuming high levels of protein, preferably at every meal
• Avoiding sugar and refined carbs
• Exercising on a regular basis
• Eating foods high in healthy fats
• Managing your stress levels 

The Best Hormone Balancing Supplements: 

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha has been commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries as an adaptogen. Adaptogens help the body cope with stress and improve overall health and well-being. 

Ashwagandha has also become increasingly popular for its ability to help balance hormones. Several studies have shown that Ashwagandha may help both men and women become more fertile by reducing inflammation and increasing testosterone levels. 

Turmeric

Turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory spice that has been shown to support hormone health.

Turmeric may also help to support thyroid health by inhibiting the production of excess thyroid hormones. Turmeric can be taken in supplement form or added to foods like curries. 

Magnesium

Magnesium is a mineral in many foods, including whole grains, beans, and seeds. It is responsible for many critical bodily functions, including helping maintain healthy hormone levels. 

B Vitamins

B vitamins are essential for the production of hormones and many other functions in the body. 

A lack of sufficient B vitamins can cause nervousness and anxiety; consuming adequate B vitamins can help you maintain a grounded, calm emotional state and significantly reduce anxiety symptoms. 

Probiotics

While many people associate probiotics with digestive health, they also play an essential role in regulating hormone levels. 

You can eat fermented foods like kefir and sauerkraut or take a supplement to get probiotics in your diet.

Conclusion

If you are a male struggling with hormonal imbalances, you should consider implementing supplements into your routine. 

There are many different supplements that can help naturally balance your hormones, such as the ones listed above.

In extreme cases, you might consider visiting an endocrinologist to help address and treat the problem to avoid other health complications. An endocrinologist can pinpoint exactly which hormones are imbalanced and then recommend the right supplements for you. 

While you might receive a treatment plan and take supplements, it’s important to remember that any treatment should always be coupled with a healthy diet, exercise, adequate sleep, and stress management.