Hormones offer vital support to a wide range of bodily functions, regulating metabolism, appetite, sleep cycles, cell growth and repair, fertility and reproduction, stress reactions and emotional health among many other essential functions. When they aren’t present in the body in proper proportions, a wide variety of symptoms can appear. Hormonal imbalance can occur in anyone at any age, but is most prevalent in men and women who are approaching middle age.
Important things to keep in mind about hormones:
- Hormones have a profound effect on your everyday health and well-being.
- affects every cell of your body.
- Hormones have individual effects, but also interact with each other to produce dramatic effects in the body; because of these interactions, they are able to trigger multiple body systems.
- When any of the hormones are unbalanced, 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 causes symptoms such as fatigue, irritability, soft erections, low libido, weight gain, and inability to build muscle.
To maintain the intricate systems in which hormones operate, the body must constantly fine-tune hormone release in order to 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 usually prompts the release of one or more complementary hormones in an effort to restore balance.
In comparison to women, men are more inclined to 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 such as 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.
Since women and men have significant differences in body chemistry, common hormonal imbalance symptoms vary somewhat between the sexes.
Common hormonal imbalance symptoms in men include a distinct decline in sex drive and difficulty in achieving or maintaining erection. Men may notice a loss of muscle mass, endurance and energy, and may begin to put on weight in the abdominal area. They may be prone to depression, have trouble concentrating, feel less self-confident or frequently feel irritable or angry without obvious reason. They may develop high blood pressure or high cholesterol, and joint pain and stiffness are common. Sleep apnea often appears or is worsened as a result of hormonal imbalance, insomnia is common, and men may experience hair loss and urinary problems.
When we suspect a hormonal imbalance, a blood test is recommended which often reveal what may be happening. Without laboratory testing, it is difficult to know exactly which hormones are out of balance and by how much. If you are interested in preventing age-related changes that occur with diminished sex hormones, then laboratory testing and personal consultation is advised. Since 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.
For a personal consultation with Dr. Gary C. Bellman, call 818.912.1899 to schedule your appointment today!
For an appointment or consultation with Dr. Gary Bellman, please contact the office or call 818-912-1899