Hormones play a pivotal role in every aspect of our health and well-being. For men, maintaining balanced hormonal levels is crucial for not just physical health, but also emotional stability, cognitive function, and overall vitality.
Signs of Low Male Hormones
Low levels of testosterone and other key hormones can manifest in various ways, impacting your quality of life significantly. Here are some common signs to watch for:
Reduced Libido: A noticeable drop in sexual desire is often one of the first signs of low testosterone.
Erectile Dysfunction: Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection may indicate hormonal imbalances.
Fatigue: Persistent tiredness and a lack of energy can stem from insufficient hormone levels.
Male Pattern Baldness: Testosterone can be converted to DHT which is linked to thinning hair.
Mood Changes: Depression, irritability, anxiety, and addictions can be linked to low testosterone.
Muscle Loss and Weight Gain: A decline in muscle mass, increased body fat (particularly around the middle, hips, and pectorals) as well as difficulty maintaining your physique may be due to hormonal changes.
Cognitive Decline: Struggles with memory, concentration, and mental clarity as well as lack of motivation are often tied to hormonal shifts.
Sleep Disturbances: Insomnia or poor sleep quality can result from hormonal imbalances.
Potential Causes of Low Male Hormones
Understanding the root causes of hormonal imbalances is key to effective treatment. Some common factors include:
Aging: Testosterone levels naturally decline with age, starting as early as 30.
Chronic Stress: High stress levels can lead to elevated cortisol, which suppresses testosterone production.
Poor Diet: Nutrient deficiencies, excessive sugar intake, and an unhealthy diet can all disrupt hormone production.
Lack of Exercise: A sedentary lifestyle contributes to declining testosterone and other hormones.
Environmental Toxins: Exposure to endocrine disruptors found in plastics, pesticides, and personal care products can interfere with hormone balance.
Sleep Deprivation: Consistently poor sleep affects the body’s ability to produce and regulate hormones.
Underlying Health Conditions: Conditions such as hypogonadism, hypothyroidism, pituitary gland disorders, diabetes, or metabolic syndrome can also affect hormone levels.
Testing
To properly assess your hormonal health, the following tests can provide crucial insights:
Total and Free Testosterone: These tests measure the overall amount of testosterone in your blood, as well as the amount available for use by the body.
Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG): This protein binds to testosterone; testing can help determine how much testosterone is readily available.
Estradiol: Testing for this form of estrogen is important, as imbalances can contribute to symptoms of low testosterone and Oestrogen-dominant cancers such as prostate cancer.
DHEA-S: This precursor to sex hormones like testosterone provides insight into adrenal health and overall hormone production.
Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH): These pituitary hormones control testosterone production; testing can help identify if the issue is with the testes or pituitary gland.
Thyroid Function Tests: Hypothyroidism can mimic or contribute to symptoms of low testosterone, so assessing thyroid health is essential.
DHT: DHT, or dihydrotestosterone, is a hormone that is derived from testosterone. DHT is created when the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase converts testosterone into DHT in certain tissues, such as the skin, prostate, and hair follicles, high DHT can lead to certain cancers and thinning hair.
Why See a Functional Medicine Practitioner?
Most conventional medicine doctors are not up to date on the root causes that affect male hormonal health nor do they know the most up-to-date ranges of hormones for Optimal Functioning.
Here’s how I can help:
Comprehensive Assessment: I'll get a complete picture of your health through intake forms, time-lines and blood testing.
Personalised Treatment Plan: Together, we’ll develop a tailored plan that may include dietary adjustments, targeted supplements and/or lifestyle modifications, as well as working with integrative doctors should you need any testosterone or hormone replacements.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of low male hormones or simply want to optimise your health, book a consultation with me today - don't waste any more time feeling sub-optimal! Book now
Testimony from Carl 68:
"I always thought losing your libido and hair was just part of aging! But it’s not—I feel better now in my early 50s than I have in years, and my libido is returning! To my knowledge, my GP never once tested my hormones—I didn’t even think it was a factor for men. Since working with Valerie, I’ve noticed significant improvements, even in areas I hadn’t considered. I’m an avid cyclist, and I’ve seen increased muscle mass in my legs, and my recovery time is much quicker. Valerie is incredibly professional and compassionate, making it easy to discuss what can be a very sensitive topic for men. Her approach made all the difference for me. If you're hesitant - don’t be do it."
Together, we can uncover the underlying causes and create a much more long-lasting vibrant life for you!