What Causes Hormonal Imbalance in Men?

Hormonal changes can be tough to manage, especially if you’re unsure of what’s causing them. Keep reading to learn what causes hormonal imbalance in men and how you can address it with your doctor.

4 Causes of Hormonal Imbalance in Men

A hormonal imbalance occurs when your body produces too much or too little of the important hormones in your bloodstream. While some hormonal fluctuations are natural, some individuals experience continuous changes that aren’t typical or healthy. Some common signs of hormonal imbalance in men include:

• Decreased libido
• Erectile dysfunction (ED)
• Loss of muscle mass
• Thinning hair and reduced hair growth
• Tenderness in the area of the chest

While both men and women experience hormonal imbalances, the causes and symptoms can differ. Consulting with your doctor can help determine the root causes and the best approach to restore balance. To help guide the conversation, here are four common causes of hormonal imbalances in men that you may want to discuss with your doctor.

1. Age-Related Decline in Testosterone

Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone responsible for muscle mass, energy, mood, and libido. It’s normal for testosterone levels to gradually decline with age, typically starting around age 30–40, with an average drop of about 1% per year. This is called andropause. However, some men may experience more significant declines, leading to symptoms that impact their quality of life. Your doctor can help you determine if the decline you’re experiencing is within a normal range or not.

2. Lifestyle Factors

Lifestyle factors such as activity level, dietary choices, and weight gain can significantly impact hormonal balance. For example, excessive weight puts added stress on the body, which can disrupt hormone levels and lower testosterone production. Poor dietary choices, lack of exercise, and sedentary habits have also been seen to exacerbate hormonal imbalances, as they can interfere with the body’s overall health and well-being.

3. Stress and Cortisol Levels

Cortisol is the body’s primary stress hormone, released in response to physical or emotional stress. We all experience stress from time to time, and in short bursts, it can actually be beneficial, helping us stay focused and energized. However, prolonged periods of stress can cause high levels of cortisol and the accompanying hormone adrenaline and can disrupt the balance of other hormones.

4. Health Conditions

Certain health conditions can also contribute to hormonal imbalances. For example, thyroid problems, type 2 diabetes, damage to endocrine glands, and tumors and adenomas can interfere with hormone production and regulation. However, it’s important to remember that experiencing symptoms of a hormonal imbalance doesn’t necessarily mean you have one of these conditions. Consulting with your doctor is key to identifying the root cause and determining the best course of action.

Treatment for Hormone Imbalances in Greenwood, IN

If you think you may be experiencing symptoms of a hormonal imbalance, schedule an appointment with your doctor. Your physician can help you determine the cause of your symptoms and discuss the treatment options that would work best for you.

The team at Supro Direct has experience treating hormone imbalances with effective hormone replacement therapies for both men and women. Call our office or request an appointment today to get started on your path to balance and better health.