If you've ever heard the expression "male menopause," you probably know a little about the hormone imbalances that men can experience with age. However, men don't have the same kind of sudden shift that a lot of women have. Also, scientists are still learning about how men are affected by hormone changes.
Dr. Stengler provides various treatments that can help restore your hormone balance, and together with it, provide relief from your symptoms.
Testosterone is generally understood to be the male hormone, but of course, you have many other hormones that support the proper functioning of your body. Normal levels for you may be different than for another man, as it varies widely from individual to individual.
When women experience menopause, they typically have a drastic drop in hormone levels fairly suddenly. Men, however, might experience a slow decline in hormones over a period of years. You might not notice symptoms until your hormone levels have been changing for a long time.
Your endocrine system regulates your hormone levels. Hormones work as messengers, traveling through your body to your organs, giving instructions on what processes need to be performed and when. Hormones are involved in:
A change in your hormone levels can cause a disruption to one, some, or all of those processes. Specific symptoms that you may experience include:
Most male hormone imbalances fall under one of four types:
Current studies have pointed to a correlation between lack of sleep and insulin resistance, which is, subsequently, related to the development of Type 2 diabetes. In these studies, researchers were investigating the roles of testosterone and cortisol and discovered that the two hormones lowered the negative effects of lack of sleep on the individuals' insulin resistance.
This recent research shows that an imbalance in testosterone and cortisol in men might be a contributing factor to insufficient sleep and insulin resistance, and possibly the development of Type 2 diabetes. The results emphasize the importance of being treated for hormonal imbalance.
When you suspect you might have a hormonal imbalance and come to see Dr. Stengler, he will first ask questions regarding your medical history and current symptoms and also conduct a physical exam. The only way to measure your hormone levels is with a blood test.
A hormone screening evaluates the level of a variety of hormones, and based on the results, along with the results of your physical exam, an evaluation of your symptoms, as well as his evaluation of your medical history, Dr. Stengler develops a treatment plan tailored to your particular needs.
He might recommend lifestyle adjustments, such as adjustments to your diet and exercise plan, as well as bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, supplements, or strategies to help you manage stress in your life.
If you have symptoms that you can not explain but that are disrupting your life, book an appointment online or by phone with Dr. Stengler at the Stengler Center for Integrative Medicine. He's happy to provide a consultation and begin tailoring a treatment strategy for you.
For further information about Dr. Stengler’s practice and his clinic in Encinitas, California, please visit our website at MarkStengler.com or give us a call at (760) 274-2377.
