If you've ever heard the phrase "male menopause," you probably know a little about the hormone imbalances that men can experience with age. However, men do not have the same kind of sudden change that many 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 hormonal balance, and together with it, provide relief from your symptoms.
Hormonal levels over time
Testosterone is generally understood to be the male hormone, but obviously, you have many other hormones that support the proper functioning of your body. Typical levels for you might be different than for another man, as it varies largely from individual to individual.
When women experience menopause, they typically have a drastic drop in hormone levels rather suddenly. Men, however, might experience a gradual decline in hormones over a period of years. You might not notice symptoms until your hormone levels have been changing for a long time.
Bodily functions affected by changing hormone levels
Your endocrine system regulates your hormone levels. Hormones operate as messengers, traveling through your body to your organs, delivering instructions on what procedures have to be performed and when. Hormones are involved in:
A change in your hormone levels may cause a disruption to one, some, or all of those procedures. Particular symptoms that you might experience consist of:
Types of Male Hormone Imbalance
The majority of male hormone imbalances fall into one of four kinds:
New Research
Current studies have indicated an association between lack of sleep and insulin resistance, which is, subsequently, related to the development of Type 2 diabetes. In these studies, scientists were investigating the roles of testosterone and cortisol and discovered that both hormones minimized the negative effects of lack of sleep on the participants' insulin resistance.
This recent research shows that an imbalance in testosterone and cortisol in men may be a contributing factor to insufficient sleep and insulin resistance, and possibly the development of Type 2 diabetes. The results highlight the importance of being treated for hormonal imbalance.
Treatment
When you think you might have a hormonal imbalance and come to see Dr. Stengler, he will first ask questions about your medical history and current symptoms and 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, combined with the results of your physical exam, an assessment of your symptoms, and his evaluation of your medical history, Dr. Stengler develops a treatment strategy tailored to your specific needs.
He might recommend lifestyle changes, such as adjustments to your diet and exercise plan, as well as bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, supplements, or techniques to help you manage stress in your life.
If you have symptoms that you can't explain but that are interfering with your life, schedule an appointment online or by phone with Dr. Stengler at the Stengler Center for Integrative Medicine. He's happy to provide a consultation and start customizing a treatment strategy for you.
For further information about Dr. Stengler’s practice and his clinic in La Mesa, California, please visit our website at MarkStengler.com or give us a call at (760) 274-2377.
