Male Hormone Imbalance
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 don't have the same kind of abrupt change that a lot of women have. Also, researchers 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.
Hormone levels over time
Testosterone is generally understood to be the male hormone, but obviously, you have various 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 usually have a drastic drop in hormone levels fairly abruptly. Men, however, might experience a gradual decline in hormones over a period of years. You may not notice symptoms until your hormone levels have been changing for a long time.
Bodily functions impacted by changing hormone levels
Your endocrine system regulates your hormone levels. Hormones function as messengers, traveling through your body to your organs, providing instructions on what processes have to be conducted and when. Hormones are involved in:
A change in your hormone levels might cause a disruption to one, some, or all of those processes. Specific symptoms that you might experience consist of:
Kinds of Male Hormone Imbalance
Most male hormone imbalances fall under one of four types:
New research
Current studies have indicated an association between lack of sleep and insulin resistance, which is, consequently, related to the development of Type 2 diabetes. In these studies, scientists were investigating the roles of testosterone and cortisol and found that both hormones minimized 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 may be a contributing factor to inadequate sleep and insulin resistance, and potentially the development of Type 2 diabetes. The results highlight the importance of being treated for hormone imbalance.
Treatment
When you think you might have a hormone imbalance and come to see Dr. Stengler, he will first ask questions about your medical history and current symptoms and perform a physical exam. The only way to measure your hormone levels is with a blood test.
A hormone screening assesses the level of a variety of hormones, and based on the results, along with the results of your physical exam, an assessment of your symptoms, as well as his assessment of your medical history, Dr. Stengler develops a treatment strategy customized to your particular needs.
He may suggest lifestyle adjustments, such as changes to your diet and exercise plan, in addition to 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 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 Leucadia, California, please visit our website at MarkStengler.com or give us a call at (760) 274-2377
