Male Hormone Imbalance
If you've ever heard the phrase "male menopause," you probably know a little about the hormonal imbalances that men can experience with age. However, men don't have the same kind of abrupt shift that a lot of women have. Also, scientists are still learning about how men are affected by hormonal 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. Normal 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 significant drop in hormone levels fairly suddenly. Men, however, may 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 are impacted by changing hormone levels
Your endocrine system regulates your hormone levels. Hormones function as messengers, traveling through your body to your organs, giving instructions on what procedures need to be carried out and when. Hormones are involved in:
A change in your hormone levels can cause a disruption to one, some, or all of those procedures. Specific symptoms that you might experience consist of:
Kinds of male hormone imbalance
The majority of male hormone imbalances fall under one of four kinds:
New research
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 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 possibly the development of Type 2 diabetes. The results highlight the importance of being treated for hormone imbalance.
Treatment
When you suspect you may have a hormone imbalance and come to see Dr. Stengler, he will first ask questions regarding your medical history and current symptoms and also perform 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 evaluation of your symptoms, and his assessment of your medical history, Dr. Stengler develops a treatment plan tailored to your particular needs.
He might recommend lifestyle changes, such as adjustments to your diet and exercise plan, in addition to 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 is interfering with 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 start customizing a treatment strategy for you.
For further information about Dr. Stengler’s practice and his clinic in Orange County, California, please visit our website at MarkStengler.com or give us a call at (760) 274-2377
