Male Hormone Imbalance Treatment
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 abrupt change that a lot of women have. Also, scientists are still learning about how men are affected by hormonal changes.
Dr. Stengler offers various treatments that can help restore your hormone 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 various other hormones that support the proper functioning of your body. Normal levels for you may be different than for another man, as it varies largely from individual to individual.
When women experience menopause, they usually have a significant drop in hormone levels rather abruptly. 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 Impacted by Changing Hormone Levels
Your endocrine system regulates your hormone levels. Hormones operate as messengers, traveling through your body to your organs, giving instructions on what processes have 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 processes. Particular symptoms that you may experience consist of:
Kinds of Male Hormone Imbalance
The majority of male hormone imbalances fall under one of four types:
New Research
Recent studies have indicated a correlation between lack of sleep and insulin resistance, which is, consequently, 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 lowered 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 underscore the importance of being treated for hormonal imbalance.
Treatment
When you think you may 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 assesses the level of a number of hormones and based on the results, along with the results of your physical exam, an evaluation of your symptoms, and his evaluation of your medical history, Dr. Stengler develops a treatment plan customized to your particular needs.
He might suggest lifestyle changes, such as adjustments 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 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 customizing a treatment strategy for you.
