If you've ever heard the phrase "male menopause," you perhaps know a little about the hormone imbalances that men can experience with age. However, men don't 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 along 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. Normal levels for you might be different than for another man, as it varies widely from individual to individual.
When women experience menopause, they usually have a drastic drop in hormone levels rather suddenly. Men, however, might experience a gradual decline in hormones over a period of years. You may not notice symptoms until your hormonal 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 need to be performed and when. Hormones are involved in:
A change in your hormone levels might cause a disruption to one, some, or all of those procedures. Particular symptoms that you may experience consist of:
Kinds of Male Hormone Imbalance
The majority of male hormone imbalances fall into one of four kinds:
New Research
Recent studies have indicated an association between lack of sleep and insulin resistance, which is, in turn, related to the development of Type 2 diabetes. In these studies, scientists were investigating the roles of testosterone and cortisol and found that the two 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 underscore the importance of being treated for hormone 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 through a blood test.
A hormone screening evaluates the level of a number 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 plan customized to your particular needs.
He may 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 start customizing a treatment strategy for you.
