If you've ever heard the expression "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 sudden shift that many women have. Also, scientists are still learning about how men are affected by hormone changes.
Dr. Stengler offers various treatments that can help restore your hormonal balance, and in addition to it, provide relief from your symptoms.
Testosterone is generally understood to be the male hormone, but of course, you have many other hormones that contribute to the proper functioning of your body. Typical levels for you might be different than for another man, as it varies widely from individual to individual.
When women experience menopause, they typically have a drastic drop in hormone levels fairly abruptly. Men, however, might experience a slow decline in hormones over a period of years. You may not notice symptoms until your hormone levels have been changing for a long time.
Your endocrine system regulates your hormone levels. Hormones work as messengers, traveling through your body to your organs, and delivering instructions on what procedures need to be carried out and when. Hormones are involved in:
A change in your hormone levels may cause a disruption to one, some, or all of those processes. Specific symptoms that you may experience include:
The majority of male hormone imbalances fall under one of four kinds:
Recent 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, researchers were investigating the roles of testosterone and cortisol and discovered 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 inadequate sleep and insulin resistance, and potentially the development of Type 2 diabetes. The results underscore the importance of being treated for hormonal imbalance.
When you think you may 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 assesses the level of a number of hormones and based on the results, along 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 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, 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 tailoring a treatment strategy for you.
