Male Hormone Imbalance
If you've ever heard the expression "male menopause," you perhaps know a little about the hormonal imbalances that men can experience with age. However, men do not have the same kind of abrupt shift that many 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 in addition to it, provide relief from your symptoms.
Hormone 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. 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 significant drop in hormone levels fairly abruptly. Men, however, might experience a slow 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 Affected by Changing Hormone Levels
Your endocrine system regulates your hormone levels. Hormones work as messengers, traveling through your body to your organs, 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 procedures. Specific symptoms that you may experience include:
Types of Male Hormone Imbalance
The majority of male hormone imbalances fall under one of four types:
New Research
Current studies have pointed to an association between lack of sleep and insulin resistance, which is, subsequently, 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 possibly the development of Type 2 diabetes. The results emphasize 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 also conduct 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, 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 tailored to your particular needs.
He might suggest lifestyle adjustments, such as changes to your diet and exercise plan, as well as 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 begin tailoring a treatment strategy for you.
For further information about Dr. Stengler’s practice and his clinic in Carlsbad, California, please visit our website at MarkStengler.com or give us a call at (760) 274-2377
