Is there a hormonal disruption in men, how to restore balance

Disorders in the endocrine system often entail serious health problems and require long-term treatment. Hormonal imbalance in men can cause, among other things, a deterioration in potency (decreased libido and weak erection). In some cases, the problem can be identified by obvious signs and symptoms, but sometimes only tests can help.

Do men have hormonal imbalance?

Hormones are one of the most important substances produced in the body, since it is thanks to them that many processes, both physiological and mental, are regulated.

They depend on:

• puberty and behavior;
• reproductive cycles;
• metabolism;
• daily biorhythms;
• physical development, growth;
• eating behavior;
• immunity;
• brain activity;
• mood;
• homeostasis (constancy of the internal environment).

In addition, hormones are inherent in mutual regulation - the level of some can affect the secretion of others.

Endocrine glands are involved in the synthesis of these biologically active substances:

• genital;
• thyroid;
• parathyroid;
• thymus;
• pancreas;
• pineal gland;
• pituitary gland;
• adrenal glands.

Disruption of any of them can lead to a change in the balance with unpredictable consequences. But when it comes to hormonal disruption in men, as a rule, it means a jump in the level of gonadosteroids: androgens, progestogens and estrogens.

The opinion that such an imbalance is more common in women is erroneous. Doubting whether men have hormonal disruptions is not only wrong, but also harmful - an undetected problem can cause various unpleasant consequences, from refractory acne to obesity, heart disease and impotence.

Top 5 Reasons

Testosterone is the main sex steroid in men. Its normal concentrations ensure the development of secondary sexual characteristics, activity, good potency.

There are the following reasons for hormonal disruption in men:

In addition, small hormonal disruptions often occur during puberty, but usually normalization occurs on its own and does not require medical intervention.

A gradual decrease in the level of androgenic steroids often begins after the age of 30, but timely measures taken help to stop the process and maintain men's health for a long time.

How hormonal imbalance manifests itself in men: 10 symptoms and signs

Disorders of the endocrine system are difficult to identify unambiguously, since the clinical picture can be different.

With a decrease in the level of androgens, the following main symptoms of hormonal imbalance in men are distinguished:

A low level of androgens in children and adolescent boys leads to delayed and impaired puberty and general growth. In elderly patients, premature development of "male menopause" is possible.

A pathological increase in testosterone secretion manifests itself differently. The following signs are most noticeable:

In boys, increased secretion of androgenic hormones leads to early puberty and the onset of sexual activity at a young age.

It is important to keep in mind that none of these symptoms is an unequivocal confirmation of hormonal imbalance. It is possible to confirm the pathology and accurately determine the type of imbalance only after conducting a series of studies.

Can you always diagnose a problem yourself?

It can be difficult even for professional doctors to pinpoint a failure and its causes. Malfunctions in the endocrine system are a complex pathology that can manifest itself with atypical signs or even make itself felt only by lethargy and decreased libido. Therefore, the main task of self-diagnosis is to detect alarming symptoms in time and consult a doctor (andrologist, endocrinologist or urologist) in person, who will prescribe the necessary examinations and subsequent therapy.

Who is at risk?

Hormonal disruption can occur in men at any age and for no obvious reason. Nevertheless, there are factors that increase the likelihood of disruption of the endocrine system.

Men at higher risk include:

• taking anabolic steroids, other hormonal drugs;
• sedentary;
• obese;
• alcohol, tobacco, drug abusers;
• employed in work involving exposure to toxic substances;
• living in an environment with poor ecology;
• exposed to radiation, including radiation therapy;
• malnourished, eating foods containing phytoestrogens (even plant-based);
• survivors of any glandular removal, testicular atrophy (or both);
• suffering from genital pathologies.

In addition, the likelihood of hormonal disruption increases during periods of natural decrease or increase in androgen secretion: in adolescents during maturation and older men (although the onset of a decrease in steroid production begins at the age of 30 years).

Hormonal imbalance in men: what tests to take to determine?

To diagnose and confirm violations, you should contact an andrologist, endocrinologist or urologist. Depending on the results of the examination, symptoms and medical history, tests for the following hormones in the blood may be ordered:

• total and free testosterone;
• estradiol;
• SHBG (sex hormone binding globulin);
• prolactin;
• LH (luteinizing);
• DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate);
• FSH (follicle stimulating);
• TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone produced by the thyroid gland);
• cortisol;
• other adrenal hormones.

And it is also possible to study the state of the heart and blood vessels, ultrasound of the prostate and testicles, pelvic organs, the appointment of a spermogram. X-ray or CT to detect possible bone tissue abnormalities, MRI to detect brain lesions.

How to recover?

When symptoms of hormonal imbalance are detected, the question immediately arises of what to do to restore good health and avoid unpleasant consequences.

If a man's pathology has arisen recently and is poorly expressed, you can try to deal with it yourself. But it should be borne in mind that if the alarming signs persist (and even more so, the condition worsens), it is necessary to consult a specialist, since it is difficult to restore a severely disturbed hormonal background even using medications.

Natural preparations

In mild cases, the so-called testosterone boosters are often effective - dietary supplements that stimulate the synthesis of androgens.

Popular drugs include:

• Ecdysterone (Leuzea safflower extract);
• Yohimbine;
• D-aspartic acid;
• Tribulus Terrestris (Tribulus Terrestris Extract).

There are also natural remedies based on mint, licorice, and flax that reduce the production of androgenic steroids.

In addition, for any imbalance, it is recommended to take vitamins (primarily A, E, C, D and group B) and zinc.

Folk remedies

Herbal decoctions and infusions are popular because of their naturalness and availability.

Folk remedies can be regulated:

Turmeric (can be consumed as a drink or added to dishes as a seasoning), black sesame and oil from it will also help to bring hormones back to normal.

Slimming

Hormonal disruption and excess weight are closely related. By itself, a decrease in male steroid production contributes to obesity. But also fatty deposits (especially abdominal, surrounding internal organs), regardless of the cause of their occurrence, affect the hormonal balance and contribute to the conversion of testosterone into estrogen. This mechanism forms a vicious circle: excess weight provokes androgen deficiency, which leads to even greater obesity.

Losing weight helps to normalize hormones, but in the background of a failure it can be difficult. In this case, it is advisable to lose weight under medical supervision, using special drugs and procedures.

Quitting bad habits

The use, especially excessive consumption of alcohol and nicotine, negatively affects all body functions.

Bad habits affect the endocrine system as follows:

All narcotic substances negatively affect the work of the endocrine glands.

Exercise

As in the case of adipose tissue, there is a direct relationship between the amount of muscle and the level of androgens. Testosterone promotes faster muscle growth, and training increases the synthesis of the male steroid.

For maximum effect, you should adhere to the following recommendations:

• prefer weight training (kettlebells, dumbbells, barbell);
• do exercises aimed at large muscle groups - deadlift, bench press, squat, push-up, pull-up;
• get enough calories and protein;
• ensure a constant increase in load;
• leave enough time to recover between workouts (it is optimal to do 2-4 times a week).

It's also important not to overdo it, as overwork leads to the production of cortisol, which suppresses testosterone.

Regular sex

During and after intercourse, mood-improving endorphins are released into the bloodstream, relaxing and affecting oxytocin. After a while, testosterone production increases (especially with regular sex).

Thus, a fairly frequent intimacy allows you to normalize hormonal levels, reduce stress levels, and improve overall well-being. To maintain men's health, the recommended frequency of sexual intercourse is 1-3 times a week.

Medication use under medical supervision

If natural dietary supplements, folk remedies, exercise and a healthy lifestyle have not had the desired effect, medications are required.

Prescription of the following groups of medicines is possible:

• drugs that stimulate or suppress the work of certain endocrine glands;
• antibiotics or antivirals if infection is causing the problem;
• medicines that improve blood circulation;
• sedatives to reduce stress;
• medicines for hormone replacement therapy.

It should be borne in mind that specific pills or injectables can only be prescribed by a specialist after a face-to-face examination and testing. In some cases (for example, when a neoplasm is detected), surgical treatment is indicated.

Prevention

Normalizing hormonal levels and eliminating the consequences of a failure is a complex and long process. Therefore, it is so important to take preventive measures:

• lead an active lifestyle;
• give up bad habits;
• follow a healthy diet with enough protein, vitamins and minerals, without excess of fast carbohydrates and fats;
• avoid contact with radiation, toxic substances as much as possible;
• do not take hormonal medications unless absolutely necessary and supervised by a doctor;
• avoid prolonged stress and overwork;
• monitor the regularity of sex;
• take timely measures to lose weight.

It is also recommended to undergo an annual preventive examination by an andrologist, urologist or endocrinologist in order to identify the problem in time and begin treatment, if necessary.