Are Hormonal Issues Common in Men? Yes
Hormonal imbalances are often thought of as a women's health issue, but the truth is that men are just as susceptible to hormonal problems.
In fact, many men suffer from a variety of hormone-related conditions that can have a significant impact on their overall health and well-being.
These conditions can range from low testosterone and andropause to high estrogen levels and thyroid disorders. Unfortunately, many men are unaware of how common these conditions are and may not recognize the symptoms until they have progressed significantly.
In this post, you’ll learn about some of the most common hormonal issues faced by men, their causes, their symptoms, and treatment options for each one.
Low Testosterone and Andropause: The Most Common Male Hormonal Issue
Low testosterone, also known as hypogonadism and often a result of andropause, is a condition in which the body fails to produce enough of the male sex hormone testosterone.
Also known as male menopause, andropause happens to almost all men. This gradual decline in testosterone levels (about 1% per year, starting as early as your 20s) can lead to low T.
Testosterone plays a crucial role in many aspects of male health, including sexual function, muscle mass, bone density, and overall energy levels.
When testosterone levels are low, it can lead to a variety of symptoms that can have a significant impact on quality of life.
Symptoms of Low T
Symptoms of low testosterone can include:
- Reduced sex drive
- Erectile dysfunction
- Fatigue
- Decreased muscle mass
- Depression
- Irritability
- Anxiety
Low testosterone can also lead to more serious health problems over time, such as osteoporosis and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
How Common Is Low T in Men?
Low testosterone is surprisingly common, affecting up to 40% of men over the age of 45.
However, many men may not realize that they have low testosterone because the symptoms can be subtle and may develop gradually over time.
Causes of Low T in Men
The causes of low testosterone are varied and can include andropause, as mentioned above, obesity, diabetes, and certain medications.
Obesity, Diabetes, and Low T
Obesity and diabetes are some of the most common causes of low testosterone. In fact, studies have shown that men who are overweight or obese are more likely to have low testosterone levels than men of a healthy weight.
This is because excess body fat can interfere with your body's ability to produce testosterone. Fat acts as an estrogen-producing organ, so the more fat you have, the harder it is to increase your testosterone levels.
Medications That Cause Low T
Certain medications, such as opioids and glucocorticoids, can also lead to low testosterone levels.
If you are taking any medications and are experiencing the symptoms of low testosterone, it's important to speak with your healthcare provider to determine if your medication may be contributing to your symptoms.
Treatment for Low T
Treatment options for low testosterone include testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), which can be administered through injections, gels, patches, or pellets.
TRT works by supplying your body with extra testosterone to help bring your levels back into the normal range.
In addition to TRT, there are also several lifestyle changes that can help you improve your testosterone levels naturally, including regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, getting enough sleep, and reducing stress levels.
High Estrogen in Men
While most men are aware of the importance of testosterone, few realize that estrogen also plays a crucial role in male health. In fact, high levels of estrogen in men can be just as problematic as low levels of testosterone.
Estrogen is a female sex hormone that’s also present in men in small amounts. In men, estrogen helps regulate bone density, sperm production, and brain function.
However, when estrogen levels become too high, it can lead to a variety of symptoms and health problems.
Symptoms and Causes of High Estrogen in Men
Symptoms of high estrogen in men can include:
- Gynecomastia (enlarged breast tissue)
- Decreased sex drive
- Erectile dysfunction
- Infertility
High estrogen levels can also increase the risk of certain health problems, such as prostate cancer and cardiovascular disease.
The causes of high estrogen in men can include:
- Obesity
- Certain medications
- Environmental toxins
Obesity is a common cause of high estrogen levels because excess body fat can convert testosterone into estrogen.
Certain medications, such as some antidepressants and heart medications, can also increase estrogen levels in men.
If you suspect that you may have high estrogen levels, it's important to speak with your healthcare provider. They can perform a hormone test to measure your estrogen levels and determine if treatment is necessary.
Treatment options may include medications to block the effects of estrogen and lifestyle changes, such as losing weight and reducing alcohol use.
Thyroid Disorders in Men
Some thyroid disorders are relatively common in men—up to 16% of men have hypothyroidism—but hyperthyroidism, which only affects 1% of people, is 5 times more likely to affect women than men.
Symptoms of hypothyroidism in men can include:
- Fatigue
- Weight gain
- Cold sensitivity
- Depression
- Decreased sex drive
- Erectile dysfunction
- Infertility
Symptoms of hyperthyroidism in men can include:
- Weight loss
- Rapid heartbeat
- Nervousness
- Irritability
- Increased sweating
- Tremors
- Difficulty sleeping
If you suspect that you may have a thyroid disorder, it's important to speak with your healthcare provider. They can perform a simple test to measure your thyroid hormone levels and determine if treatment is necessary.
Treatment options for thyroid disorders may include medication to regulate thyroid hormone levels as well as lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise and a healthy diet.
In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove part or all of the thyroid gland.
Get Help with Your Hormonal Imbalance
If you suspect that you may have a hormone imbalance, your next step is to get your hormone levels tested.
Learn more about TRT for men here. You can also schedule an appointment with a specialist today to discuss getting your levels tested.