If you’ve ever heard the phrase “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 abrupt shift that many women have. Also, scientists are still learning about how men are affected by hormonal changes.

Sandra DeCarlo offers 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 of course, you have many other hormones that contribute to the proper functioning of your body. Normal levels for you may 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 fairly abruptly. Men, however, may experience a slow 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 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 processes need to be carried out and when. Hormones are involved in:

Appetite regulation
Metabolism
Sleep
Sexual function
Mood
Stress levels
Body temperature
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:

Weight loss or weight gain
Excessive sweating
Disrupted sleep
Dry skin
Changes in your blood sugar
Changes in your blood pressure
Fatigue
Headaches
Depression
Moodiness
Anxiety
Increased thirst
Changes in how often you urinate

New research

Recent studies have pointed to 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 reduced 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 hormonal imbalance.

Treatment

When you suspect you may have a hormonal imbalance and come to see Sandra DeCarlo, he will first ask questions about your medical history and current symptoms and perform a physical exam. The only way to measure your hormone levels is through a blood test.

A hormone screening evaluates the level of a variety of hormones, and based on the results, combined with the results of your physical exam, an evaluation of your symptoms, and his assessment of your medical history, Sandra DeCarlo develops a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

He may suggest lifestyle changes, 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’t explain but that are disrupting your life, book an appointment online or by phone with Sandra DeCarlo at Valley Integrated Wellness. She’ll happy to provide a consultation and begin tailoring a treatment strategy for you.

Credit: Dr Neil Spiegel