The hormone testosterone is commonly thought of as the fuel for male sexual drive. When you hear “low testosterone,” the first thing that may spring to mind is decreased sexual desire or physical performance issues.

However, testosterone’s job in the body is more complex than merely getting you ready for sex. The hormone also influences your mental state, including how well your brain works. As a result, decreased testosterone has been related to symptoms such as mood changes, increased stress, and depression.

The amount of testosterone in men begins to decline at a rate of roughly 1% every year after age 30. A decline in testosterone levels is a normal part of the aging process. (Medicine Net, 2021)

Testosterone aids in the maintenance of several critical physical functions in men, including:

• Sex influences on libido and performance
• Fat distribution based on muscle mass/strength
• Bone mineral density
• Synthesis of red blood cells

Because testosterone regulates so many bodily activities, its absence can result in substantial physical and emotional changes.

Male Hormonal Imbalance Symptoms

Because hormones are involved in so many body activities, a wide range of symptoms could indicate a hormonal imbalance in men. These symptoms can vary depending on which hormones or glands are involved. The following are symptoms of hormone abnormalities in men:

Gynecomastia – Enlargement of the breast tissue in males is a sign of hormonal imbalance. While breast tissue might expand owing to age, food, or lifestyle, it can also develop due to a decrease in testosterone or an increase in estrogen. It may not be physically damaging, but gynecomastia can influence self-esteem. It could also indicate that a hormone imbalance is interfering with other activities.

Lack of Libido – Another indicator of low testosterone is a loss of libido or sex drive. A hormonal imbalance could be a factor in these variations in libido. Low sex drive can be a psychological difficulty and can strain intimate relationships.

Erectile Dysfunction – Hormonal imbalances can also impair sexual performance. This can result in erectile dysfunction (ED) or difficulties obtaining or maintaining an erection for sexual activity. Erectile dysfunction can be influenced by age, depression, heart disease, stress, chronic illness, and insomnia.

Muscle loss – While lifestyle changes can typically account for muscle loss or gain, changes in body composition can also result from a hormone imbalance. Testosterone is in charge of muscle mass development and maintenance. If testosterone levels drop, you may experience muscular atrophy (a loss of bulk) or weight gain.

Other hormones are also linked to weight fluctuations. Cortisol, your “fight-or-flight” hormone, can disrupt metabolism and decrease your body’s natural testosterone synthesis, resulting in muscle loss. Thyroid diseases, such as hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), can also reduce metabolism and cause weight gain. (Mayo Clinic, 2022)

Mood Swings – Aside from physical symptoms, mood swings are another marker of hormone imbalance. Low testosterone levels may contribute to decreased motivation, mood fluctuations, irritability, anxiety, and depression. Thyroid problems can sometimes cause mood swings.

 

Biote Therapy Optimizes Male Hormones

Bioidentical hormone replacement treatment, or BHRT, has helped relieve hormone imbalance symptoms. Pellets are used by Biote Certified Providers and can be placed in only a few minutes during an office visit. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) may improve some hormonal imbalance symptoms in males in as soon as two to four weeks following pellet insertion. Many say they experience the full effects of BHRT after the second implantation.

When Should Men Use Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)?

Hormone imbalance is expected as we age. Any male whose hormones are out of balance may benefit from bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. Patients are qualified by Biote Certified Providers based on their unique lab findings and current hormone levels. (Biote, 2022)

We make it easy for you to get started using Biote BHRT! Visit us or schedule an appointment today!

Alternatively, Take the quiz to see whether Biote is a good fit for your symptoms. HERE

 

Works Cited:

“Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy for Men.” Biote, 8 Oct. 2022,

biote.com/men-hormone-imbalance/bioidentical-hormone-replacement-therapy-BHRT.

“How Can a Man Tell If He Has a Hormonal Imbalance?” MedicineNet, MedicineNet, 12 Jan. 2021, www.medicinenet.com/how_can_a_man_tell_if_he_has_a_hormonal_imbalance/article.htm.

“Understanding Aging and Testosterone.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 24 May 2022,

www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/mens-health/in-depth/male-menopause/art-20048056