Men’s Hormonal Health: The Importance Of Testosterone & More

When we think of our health, we are typically only concerned with the status of our vital organs like the heart, brain, lungs, and so on. However, our health is influenced by so much more than that as some of the smallest cellular functions are most critical to our overall feeling of wellness.

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Hormones are small chemical messengers that rarely receive the attention they deserve when it comes to our health.  These messenger cells are responsible for relaying critical information all throughout the body. They send signals regarding hunger, libido, sleep, and more.

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Unfortunately, starting around the age of 30, our hormone levels begin to decline and continue to do so as we age. Interestingly, many of the stereotypical signs of aging are often attributed to a decrease in hormone production.

Sluggishness, lower energy levels, hair loss, low libido, poor quality sleep, and more are all signs of hormonal imbalances.

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Symptoms such as these do not have to be “part of your aging process.” In considering the importance of hormone levels, we outline the ways to take a holistic approach to balancing your hormones to feel fit at any age.

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Why Are Hormones Important?

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When it comes to men’s health, the hormone testosterone is especially critical as it influences muscle building, endurance, fat regulation, cellular regeneration, mental health, sex drive, and notably, heart health.

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In fact, research suggests that gender-specific hormones such as testosterone play a crucial part in cardiovascular wellness. One study found that low testosterone levels were associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis, or the hardening of arteries, which is linked with a higher susceptibility to strokes and heart problems. Conversely, those in the study with higher levels of testosterone were at a lower risk of developing cardiovascular issues.

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This is supported by the 2002 Rotterdam Study, which included over 1,000 participants and concluded that men over the age of 55 who maintained appropriate testosterone levels had a 60% lower chance of developing coronary artery disease.

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Findings such as these demonstrate the true value of hormonal health and why it is important to consider your hormone levels.  

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Signs You May Have A Hormonal Imbalance

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Because hormones are responsible for a wide range of bodily functions, there are a variety of symptoms that can result from a hormonal imbalance.

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Below are some of the most common signs that a hormonal imbalance is occurring in male patients:

• Decreased energy
• Decreased stamina
• Joint pain
• Hair loss
• Weight gain
• Poor sleep quality
• Low libido
• Poor cognitive function
• Brain fog
• Breast development
• And more

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If you experience any of the symptoms above it may be time to get your hormone levels tested. Many are hesitant to do so as 40% of men only go to the doctor if they believe they have a serious medical condition. However, testing your biomarkers empowers you to take the guesswork out of your health optimization journey with Next Health’s biomarker lab tests and at-home wellness test kits . You can even test from the comfort of your home with the Next Health Hormone Panel. This test is a standard 4-point saliva collection to complement neurotransmitter or urinary hormone testing (including cortisol). You can then review your results with a medical provider.

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Optimizing Your Hormones

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Thankfully, there are a variety of ways to improve your hormone levels, which we share with you below:

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Consider Your Lifestyle Factors:

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Limit your toxin exposure: Although we live in an endocrine-disrupting society, there are ways to limit your exposure to hormone disruptors. Suggestions include:

• Avoid cooking with non-stick pans and keeping your food in plastic containers
• Minimize your use of fragrances and air fresheners (including cologne and body sprays that are made with chemicals and non-natural ingredients)
• Avoid drinking and eating from cans
• Filter your drinking and shower water
• Swap dryer sheets for wool dryer balls

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Exercise | Movement regularly: Exercise is excellent for endocrine health as it can help balance essential hormones such as cortisol, insulin, thyroid hormones, sex hormones, and more.

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Prioritize sleep: Sleep is critical for hormonal health as it helps regulate hormones such as cortisol, the stress hormone, which modulates other hormones in the body. In fact, neuroscientist and author of Why We Sleep: The Power of the Mind and Dreams, Dr. Matthew Walker states that men who get an average of five to six hours of sleep per night will experience such a drop in their testosterone levels that they will have the same levels as men ten years their senior.

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Limit stress: Relaxation is vital to your overall health and well-being. Stress exacerbates nearly every health problem, including hormonal imbalances. Taking time out of your day to recharge is an incredibly valuable tool in your health optimization journey.  On a biological level, stress is chemical response in the body and mind that requires you to change your “state” to be alert for survival. The body then elicits the counter chemical response to effectively complete a “stress” cycle. Once the cycle is complete, stress has been managed effectively, and the body returns to its “normal” resting state. The problem lies within our modern-day, busy lives as the stress response can be chronic, never fully allowing you to complete a stress cycle and return to a state of normalcy. That is why it is critical to block out time in your day to rebalance and recalibrate from chronic stress.

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Consider supplementation: If you're looking for hormone-healthy supplements, visit our VITABOOM page that features supplement stacks curated by Next Health CEO & Founder, Dr. Darshan Shah. Every stack is designed to target specific health goals and optimize your overall well-being.

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At Next Health, we understand that such lifestyle changes can be difficult. That is why our wellness experts are always happy to answer any questions, provide educational information, and help adjust your personalized health optimization plan to your unique needs. Start your plan today, by first measuring your biomarkers, so you can take a data-driven, informed approach to supplementation and optimal health.  

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Hormone Replacement Therapy May Be Your Answer

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Hormone therapy may be what your health optimization journey has been missing as many of the negative symptoms associated with decreased hormone levels (weight gain, irritability, decreased libido, decreased energy, thinning hair, and changes in skin) can be relieved by restoring these hormones.

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Next Health Hormone Replacement Therapy is is a personalized journey available to both men and women. Our approach, crafted by a team of Functional Medicine Experts, goes beyond the one-size-fits-all prescription.

We're dedicated to assisting you in restoring and balancing your hormone levels, unlocking benefits such as improved energy, enhanced sleep, effortless weight maintenance, and a path towards enhanced longevity. ‍

Your path to well-being is as unique as you are, and we're here to support your individual health goals.

How Do I Start Hormone Therapy?

Your journey It begins with testing your hormones through our Next Health Advanced Hormone Blood Test. The test is designed to detect hormone imbalances in both men and women.

This comprehensive test serves as a prerequisite to join our Hormone Optimization Program, and allows both you and the physician to make a data-driven decision regarding the treatment plan that is best suited for you.

Questions? Call or text: (310) 295-2075

Request a complimentary consult here

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Sources

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4000629/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21709300/