Fatigue, apathy, no libido, weight gain, loss of muscle mass, a ”beer gut” that won’t go away, erectile dysfunction, concentration issues, mood swings, “brain fog” , prostate issues and the dreaded “man boobs”. These are all symptoms of imbalances in men’s hormonal systems–not just testosterone, but adrenaline, cortisol, insulin, thyroid and neurotransmitters as well.
The important thing to understand is that there is no one pill or pellet that is going to “fix”the problem. ALL organ systems in the body are related and influence one another–so it is really important to look at the “big picture”. Surprisingly enough, small changes in several different areas can make big differences in symptoms. (see following Big Picture list)
The first thing we do is assess adrenal health and gastrointestinal health. Disturbances in these systems play a huge role in hormonal balance.
How much stress are you under? For how long? In what ways? What are your coping mechanisms and tools?
What are you eating, drinking, or lacking in your diet which influences hormones?
How is your bowel function? Irritable bowel symptoms (Gas, pain, bloating, constipation)?
What toxic exposures have you had to antibiotics, medications, heavy metals, pesticides and other environmental factors?
How well is your thyroid working? (i.e. Hair falling out, depression, dry skin, brittle nails, cold hands and feet?)
Hormonally, because of environmental and dietary factors, many men are being exposed to “xeno-estrogens-“ chemicals that mimic estrogen and interfere with testosterone. Excess weight gain and inflammation from any source, particularly in your belly fat or “VAT” [Visceral Adipose Tissue] turns Testosterone into Estrogen- thus stimulating breast tissue growth, and effecting erectile function among other issues!
Besides libido and erectile function, Brain health and executive function are critically dependent on adequate testosterone, as is heart health, insulin management, weight and muscle mass.
Testing and monitoring hormone levels (we use saliva and urine tests),then treating imbalances with bio-identical testosterone- usually injections or topicals, can make a huge difference. Oral HRT can be very stressful on the liver and gut so should not be utilized. It is also critical to test thyroid function, adrenal function, and blood sugar and insulin levels. Testing with blood, saliva and urine if needed. There is a difference between the “normal” range of most laboratories and the “optimal” range, particularly for thyroid.
To learn more and help improve your executive function from the boardroom to the bedroom, Join our men’s executive functioning concierge program.