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WHY MEN SHOULD PAY ATTENTION TO THEIR HORMONES

When it comes to men’s health, hormones are often overlooked. Most people immediately think of testosterone, as it is commonly associated with masculinity, strength, and vitality. While testosterone is important, it is only one part of a much bigger picture.

Hormones are chemical messengers that regulate how your body functions. They influence your energy levels, mood, sleep quality, metabolism, stress response, sexual health, heart health, and overall wellbeing. These hormones work together as a system. When one hormone is out of balance, it can affect the rest.

At Advanced Mens Health Clinic, we believe that optimising men’s health means looking beyond testosterone alone. Understanding how key hormones work together is essential for long-term vitality and quality of life.

Testosterone: Important, But Not the Only Hormone

Testosterone plays a major role in men’s health. It supports sexual development, libido, energy levels, muscle mass, bone density, and metabolic health, especially as men age.

However, testosterone does not work on its own. Focusing only on testosterone without considering other hormones may lead to incomplete or ineffective results.

Why Hormone Balance Matters

When testosterone levels are low, some men may experience:

Persistent tiredness or low energy
Reduced sex drive or sexual performance issues
Mood changes, irritability, or low motivation
Loss of muscle mass and strength
Increased body fat, especially around the abdomen

Low testosterone can be influenced by ageing, chronic stress, poor sleep, certain medications, and underlying medical conditions.

While testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) may be appropriate in selected cases, unnecessary or excessive use can cause unwanted effects. For example, excess testosterone can be converted into estrogen in the body, potentially leading to further hormonal imbalance.

Estrogen: An Essential Hormone in Men

Although often considered a female hormone, estrogen is also important for men. In men, estrogen is mainly present as estradiol and is produced when some testosterone is converted through a natural process called aromatisation.

Estradiol supports bone strength, sexual function, mood, and brain health.

Why balance matters

Estrogen levels that are too low may affect bone density and libido.
Excessively high estrogen levels may contribute to fertility issues, breast tissue enlargement, and erectile dysfunction.

Cortisol: The Stress Hormone

Cortisol is produced by the adrenal glands and plays a key role in helping the body respond to stress. It also supports normal blood pressure, blood sugar regulation, and energy levels throughout the day.

Why balance matters

Chronic stress can cause cortisol levels to remain elevated for long periods. This may lead to:

Weight gain, particularly around the abdomen
Fatigue and low motivation
Poor sleep quality
Reduced testosterone levels
Anxiety or irritability
Weakened immune function

On the other hand, very low cortisol levels can cause symptoms such as dizziness, extreme fatigue, and mental fog. In severe cases, it may lead to dangerously low blood pressure and electrolyte imbalance.

Thyroid Hormones: Regulating Your Metabolism

The thyroid gland, located in the neck, produces hormones that regulate how quickly your body uses energy. These hormones affect metabolism, heart rate, digestion, body temperature, and mental clarity.

Why balance matters

An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) may cause weight gain, constipation, fatigue, low heart rate, and reduced energy.
An overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) may lead to heart palpitations, anxiety, weight loss, frequent bowel movements, and tiredness.

Both conditions can also affect fertility by impacting sperm quality and production.

DHEA: A Supporting Hormone

DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is produced by the adrenal glands and plays a role in energy levels, immune function, mood, stress management, and cognitive health.

It also serves as a building block for other hormones, including testosterone, estrogen, and cortisol.

Why balance matters

Low DHEA levels are common with ageing and may result in fatigue, reduced motivation, and brain fog. Elevated DHEA levels, often due to supplement use, may negatively affect sexual function and increase cardiovascular risk.

As with many over-the-counter supplements, scientific evidence supporting routine DHEA supplementation is limited. Professional guidance is recommended before starting any supplement.

How to Support Healthy Hormone Levels Naturally

While not all factors affecting hormones are within your control, certain lifestyle habits can support better balance:

Stay active: Strength training and regular exercise help support testosterone levels and manage stress hormones. Avoid excessive overtraining.
Prioritise quality sleep: Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep each night. Poor sleep and sleep disorders are common contributors to hormonal imbalance.
Maintain a balanced diet: Focus on whole foods, including vegetables, fruits, lean protein, whole grains, and healthy fats. Limit highly processed foods and excess sugar.
Manage stress effectively: Techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness, regular breaks, and counselling can help regulate cortisol levels.
Limit alcohol and avoid smoking: Both can negatively affect hormone balance and overall health.
Be cautious with supplements: Many products marketed as hormone boosters may disrupt natural balance. Professional advice is strongly recommended.

When to Seek Professional Advice

Lifestyle changes may not always be enough. If symptoms persist, it is important to seek professional assessment. You may consider hormone evaluation if you experience:

Ongoing fatigue despite adequate rest
Reduced libido or sexual performance changes
Mood changes such as irritability or low mood
Difficulty building muscle or managing weight
Poor concentration or memory issues
Sleep disturbances

Hormone testing can help identify underlying issues and guide safe, effective treatment strategies.

Key Takeaway

Testosterone is an important hormone for men, but it is not the only one that matters. Estrogen, cortisol, thyroid hormones, and DHEA all play essential roles in energy, mood, weight management, sleep, and sexual health.

At Advanced Mens Health Clinic, we take a comprehensive approach to men’s health by addressing hormonal balance as a whole. If something does not feel right, early assessment and personalised care can make a meaningful difference to your long-term wellbeing.