Hormonal imbalance in men. Symptoms, causes and methods of treatment for hormonal imbalance in men

IN Lately All more men middle-aged people go to clinics with complaints of dysfunction of the endocrine system. This disorder may worsen not only general health, but also cardiovascular and nervous system, since hormones influence almost all internal organs and metabolic processes.

To maintain your health and not start the disease, you need to seek help in time. qualified help. Therefore, every representative of the stronger sex should know how hormonal imbalance manifests itself in men, the symptoms and signs of this pathology.

Causes

Women most often experience dysfunction of the endocrine system; this process is completely natural; it can be caused by menstruation, pregnancy and other factors. In men, hormonal imbalance is provoked by completely different factors:

excessive physical exercise and chronic fatigue;
constant stress and nervous experiences;
heredity - if the closest relatives on the male line also had similar violations, the risk of their occurrence increases several times;
long-term use of hormonal medications;
Availability infectious diseases that have become chronic;
abuse narcotic substances, smoking and alcoholic products. Especially dangerous for men's health passion for beer. At increased content female hormones in men suppress the production of testosterone, which may contribute to physical changes according to the female type;

work related to toxic substances and chemical products;
congenital or acquired diseases of the testicles, adrenal glands and pituitary gland;
living in an area with an unfavorable ecological environment;
the presence of diseases of the endocrine system;
overweight;
development of oncological pathologies;
old age - after 50 years, hormonal imbalance can be caused by a decrease in the production of androgens, their shortage is due to a decrease in sex hormone cells.

The amount of sex hormones also depends on how well the kidneys and liver function. It is these organs that to a large extent are responsible for their exchange and excretion from the body. If the kidneys and liver do not work correctly, the person will be susceptible to the occurrence of such pathologies.

In any case, it is almost impossible to identify the original source of violations on your own. To choose the optimal treatment method for hormonal disorders in men, it is necessary to undergo appropriate diagnostics. This will help the specialist understand the overall clinical picture.

Symptoms of hormonal imbalance in teenagers

According to experts, male hormonal levels change several times during the day, and this process is not considered a deviation. Even experiences can cause it. Hormonal imbalance can occur not only among the stronger sex, young and mature age, but also in adolescents 13-17 years old, when puberty begins.

Characteristic signs of hormonal imbalance during this period are:

increased sweating - most often caused by the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the activity of the sweat glands;
significant changes in behavior - a young person may be prone to psycho-emotional instability, calm state may abruptly give way to outbursts of aggression;
deterioration of the epidermis due to hard work sebaceous glands. The face may become covered with acne, which will be very difficult to get rid of;

jumps in weight - with the same appetite, a young man can suddenly lose weight or, conversely, gain several kilograms. Such changes are explained by an imbalance of glucocorticoids - substances produced by the adrenal glands;
slow physical development- if there is a lack of growth hormone, bone tissue will grow too slowly, and if there is an excess of it, it can develop.

Hormonal disbalance in young men it can cause serious complications and affect the quality later life. If testosterone levels are reduced, physical development may be inhibited, and the following disorders will appear:

the voice will not change;
absence of secondary sexual characteristics;
short stature;
breast enlargement.

If puberty is delayed, you must immediately visit a specialist who will tell you what measures need to be taken for further treatment.

Signs of hormonal disorders in men

In mature men, this pathology can manifest itself individually, depending on what caused it (serious diseases or external factors). With a hormonal defect in men, symptoms may be as follows:

if the pathology arose in teenage years, the patient may have problems with sexual development;
appearance excess weight- the figure will begin to change and approach a woman’s: the breasts will increase in size, excess fat will appear on the stomach;
decreased libido or its complete absence, sluggish erection;
disruptions in the nervous system ( excessive irritability, mood swings, drowsiness, frequent depression and low mood);

infertility;
increased fatigue and decreased physical endurance;
in some cases, problems with the reproductive system may occur - the patient may experience painful sensations when urinating or suffering from incontinence;
loss of facial hair growth, dryness skin, hair loss and fragility;
hoarseness of voice;
the occurrence of problems with the cardiovascular system;
tremor of the limbs.

The danger of such changes lies not only in the deterioration of the general condition, but also in possible problems oh with the conception of a child.

Diagnostics

How exactly the treatment will be carried out depends on the diagnosis. To identify common clinical picture The endocrinologist will not only examine the patient visually and collect anamnesis, but will also prescribe certain tests and undergo some studies.

During diagnosis, the condition is assessed various organs and functioning of body systems:

cardiovascular system (ultrasound of blood vessels, identification lipid profile, ECG);
mental activity (memory, concentration, emotional background);
endocrine system (blood sugar level, testosterone, prolactin, TT);

Ultrasound of the adrenal glands, kidneys, liver and thyroid gland;
x-ray of the skull (performed only if necessary);
radiograph musculoskeletal system and spine.

To understand what exactly the patient is facing, it is advisable to examine the body completely, only in this case is there a chance for successful treatment will be high.

Treatment

Therapy is selected based on the tests obtained, the general condition and age of the patient, the presence of chronic diseases, as well as the primary source that provoked the occurrence of the pathology.

Traditional treatment methods are aimed at normalizing the natural activity of the gonads, restoring the functioning of the organs responsible for the distribution of sex hormones. For this purpose, certain medications are prescribed that regulate the activity of the pituitary gland, thyroid gland and liver.

In order to speed up the recovery process, the patient will need to follow certain recommendations:

stick to proper nutrition(refusal of fatty and fried foods, flour products and alcoholic beverages);
stay at home and, if possible, stay in bed;
avoid stressful situations and experiences;
reduce physical activity;
take a course of multivitamins.

If the pathology is provoked age-related changes, the patient must take medications containing testosterone throughout his life. This is the only way to maintain the optimal level of hormones necessary for the proper functioning of the body.

Hormonal imbalance is extremely serious pathology, which is difficult to treat. Therefore, it would be much wiser not to engage in recovery, but simply to prevent the development of the disease. To do this you must adhere to active image life, eat right and avoid stressful situations.

Firstly, the term hormonal imbalance is associated with women's health because most people don't understand that male body also undergoes natural changes in the secretion of hormones. When examined with normal changes body, these changes spread throughout long period time and cannot bear heavy and dangerous symptoms. In some cases, however, hormonal imbalance in men can also occur due to a serious men's health problem.

Then the symptom is very pronounced. And since hormones affect a number of life processes, hormonal imbalances can be extremely varied.

They are especially common during andropause or the so-called male menopause, but can occur at any age if there is a health problem that alters hormonal secretion. In such cases, it is important that the symptoms are detected immediately and the necessary measures taken.

5 Symptoms of Hormonal Imbalance in Men

Main symptoms hormonal imbalance V male body are a decrease in the level of testosterone sex hormones. Low levels allow easy expression of other hormones whose activity is suppressed at normal concentrations.

Imbalances in testosterone and other hormone levels also affect both physical and emotional processes. Thus, the symptoms of hormone imbalance reflect the body proportions and psyche of a man.

Accumulation of excess fat

Low testosterone, especially in conditions increased stress, can increase levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. This makes it easier for cells to store fat in fat deposits, which reflects weight.

The emergence of sexual problems

Low testosterone levels have widespread effects on male sexual function. For hormonal imbalance, a number of disturbances in normal sexual functions human - weakening sexual desire, erectile dysfunction, decreased sperm production and poor sperm motility, etc. Ultimately, sexual problems with hormonal imbalance can affect male fertility.

Hair loss

In some cases, low testosterone levels are not due to weakened secretion, but to its accelerated transformation into dihydrotestosterone. High levels of this product have been linked to hair thinning and increased loss hair in men.

Breast augmentation

When the normal hormonal balance of the male body shifts to dominant levels of estrogen rather than testosterone, breast enlargement is the first distinguishing symptom.

Chronic fatigue

Even a long sleep cannot eliminate the fatigue and feeling constant fatigue associated with hormonal imbalance in men. However, very often men with low level testosterone, because high cortisol in these cases prevents the secretion of melatonin and leads to constant problems sleep.

These problems are the most a shining example how the secretion of various hormones in the male body is closely related and how the hindered production of just one of them can reveal dangerous imbalances in the levels of others.

With long-term hormonal imbalance, men may experience one or a combination of several of these symptoms. This is not always a sign dangerous problems with health, but it should be directed to consultation with a specialist to take recovery measures hormonal balance. In such situations, there are a number of measures that can be quite effective.

Imbalance hormonal system Women are more susceptible, but men also have such diseases. The period of puberty, when the hormonal levels in males become stable, varies between the ages of 17-20 years.

After the age of 30, the production of (the main sex hormone) begins gradually decline, each year by approximately 1.5%. If we take into account the initial level of sex hormones in young men, we will notice that some representatives of the stronger sex have more such hormones, others have less. It depends on the individual characteristics each, as well as from concomitant diseases.

The endocrine system is responsible for this process occurring in the male body. Much depends on the level of hormones - the functioning of internal organs and systems throughout the body.

Why does hormonal imbalance occur: causes of the disease

Young men are rarely subject to such violations, usually this problem concerns aged persons decline of reproductive function. However, sometimes this disease also develops in young guys at the age of puberty. It is during these periods that the male endocrine system is in a vulnerable state.

In the body of representatives of the stronger sex, the main hormone is testosterone, but they also need the female hormone estrogen, albeit in smaller quantities. Changes in hormonal levels occur not only under the influence of age, but also in certain time days. Such changes may have a negative impact on general health, decreased libido, constant weakness and changes in mood.

Female hormone plays an important role in the male body, with decrease And increase its level relative to the norm, libido disorders in men may be observed. Among other things, estrogens influence sperm maturation and contribute to normal calcium metabolism in bone tissue. Crashes in endocrine system often provoked due to testicular pathology and liver dysfunction.

Most common reasons hormonal imbalance:

Incorrect daily routine (work at night, constant lack of sleep).
Genetic predisposition.
Depression, stress.
Infectious and chronic diseases.
Disorders in the activity of the gonads and the endocrine system.
Smoking, alcoholism, drug use.
Tumor processes in the gonads.
Impact chemical substances on the body.

Testosterone synthesis in men can be negative affect ordinary household chemicals, washing powder, soap, shampoo and other products for such purposes.

Many people drink large amounts of beer, unaware of its effect on the hormonal levels of the male body. This drink contains phytoestrogens, which are considered analogues of female hormones. Therefore, men who constantly drink beer are characterized by a lack of sexual desire, which occurs due to impaired testosterone production.

Symptoms and manifestations of the disease

Both sexes with this pathology may experience the same symptoms, inhibition of sexual development or its acceleration. If the boy is 7-8 years old there were failures in the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary system, then already at this age the child begins grow actively, and in adolescence this growth will stop.

Older males who are in their period reproductive state those suffering from hormonal imbalance become figure look like women. These men experience an increase in breast size, and in addition, nervous system disorders occur, obesity appears, and libido decreases.

Common symptoms:

If violations hormonal levels associated with age-related changes, then such men may experience panic attacks, as well as tearfulness and loss of interest in life.

The production of sex hormones should decrease with age, but sometimes this process accelerates greatly, and a person needs medical help.

How is the disease diagnosed and treated?

Before starting therapy for such a patient, doctors conduct a thorough diagnostics. It is necessary to identify the reasons why this happened this violation. Often, when the cause is eliminated, the production of sex hormones is restored, and the man feels much better.

Diagnostic methods:

Blood tests for hormone levels.
Ultrasound of the prostate, adrenal glands, thyroid gland, liver and kidneys.
CT scan of the head.
X-ray of bones and spine.
Blood sugar test.
Mental examination.
ECG and Ultrasound of blood vessels.

In some cases, doctors detect the presence of diseases in a patient infectious nature, which often affects hormonal levels. Having cured such an ailment, the level of hormones returns to norm.

Treatment Hormonal imbalance depends on many factors. Man young needs to stimulant therapy, which activates the work of the sex glands and internal organs. For this they use medications synthetic and plant origin, as well as a complex of vitamins.

Unfortunately, treatment is sometimes aimed at restoring normal activity of the thyroid gland, pituitary gland and adrenal glands. In this case it is necessary hormone therapy replacement action, medicines, similar in composition to testosterone. You need to drink them throughout life.

We must not forget that the normalization of the hormonal system largely depends on lifestyle. To improve the work of this area it is necessary to restore normal mode day, eat well, go for a walk fresh air, enough sleep and rest. Physical activity is also needed, but it should be moderate.

Hormonal imbalance in men is observed quite often. The main thing is not to try to cope with this situation on your own, but to entrust yourself to professionals.

The endocrine system significantly influences the functioning of the body as a whole. Synthesized by glands internal secretion Hormones regulate the functions of all systems and organs. At hormonal disorders there is a malfunction of the established mechanism that hormones provide.

The full functioning of the hormonal system is of great importance not only for women, but also for men. By the age of 20, a man’s hormonal levels stabilize. And after the 30-year mark it happens gradual decline levels of very important sex hormones, in particular testosterone. The concentration of hormones in the body can be influenced by various pathological factors. To maintain long-term health and male strength, it is necessary to examine the hormonal levels, and if they are disturbed, seek help from a specialist.

The role of hormones for men

Gender characteristics in men are formed due to 2 groups of hormones:

androgens;
endocrine substances.

In addition to them, the body also contains female sex hormones - estrogens - in a certain amount. Androgens play a fundamental role in the formation of erectile and reproductive function.

Thanks to testosterone, a man has typical sexual characteristics:

broad shoulders;
increased body hair growth;
narrow pelvis

The hormone takes part in the synthesis of seminal fluid secretions. With testosterone deficiency, symptoms begin to appear various kinds sexual dysfunctions.

The male body also needs estrogen. He is responsible for sexual desire. Thanks to the synthesis of this substance by the hypothalamus, men develop libido. With hormonal imbalance in men, erectile and reproductive function, pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract, central nervous system, and endocrine system may develop.

Development mechanism and causes of failures

Normal hormone levels in men are established by the end of puberty. After about 10-12 years, the amount of testosterone begins to fall by 1-1.5% per year.

The level of testosterone reduction depends on many factors:

genetic predisposition;
features of a man’s constitution;
the presence of concomitant diseases.

The amount of testosterone in the blood can change throughout the day. It may be influenced physical activity, emotional condition, lack of sleep. With short-term exposure, these factors do not significantly affect the functioning of the hormonal system. Hormonal disruptions can occur with prolonged exposure.

Hormonal dysfunction in the male body can be caused by various reasons:

congenital and acquired diseases of the endocrine glands;
intoxication;
the presence of tumors of various etiologies;
infectious lesions;
injury or overheating of the testicles;
physical inactivity;
use of certain medications.

Androgen deficiency is often caused by exposure to toxic substances on the body with which it comes into contact during professional activity, using household chemicals. Toxic effects smoking, drug and alcohol use. Andrology especially notes the influence on hormonal levels drinking beer. The drink contains phytoestrogens, which, if regularly introduced into the body, can cause impotence, decreased libido, and obesity.

A decrease in testosterone concentration is possible with the following manifestations:

hypertension;
tachycardia;
abnormal change in hemoglobin level in the blood;
decreased diuresis in renal diseases;
increased levels of glucose, bilirubin, cholesterol;
leukocytosis.

In older men, the level of sex hormones decreases due to natural physiological processes, in which the functionality of the glands deteriorates. With an increase in estrogen and a decrease in testosterone, a person gains weight, and this causes increased synthesis of leptin in the subcutaneous fat layer. Leptin further suppresses testosterone production.

On a note! In some men, androgen deficiency may appear quite early, while other men may have high level hormones even in old age. Most often, hormonal imbalance occurs in adolescence and after 30 years. During these periods, the endocrine system reacts more sensitively to the effects of various stimuli.

First signs and symptoms

Hormonal disorders can be accompanied by a variety of symptomatic signs. First of all, they depend on the reasons that led to the problem. Boys may experience accelerated or delayed sexual development. It all depends on the functionality of the pituitary gland and hypothalamus. Secondary sexual characteristics may already appear at 7-8 years of age. With developmental delay, a boy's growth retardation may be more than 2 years.

The first sign of hormonal imbalance in adult men may be a decrease in body and facial hair. The presence of a problem is also indicated by:

growth of mammary glands;
weight gain;
amyotrophy;
decreased sex drive;
increased fatigue;
frequent inflammation of the genital organs of a non-bacterial nature;
lack of erection;
psychological disorders;
dry skin.

Lack of attention to health and untimely treatment hormonal imbalances can contribute to the gradual development of osteoporosis, cardiovascular diseases, .

Diagnostics

To identify disorders of the hormonal system in a man, it is necessary to conduct a number of studies.

To determine the functionality of the glands, a blood test is taken for:

sugar;
general level;
globulin;

The condition of the thyroid gland, prostate, and adrenal glands can be determined using ultrasound. To diagnose heart function, an ECG is prescribed, the condition of the blood vessels is examined using Dopplerography, and a lipid profile is analyzed.

Ways to restore hormonal imbalance

How to restore hormonal imbalance in men? Treatment tactics will depend on its causes, the degree of change in hormone levels, the patient’s age and individual characteristics, and the presence of accompanying pathologies. First you need to remove the cause of the violations. If this cannot be done without medication, the doctor prescribes replacement therapy hormonal drugs.

Medications

In young people, the task of stimulating therapy is to activate the functionality of the gonads. It is recommended to take hCG ( human chorionic gonadotropin). At the same time, treatment is carried out that improves the performance of the liver, prostate, and organs affected by androgens. Important role plays a role in normalizing the functioning of the thyroid gland and pituitary gland.

Older men require regular injections of testosterone into their bodies. This will not only correct hormonal levels, but also improve the functioning of the central nervous system, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular and other systems.

Go to the address and read about the first symptoms of thyroid cancer and the rules for treating oncopathology.

Testosterone injections:

Nebido;
Sustanon-250;
Testenate.

Hormonal products are produced in the form of capsules, tablets, injections, gels, and patches. Each form has its own application features.

Tablets and capsules (Andriol, Methyltestosterone) penetrate the body quickly enough, but the period of testosterone elimination when used is also fast. Therefore, to maintain normal hormone concentrations, medications must be taken constantly.

Gels and ointments are well absorbed into the skin, delivering testosterone to the body. Like tablets, they must be used regularly. You need to apply external products once a day, preferably in the morning.

Most often, testosterone is administered in the form of injections. These can be traditional injections that require regular administration of the drug, as well as long-acting injections. It is preferable to use the second option, since it does not appear sharp jump hormone in the body, and its elimination period is about 3 months.

Traditional medicine recipes

To increase testosterone folk remedies need to:

Drink ¼ cup fresh juice carrots 3 times a day.
Brew yellow lily root (1 spoon per glass of water). Take 1 spoon three times a day.
Take 2 sips of celery juice several times a day. The course of treatment is 1 month.

Folk remedies do not replace medications, which the doctor prescribed. They can only be used as an adjuvant treatment.

Every man can experience hormonal imbalance sooner or later. The sooner it is identified and full-fledged therapy begins, the easier it is to prevent the development of associated hormonal dysfunction complications. Great importance has the prevention of hormone imbalance. A man should lead healthy image life, avoid stress, get examined regularly.

In the next video, a urologist is an andrologist in accessible form explains what hormonal symptoms can appear with age in men, what you need to pay attention to, and how to avoid the consequences of hormonal imbalance in the future:

What is hormonal imbalance? All processes occurring in the body are directly related to the work and functioning of the endocrine system.

Any changes in hormonal levels affect human development.

The endocrine system has a significant impact on the functioning of the nervous system and regulates the functioning of organs.

Initially, the term “hormonal imbalance” was used in relation to female, however in this moment this phrase is also applicable to men to denote a disruption of the endocrine system, which causes malfunctions in men. Despite the different physiological structure male and female, symptoms of this disease similar, there are a number similar signs and manifestations.

Causes of hormonal problems

Most often, this problem affects men who have reached the age of decline of reproductive function, but at the same time, this disease also occurs in young people who have reached puberty. It is during these periods of life that the vulnerability of the endocrine system reaches its maximum value. On normal development and the functioning of the male body is influenced by hormones, an important one of which is testosterone. But at the same time, the male body contains female hormones - estrogen.

Hormonal levels may change slightly not only with age, but also throughout the day. This change does not harm health, but does affect sexual desire, mood, and degree of fatigue. If these fluctuations occur frequently, it may be like a large number of testosterone or estrogen, or their deficiency, then it’s time to think about hormonal imbalance.

Male sex hormones, called androgens, are produced in the testicles, in the gonads. The production of the hormone ensures the development of a man, including muscles and growth. In boys, this hormone influences the development of secondary sexual characteristics.

But besides male hormones, a man, no matter how paradoxical it may sound, needs female hormones, which were discussed earlier. Estrogens affect libido, and sexual desire in men decreases not only with an excess of this hormone, but also with its deficiency. In addition, estrogens provide normal exchange calcium in bones, participate in sperm maturation.

Most of female hormone is formed due to changes in testosterone in the liver and its further transformation. A small part is formed in the gonads. The functioning of the gonads is regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary system. Disturbances in its functioning or damage to the testicles form a hormonal imbalance.

Among the main factors leading to changes in hormonal levels are the following reasons:

Lack of sleep, difficult work schedule (for example, on the night shift).
Stressful situations or depression.
Disruption of the functioning of the endocrine and sex glands.
Heredity.
Alcohol consumption.
Bad ecology.
Chronic or infectious diseases.

Signs of hormonal imbalance

Symptoms of hormonal imbalance will appear depending on age, the cause of the disorder and general condition body. In men, as in women, there may be signs of delayed sexual development or, conversely, acceleration. This applies to boys who have this sexual development depends on changes in the functioning of the hypothalamic-pituitary system. In this case, secondary sexual characteristics may appear at 7 years of age. At the same time, boys may have enhanced growth, which stops with the transition to adolescence.

There is also a delay in sexual development, which is characterized by a lag of the body in its development by more than 2 years. The causes may include damage to the central nervous system as a result of infections, injuries, pathology in the endocrine system, or severe chronic diseases.

As for older people, that is, men reproductive age, then they experience symptoms such as breast changes, disturbances in the functioning of the nervous system, obesity, sexual dysfunction and decreased libido. The reasons for these changes can be either internal ( serious illnesses, intoxication or diseases of the endocrine and nervous system), and external (smoking, drinking alcohol, especially beer, stress and overeating) factors.

It is worth mentioning separately about men who have reached the age of withering reproductive functions. In a normal situation this function decreases with age, but this process occurs gradually. But this phenomenon may be accompanied by a number of pathological formations that lead to the so-called menopausal syndrome.

Signs of this syndrome are irritability, fatigue, panic attacks, a tendency to depressive states; cognitive and Creative skills which are falling into disrepair. At the same time they appear physiological changes, which include rapid decline sexual function accompanied by problems of the genitourinary system.

In addition to the above signs, at this age the same symptoms occur as in the previous one. age stage: breast enlargement, speed dial weight, cessation of facial hair growth. In addition, sagging skin and osteoporosis develop, pain in bones and joints is common, and muscle weakness is observed.

Diagnosing the problem and fixing it

As soon as the first signs of disturbances in the functioning of the body appear, a complete medical examination. You should undergo all tests that will check your hormone levels. After this, it is necessary to conduct a study of the internal organs, since they could also be damaged due to hormonal imbalance.

In addition, if the cause of hormonal imbalance in men is chronic illness or infection, it should be treated. The same applies to hormone-producing tumors, liver cirrhosis, disorders of the central nervous system, gynecomastia and other diseases. A differential diagnosis is required.

Treatment of hormonal imbalance should be carried out after eliminating other diseases that provoke changes in hormones. If there is a tumor, it can only be eliminated through surgery.

If it is possible to eliminate the cause of the failure, a course is prescribed etiological treatment. If the cause cannot be eliminated, then first of all they prescribe hormone therapy. For problems in men reproductive period guided by appointment appointment hormonal drugs. However, this is appropriate if the disorders are not caused by serious pathologies.

To avoid possible problems, you should great attention devote preventive actions. Compliance with a number of rules is of great importance: refusal of alcohol and tobacco products, adherence to a daily routine, standardized physical activity and good nutrition. It is worth protecting yourself from stressful situations.

Thus, no one is immune from this problem. Age, stress and problems at work, fatigue - all this can be a reason to go to the doctor. But in order to avoid this, you need to be kind to yourself, protect your body from shocks and not aggravate the situation bad habits, and then treatment simply will not be required.