Hormonal Imbalance in Men – Signs, Causes, Tests & Treatment

Hormonal imbalance in men is caused by too low or too much production of certain hormones, such as testosterone. Hormones are like the body's chemical messengers and control muscle strength, energy levels, sexual function, mood, and sleep in men.

Hormonal abnormalities may make you experience low sex drive, tiredness, loss of muscle, and mood changes. Hormone levels and their balance are significantly affected by aging, diet, sleep cycles, stress, medical issues, and lifestyle habits.

Let's understand more about hormonal imbalance in men, associated symptoms, causes of hormonal imbalance, and treatment options available.

Hormonal imbalance occurs when hormones go out of balance, as the body doesn’t produce the right levels of hormones in men. Hormones, for instance, testosterone in men controls muscle strength, sexual health, mood, energy, and complete well being. High or low levels of hormones can affect mood, energy, sexual well-being, and more.

The key male hormones in men are testosterone, cortisol, thyroid hormones, insulin, and DHEA, which are vital for men's health.

Testosterone: The most important male hormone that controls sex drive, sperm production, energy levels, muscle strength, and mood.

Cortisol: Also called the stress hormone that is responsible for how your body reacts to stress. It controls inflammation and blood sugar levels.

Thyroid hormones: T4 & T4 controls energy levels, metabolism, body temperature, and heart rate.

DHEA: Produced by the adrenal glands, which help testosterone production, boost energy, and immunity.

Insulin: Insulin regulates blood sugar levels and how your body uses energy.

Hormonal balance matters as hormones are responsible for various crucial bodily functions. Balanced hormones allow your body work smoothly and contribute to overall health.

• Balanced male hormones improve energy levels in the body.

• Boost mental health and mood.

• Reduces stress, anxiety, and irritability.

• Regulates muscle strength and fat storage.

• Support libido, fertility, and reproductive health.

• Contributes to better sleep quality.

• Improves the body’s ability to combat infections.

• Prevent the risk of developing heart disease and diabetes.

Here’s the table showing key male hormones and their functions in the body:

According to studies, men experience around 1% yearly drop in their testosterone levels after the age of 30. Hormonal imbalance symptoms usually appear gradually. Around 38% men over 45 experience significant symptoms of testosterone deficiency.

Chronic stress may lead to high levels of cortisol that may suppress testosterone production. Insulin resistance affects around 1 in every 3 adult men, which increases the risk of weight gain and hormonal shifts. Usually, the imbalance occurs due to various factors, such as age, lifestyle habits, and health problems.

Here are the evidence-based causes:

Testosterone levels naturally decline as men get older.

Long-term stress and high cortisol levels can reduce or halt testosterone production.

Hormone production and repair take place during sleep. Poor sleep (less than 6 hours) can disturb testosterone, cortisol, and insulin balance.

Excessive body fat converts testosterone into estrogen, which makes insulin resistance worse and can lead to low testosterone.

Thyroid disorders, i.e., overactive or underactive thyroid, may disrupt the balance of cortisol and testosterone.

Steroids, opioids, antidepressants, and blood pressure medications can significantly affect hormone production in the body.

Too much alcohol consumption damages the testes and liver that lead to low testosterone and high estrogen levels.

Deficiency of vitamin D, B vitamins, zinc, and magnesium can interfere with hormone production and hormonal balance.

Some men may be genetically prone to experience hormonal imbalances.

An unhealthy gut influences inflammation, nutrient absorption, and clearance of estrogen, interfering with overall hormonal balance.

Here are the detailed symptoms associated with hormonal imbalance in men:

Physical signs of hormone imbalance in men include:

• Fatigue

• Weight gain

• Loss of muscle mass

• Hair thinning

• Erectile dysfunction

Male hormone imbalance symptoms that are common but usually left unnoticed include:

• Irritability

• Low mood

• Anxiety

• Poor focus

• Motivation loss

Here are the common hormonal symptoms associated with sexual and reproductive health in men:

• Decreased libido

• Reduced interest in sex

• Low sex drive

• Poor sperm quality

• Infertility issues

When it comes to signs of hormonal imbalance in men, the most common signs are associated with low testosterone, thyroid, and DHEA.

Here are the common signs that indicate hormonal deficiency in men:

• Ongoing lethargy and low energy

• Sexual performance problems

• Reduced libido

• Loss of strength and mass

• Increased fat around the belly

• Mood swings, depression, and irritability

• Concentration difficulty

• Hair thinning

• Sleep disturbances

• Low confidence

• Fertility issues

These signs usually appear gradually and may be overlooked as normal signs of aging. If these symptoms persist, proper hormonal testing and medical supervision can be helpful. Particularly in cases of fertility issues, hot flashes, sleep concerns, and worsening of symptoms, consider medical attention to get the right treatment.

Nowadays, hormonal imbalance is not just a concern for older men. Young men are experiencing hormone-related problems in their 20s and 30s for different reasons. Here’s what causes hormonal imbalance in young men.

Not just age, but medical conditions, poor recovery, stress levels, and unhealthy lifestyle habits can also contribute to testosterone decline and testosterone deficiency in young age.

Mental stress, inadequate sleep or sleep deprivation, and gym overtraining may cause high cortisol levels that lead to testosterone suppression.

Poor dietary habits, low sunlight exposure, excessive screen time, alcohol consumption, smoking, and unstable routines significantly influence hormonal balance in young men.

Overuse of anabolic steroids and improper use of muscle-boosting supplements can prevent testosterone production in men.

Hormonal problems significantly influence mood, sexual and mental well-being, weight, energy levels, and overall health in males. The most common conditions that are associated with hormonal imbalance in males include:

Low testosterone production in the body is termed hypogonadism. It is associated with low libido, fatigue, mood swings, fertility issues, and muscle loss.

Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) causes slow metabolism, low mood, tiredness, and weight gain. Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) causes sleep problems, anxiety, weight loss, and sweating.

Persistent stress causes cortisol imbalance and leads to ongoing tiredness, sleep problems, and stress intolerance.

Most male hormones are controlled by the pituitary gland, and an imbalance disrupts testosterone, fertility, growth hormones, and thyroid hormones.

Various conditions, such as high blood sugar, abnormal cholesterol levels, belly fat, and high blood pressure, cause hormonal imbalance in men.

Insulin dysfunction causes low testosterone, weight gain, weakness, and high blood sugar levels.

Here are the various methods to detect hormonal imbalance in men:

The most common method to identify a hormonal imbalance is assessment of symptoms and medical history.

• Physical symptoms (erectile dysfunction, tiredness, muscle loss, and weight fluctuations)

• Emotional symptoms (concentration problems, low mood, anxiety, and bad temper)

• Sexual and reproductive health (fertility problems, low libido, and inability to maintain erections)

• Lifestyle factors (diet, sleep, stress, physical activity, alcohol, and medications)

• Medical history (medications, past health conditions, surgeries, and family history of hormonal conditions)

Here are the tests to measure hormone levels in men:

• Testosterone (total, free)

• LH, FSH

• SHBG

• Thyroid (TSH, T3, T4)

• Cortisol

• DHEA

• Prolactin

• Insulin, HbA1c

• Vitamin D, B12, Zinc

Check out the table mentioning different types of tests and what they measure:

Male hormone imbalance treatment varies depending on the particular hormone, underlying cause, and symptoms. Treatment can restore hormonal balance, improve sexual health, mood, energy, and overall well-being.

Hormone replacement therapy is a targeted method to treat hormonal imbalances and to restore low levels of testosterone in men with low testosterone.

• Increases energy levels

• Reduce tiredness

• Improve sexual performance

• Better sex drive

• Increase muscle mass and strength

• Supports bone density

• Improve mood and focus

Medications are prescribed to treat hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism and manage associated symptoms. Usually, Levothyroxine is prescribed to treat low thyroid, and anti-thyroid medications are prescribed for an overactive thyroid.

• Improves healthy weight management

• Regulates metabolism and energy

• Supports hormonal balance

• Improve mood and heart rate

These therapies involve targeted treatments, medications, and lifestyle interventions. Cortisol regulation therapy helps regulate high cortisol due to adrenal dysfunction and stress.

• Improves mood, energy, and sleep

• Reduce stress-related problems

• Supports hormonal balance

Medicines such as antidiabetic drugs help manage blood sugar concerns and insulin resistance. 

• Regulates blood sugar levels

• Prevent diabetes and associated symptoms

• Improves weight management

• Improve testosterone levels

• Supports hormonal health

The most natural and effective way to maintain healthy hormone levels in men is adapting right lifestyle habits that help restore hormonal balance.

• Weight loss

• Strength training

• Prioritize adequate sleep

• Stress management

• Nutrient-rich diet

• Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption

• Vitamin D improves testosterone production.

• Omega-3 supports heart health and testosterone balance.

• Magnesium improves testosterone production, muscle function, and sleep.

• Ashwagandha boosts testosterone and reduces cortisol levels.

• Zinc is excellent for testosterone synthesis and immunity.

Early prevention can help maintain hormonal balance in men. Here are the tips you can follow:

Eat a healthy and balanced diet that is rich in healthy fats, protein, and complex carbohydrates. Consume more foods containing antioxidants, vitamin D, zinc, and magnesium. Avoid processed, unhealthy foods, sugar, and too much alcohol.

Combine cardio and strength training that improve testosterone, support metabolism, and help reduce abdominal fat. Avoid overtraining as it may suppress hormones and increase cortisol levels.

Eat fiber rich diet and consider prebiotics and probiotics that support a healthy gut and regulate hormone metabolism.

Men should consider yearly hormonal testing after their 30s to detect imbalances. Early detection helps with timely intervention and prevents complications.

If you are experiencing severe and persistent symptoms that are affecting your everyday life, you should consult your healthcare provider. Early evaluation of symptoms allows timely treatment and prevents complications.

Warning signs include chronic symptoms such as mood changes, tiredness, and low energy levels that continue despite lifestyle changes. If you are experiencing low libido or erectile dysfunction, unexplained weight fluctuations, fertility concerns, or muscle loss, seek advice from a healthcare professional.

***Medical Disclaimer - The following information is for educational purposes only. No information provided on this website, including text, graphics, and images, is intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your doctor about specific medical advice about your condition(s).