Is it a Mid-Life Crisis or Male Menopause?

Written by HTCA

When most people imagine a man going through a "mid-life crisis" it's normally accompanied with sports cars or other odd behavioral changes. Essentially ditching their normal responsibilities for fun! What most people fail to take into account is the high likelihood of hormone imbalance in the mid to late 40's that can cause this erratic behavior.

The more you know, the better you can prepare

When we talk about the menopausal state it's normally associated with women. We live in a society that talks a lot more about female hormones than males. So it's no wonder we chalk up erratic behavior to a mid-life crisis- rather than seeing what is really going on. It's important to understand the changes our partners are going through and provide support, compassion & understanding to the situation rather than blame & accuse. As we age, both men and women's hormone production gradually declines. Although an occasional irregularity is not harmful, a major imbalance can have severe consequences on your health.

What Are the Types of Hormonal Imbalance in Men?

While testosterone is considered the "primary" male hormone, other hormones including cortisol, insulin & thyroid play a factor in overall wellness. Imbalance of any one of these hormones can result in unwanted symptoms of aging.

Andropause: The Male Version of Menopause

Andropause begins when the production of testosterone levels decrease with age. Generally after the age of 40 testosterone levels start to decline and symptoms of andropause start to show up. It's important to note that this is NOT the same thing as female menopause. The decrease in testosterone and the development of symptoms is more gradual than what occurs in women. Testosterone levels can also decline due to medications or lifestyle choices. Although symptoms may vary from person to person, common symptoms of men going through andropause include:

Low sex drive , Fatigue , Reduced muscle mass , Irritability and mood swings , Erectile dysfunction , Depression , Adrenal fatigue

Often associated with stress, this can be a huge factor for our hormone levels. Adrenal fatigue can occur in people who are under long-term mental, emotional, or physical stress. The adrenal glands are in charge of our fight or flight response and regulate our reaction to stress. The main adrenal hormone used to manage stress is cortisol. Adrenal glands release cortisol during high-stress times, low blood sugar, excitement & during exercise. When stress becomes extreme or extends over long periods of time the adrenal glands cannot function properly causing these symptoms:

Mid-day fatigue or low energy , Difficulty falling asleep , Emerging allergies , Sensitivity to chemicals , Anxiety, Increased susceptibility to infections, Reduced stress tolerance , Hypothyroidism

This is a condition in which there isn't enough thyroid hormone in your bloodstream which causes your metabolism to slow down. Simply put, metabolism can affect your body’s temperature, your heartbeat, and how well you burn calories. This can result a variety of symptoms including:

Constipation , Depression , Dry hair and hair loss , Dry skin , Elevated cholesterol , Fatigue , Greater sensitivity to cold , Hoarse voice , Joint pain, stiffness, and swelling , Problems with memory, Muscle aches and stiffness, Muscle weakness, Hyperthyroidism

An overactive thyroid gland can increase your metabolism and produce high levels of thyroid hormone. High amounts of T4, T3, or both can cause an excessively high metabolic rate. This is called a hypermetabolic state. Here a few symptoms to look out for:

Increased appetite, Nervousness, Restlessness, Inability to concentrate ,Weakness, Irregular heartbeat, Difficulty sleeping, Fine brittle hair , Itching, Hair loss , Nausea and vomiting , Breast development in men

Hormonal imbalances are common in today’s day and age because of our fast-paced lifestyle or poor diet. If you feel like you or your partner may be struggling with any of these symptoms there is hope! Ask us today about bioidentical hormone optimization.

For more Information call to schedule your hormone consultation 720-536-8427