What are male hormones? A complete beginners guide for men in Charlotte, NC
Similar to any other hormone, male hormones face ups and downs throughout their time in the body. Hormones are chemical messengers that travel through the bloodstream. The principal function of hormones is responsible for maintaining and controlling several functions, including metabolism, reproduction, growth, mood, and sexual health. If the body is producing too little or too much of a hormone, it can make an individual ill and indicate serious health problems. With our service for hormone replacement therapy for men in Charlotte, NC, we often see positive increases in testosterone and thyroid hormones. In this guide, we’ll tell you about those hormones and more!
What is the Major Male Hormone?
It may surprise many that men and women share the same hormones. However, women tend to cycle their hormones, and levels of hormones should be different. In men, androgens are a group of sex hormones that produces the male characteristics. Testosterone is the most well-known and influential androgen. Men have ten times the level than females!
Testosterone directly contributes to bone development and maintenance. Testosterone also contributes to muscle development, fat distribution, metabolism, sperm production, and sex drive. Many of these properties can affect physical and mental health. If you are experiencing low libido, unexplained weight gain, or severe anxiety, our team in Charlotte, NC, can work with you to restore your hormone levels with hormone replacement therapy to lift the fog of bad hormone levels.
Other Androgens in Men
Testosterone is the principal androgen produced by the testes. It may receive the most attention, but there are also other male hormones you should keep your eye on.
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) & Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulphate (DHEA-S)
DHEA is produced by the adrenal glands and triggers male characteristics in men and women. Raised DHEA-S levels can indicate Cushing’s Disease or another health issue. If your DHEA-S levels are low, it can indicate an adrenal gland issue and lead to reduced libido.
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)
Did you know about 10% of the testosterone in a man’s body converts into DHT? DHT is responsible for male characteristics such as body hair and a deep voice. Sensitivity of the hair follicle to DHT can result in hair loss. It also plays a role in sexual functions.
Estrogen
Estrogen can be found in the male body. It is required to maintain sexual function, libido, and fertility. Men with low testosterone levels tend to have low estrogen levels. While estrogen in men receives a bad rep, health benefits include a decreased risk of heart disease and osteoporosis, reduced belly fat, and improved sexual function.
Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
THE FSH regulates the function of the ovaries and testicles. If levels are too high or too low, it can cause infertility or conception difficulty. In men, FSH helps produce the nutrients to regulate sperm production. Too much or too little can indicate an issue.
Luteinsing Hormone (LH)
LH stimulates the testes to produce testosterone. Low levels of LH in men can be a sign of issues with the pituitary gland and cause infertility.
Thyroid Hormones
In either sex, the thyroid regulates metabolism and energy production on a cellular level. It is responsible for controlling the heart, muscles, digestive function, and more. The thyroid plays a vital role in extracting and absorbing iodine (salt) from the blood to incorporate into essential hormones.
Cortisol
Produced in the adrenal glands, then released, cortisol works in several ways. Cortisol can control blood sugar levels and metabolism, influence water, and salt balance, blood pressure, memory, and fight infection. Cortisol is the stress hormone and can affect you negatively if you produce too much.
Oxytocin
Oxytocin is a building block to emotional attachment, relationships, sexual reproduction, and more. In men, it helps with reproduction and testosterone production in the testicles. Typically, it is that feeling when you feel euphoria around the person you love.
Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG)
SHBG is similar to a transport molecule for major hormones like estradiol and testosterone. It plays a vital role in how hormones work, as it transports them in the blood in an active form. Increased levels of SHBG are associated with decreased risk of heart disease, strokes, and cancer. Do you questions about hormones listed in our What are male hormones? A complete beginners guide for men in Charlotte, NC? At Revita Medical, it’s what we specialize in! Reach out to us to learn more from our professionals in Charlotte.
