Hormonal shifts in men tend to go unnoticed. They can be so easily written off as a part of aging, stress, or simply a function of lifestyle. But when symptoms such as breast growth, lack of sex drive, or persistent exhaustion arrive, they may be hinting at more than just trivialities.
Understanding and recognizing these signs can mean improved health, improved care, and an overall quality of life, both body and mind.
Gynecomastia: What It Is and Why It Occurs
Gynecomastia is the medical name for male breast enlargement. This isn’t an extra layer of padding around the chest, as it’s actual glandular growth, not fat. The Mayo Clinic says this typically occurs due to hormonal imbalance, specifically between testosterone and estrogen.
It occurs on one or both sides and can be tender or painful. Though it’s normal during puberty or later, it can also be triggered by some medications, medical conditions, or even herbal supplements.
Thyroid Disorders: The Stealthy Culprit Behind Unexpected Male Symptoms
Though thyroid problems are more prevalent in women, they can certainly impact men, and the symptoms may go undetected. Verywell Health notes that both underactive and overactive thyroid function can interfere with sex hormones, sometimes causing breast swelling, erectile dysfunction, or infertility.
Because the thyroid regulates everything from energy to metabolism, when it’s malfunctioning, men can also struggle with fatigue, hair loss, muscle weakness, or mood changes.
Hyperprolactinemia: Another Hormonal Contender in Male Wellness
Hyperprolactinemia is having too much prolactin in the body, a hormone produced by the pituitary gland. While more commonly found in women, men can also become affected, usually as a result of benign tumors of the pituitary known as prolactinomas, or as a side effect of certain drugs.
The Cleveland Clinic adds that it can cause breast growth, a decline in libido, and infertility. It sometimes resolves by itself, but at other times, treatment is necessary.
Top Symptoms of Hormonal Imbalance in Men
These are ten signs that may be easy to brush off, but could be alerting you to a problem with your hormones:
- Enlarged Breasts (Gynecomastia): This can be hurt, uncomfortable, and emotionally challenging.
- Erectile Dysfunction: Having trouble getting an erection can be related to thyroid or pituitary issues.
- Low Libido: A marked decline in sex drive can result from hormone imbalances.
- Delayed or Premature Ejaculation: Sexual function changes can also have a hormonal etiology.
- Testicular Atrophy: Shrunken testicles can be a sign of low testosterone or thyroid disease.
- Infertility: Hormonal issues can impact sperm quality and quantity.
- Sudden Hair Loss: Sudden thinning, particularly without an apparent cause, is a thyroid red flag.
- Muscle Weakness or Loss: Low testosterone or thyroid disease can impact strength and muscle mass.
- Mood Changes: Feeling depressed, nervous, or forgetful at times is sometimes related to hormone levels.
- Breast or Nipple Pain: Persistent sensitivity or soreness in this region should not be taken lightly.
- Major Causes and Risk Factors of Male Hormonal Disorders
Several things can disrupt your hormones:
- Natural Changes: Hormonal changes can occur during puberty, with age, or even in infants.
- Medications: Certain medications for conditions such as anxiety, depression, prostate problems, ulcers, or infections can influence hormone levels.
- Substance Use: Alcohol, anabolic steroids, marijuana, and opioids have been associated with endocrine disruption.
- Health Conditions: Liver, kidney, thyroid, or adrenal gland problems, tumors, or genetic disorders such as Klinefelter syndrome can all impact hormones.
- Herbal Products: Certain natural ingredients, such as lavender or tea tree oil, can mimic estrogen and influence male hormone levels.
- Diagnosis: How Doctors Uncover the Root Problem
- If hormone problems are suspected, your physician will probably begin with a complete medical history and physical examination. Tests on a blood sample can quantify testosterone, estrogen, prolactin, and thyroid hormone levels. Imaging tests, such as ultrasounds, MRIs, or CT scans, which can be done to detect tumors or abnormal growths. Occasionally, a special radioactive iodine test is done to assess the functioning of the thyroid.
- Treatment Choices: What Works for Hormonal Imbalances in Men
- The ideal treatment varies according to what’s behind the imbalance:
- Gynecomastia: In most instances, it resolves without treatment, particularly in teens or after discontinuing medication. If it persists, drugs or surgery might be necessary.
- Thyroid Disorders: An underactive thyroid is often treated with synthetic thyroid hormone. An overactive thyroid may need medicine, radioactive iodine, or surgery.
- Hyperprolactinemia: If it is caused by a medication, the drug can be switched or discontinued. (This should be done under the supervision of a doctor.) Prolactin-secreting tumors are usually treated with medicine and sometimes surgery.
- Sexual Dysfunction: Resolving the underlying hormonal issue usually improves things. But in some cases, other erectile dysfunction treatments or sexual desire treatments are also advised.
Identifying these symptoms and what may be behind them is the key to seeking help. With proper diagnosis and treatment, many men experience tangible improvements in their health, energy, and overall quality of life.