By admin 
Hormone balance is crucial for the overall good health and well-being of a man. Testosterone is the major sex hormone in men and is produced primarily in the testes. There are also other hormones that can impact a man’s health, like thyroid hormones, estradiol (a form of estrogen), luteinizing hormone, among others. At times, a change in hormone levels can be an indication of an underlying health concern. The team of Evan Bass Men’s Clinic mentions that testing one’s hormone levels and reviewing the results under the guidance of a healthcare provider, can help a man to recognize signs of hormonal imbalances and maintain optimal levels.
Evan Bass Men’s Clinic provides a brief insight into male hormones
Testosterone is a primary male sex hormone. It is responsible for the development and maintenance of male characteristics. Testosterone is produced mainly by the testicles. The production of testosterone is regulated by the hypothalamus and pituitary gland in the brain. Much of the testosterone in the body is bound to proteins like albumin and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). When testosterone is bound to proteins, the body does not activate it. Testosterone that is not bound to SHBG or albumin is known to be biologically active and is called biologically active. Total testosterone refers to the overall amount of testosterone circulating in a man’s bloodstream, both bound and unbound.
Testosterone has a huge impact on several areas of the health of men, including:
- Bone density
- Fat distribution
- Sperm production
- Muscle mass and strength
- Mood and cognitive function
- Sex drive and erectile function
Testosterone levels dipping too low or going too high can impact the health of a man in many ways. Here are a few signs of low testosterone in men:
- Anemia
- Loss of body hair
- Reduced sperm count
- Tender or enlarged breast tissue
- Loss of strength and muscle mass
- Increased body fat and low energy
- Low sex drive or erectile dysfunction
High testosterone levels in men can potentially cause the following symptoms:
- Acne
- Weight gain
- High sex drive
- Mood swings
- Excessive body hair
- High blood pressure and cholesterol
- Low sperm count and shrunken testicles
- Enlarged prostate with difficulty urinating
The team of Evan Bass Men’s Clinic mentions that testing one’s testosterone levels can help assess whether they are within a healthy range.
Luteinizing hormone (LH) is another important hormone. It is produced by the pituitary gland. In men, luteinizing hormone stimulates the testes to produce testosterone. It plays a pivotal role in regulating testosterone levels and sperm production. Ideally, LH levels should remain stable in men after puberty. High LH levels may indicate that the sex hormones are not producing enough steroid hormones for proper reproductive functioning. High LH levels in men might also be a sign of certain genetic conditions. On the other hand, low LH levels in men may indicate that the pituitary gland is not producing enough of the hormone required for reproduction or sexual development. Low levels of LH in men might even be a sign of Kallmann syndrome, which is a rare condition associated with insufficient testosterone production.