You may think that a hormonal imbalance is something that only happens to older men. The reality is that every male can experience some type of health issue that leads to a decrease in testosterone and other essential hormones. Here are a few examples that may surprise you.
Side Effects of Medication
A number of medications can interfere with the natural production of testosterone, estrogen, and other hormones. Some of the more common drugs to treat conditions like prostate cancer are known to trigger a decrease in testosterone production. Tricyclic antidepressants can also be the reason for the hormonal imbalance. There are even medications for ulcers that may have some impact on hormone production. When possible, work with your physician to adjust the dosage or switch to a drug that is less likely to interfere with hormone production.
Chemotherapy
Undergoing chemotherapy treatments to combat cancer also has the potential to trigger a hormonal imbalance. Depending on the number of treatments and how many are administered each week, it may take some time for the decrease to occur. There’s a good chance that undergoing hormone replacement therapy soon after completing the chemotherapy will reverse the problem.
Chronic Health Conditions
Did you know that mean with chronic health issues like type 1 or type 2 diabetes are at an increased risk of experiencing a hormone imbalance? Along with using diet, exercise, and medication to control blood glucose levels, it pays to find out if HRT is needed to restore hormone levels to a normal range.
Ongoing Stress
There is no real way to live without some type of stress. To some degree, a little stress is a good thing. When the stress becomes severe and continues for an extended amount of time, it will begin to negatively impact every organ in the body. That includes the ones that regulate and produce hormones. Depending on how long the stress has been going on, it may be some time before it is possible to produce enough of each hormone to restore a proper balance. In the interim, replacement therapy is the only real option.
Injuries to the Pituitary Gland or Hypothalamus
When the vital organs involved in the production of hormones are damaged due to accidents, there is an increased risk of developing hypogonadism. Choosing to undergo HRT testosterone treatments may be the only way to compensate for the damage and prevent the development of problems like personality changes, reduced libido, and a loss of muscle mass.
Tumors located on or near these organs will also lead to a hormonal imbalance. Removing the tumor may or may not be enough to restore full function. If not, then replacement therapy is the best approach.
If you are diagnosed with a hormonal imbalance, don’t think that things will never get better. Treating this type of condition is more effective than ever. Talk with your doctor about the different forms of administration and how quickly you will begin to notice a difference. With the right treatment series, you’ll soon feel more like yourself and ready to take on the world.
