We all know that hormones are powerful chemicals that play an important part in our well being. Not only do they directly impact our energy and mood, they impact our physical wellness as well. All too often, however, the focus is on women and hormones – but what about men?

Male hormones are just as complicated and important, but they are not always as well understood. This has lead many men to suffer from the negative impact of hormone imbalance. At Belle Vie International we understand the importance of male hormones, including how to recognize, diagnose and repair an imbalance.

Male hormones 101

Testosterone is the primary hormone for men, but men also have estrogen and progesterone in very small amounts. Ideally a man’s body has the perfect amount of each, allowing them to function normally with energy and vitality. Unfortunately, there are many things that can change the natural hormonal balance, including environmental factors, foods and aging.

There are a large range of symptoms of hormonal imbalance for men, starting with lack of energy, irritability and an overall lack of motivation. Men can also experience symptoms such as:

• Depression
• Weight gain
• Reduced muscle mass and strength
• Loss of libido
• Erectile dysfunction

The longer an imbalance continues, the more severe the symptoms can become. Additionally, it’s important to understand that a hormonal imbalance doesn’t just occur due to too little testosterone, but also too much estrogen or progesterone. For this reason, it’s important to have all hormone levels checked.

All too often, men suffer through their symptoms, not seeking medical help until their situation is extreme. In reality, however, there is no reason to suffer if you suspect a hormonal issue. Getting your hormones checked is easy and it quickly provides an accurate picture of your health. This is the first step toward achieving balance and getting back to living life to its fullest.