Often when we think of hormone therapy it is in association with women’s perimenopausal symptoms. However, by the age of 40, men typically deteriorate in several aspects of hormonal health. These include the following:
Negative changes experienced by men in their daily lives include:
- Depression/anxiety
- Increased weight (which increases your risk for diabetes or heart disease)
- Poor sleep quality
- Decreased ability to handle stress
- Decrease in energy
- Decreased sex drive.
This period in a man’s life is often decribed by increased responsibilities and pressure. Stress intensifies the damage occurring from naturally deteriorating and imbalanced hormones. It’s a vicious cycle that leaves most men wondering where their old self has gone.
Taking a proactive approach to maximizing hormonal health is appropriate at any age. There are both naturopathic and pharmaceutical approaches. These may be appropriate by themselves or in combination. Patients need the most comprehensive and sensitive testing to help determine appropriate dosages. All of our hormones work together. Adjusting the level of one will impact the rest. Periodic monitoring of hormone levels is done to ensure the patient is responding to treatment and that a synergistic balance of hormones is maintained.
A 40 year old male presented to the clinic for a naturopathic consultation with the following symptoms:
- Decreased focus
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Fatigue; and
- Unstable moods
Hormone testing revealed lowered growth hormone, mild hypothyroidism (too much thyroid stimulating hormone), and lowered DHEA. Supplements and medication were recommended to the patient to bring these hormones back into balance. Elk velvet was used to address growth hormone. Armour thyroid provided thyroid support. DHEA, in supplement form, was used to restore this hormone.
The patient now presents with restored energy levels, better sleep patterns and his moods are much more stable. Overall, his focus and energy are back to where he needs them to be.
Our naturopathic doctors, Dr. Nardella and Dr. Haggarty, have both received extensive training in hormonal health and hormone replacement therapy through both the American Association of Anti-Aging Medicine and the International Hormone Society.
Advanced training includes:
- A Metabolic, Anti-Aging and Functional Approach to Endicrinology
- A Practical Application in Treating Adult Hormone and Nutritional Deficiencies Utilizing Advanced Testing Protocols, Hormones and Nutraceuticals
Both our natuopathic doctors have experience in successfully treating hormonal imbalances for both males and females and believe that hormonal health is a central component of overall wellbeing and healthy aging.
