It may be subtle at first, in fact hardly noticeable. A little less enthusiasm for work, more fatigue at the end of the day, or diminished interest in sexual activity. While there could be a host of physical or psychological reasons for the decline, it’s possible that hormonal changes in the body could be the cause of many of the symptoms men may experience—especially if they’re nearing middle age due to hormone imbalances.

Gradual Yet Significant Changes

Some medical practitioners refer to it as “male menopause”, while others have embraced the term “andropause”, from the Greek word andro (male) and pausis (stop). While menopause in women can be clearly defined as the period at which ovum (eggs) are no longer released from the body’s ovaries, male menopause is a much more gradual process that involves the imbalance of more than one hormone over a long period of time.

Hormone levels, particularly testosterone and thyroid hormones, tend to decline naturally as men age. This hormonal imbalance can affect the endocrine glands, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, decreased libido, and changes in mood and motivation. The thyroid gland plays a crucial role in this process, as its hormones are vital for regulating metabolism, energy levels, and overall health.

Regular monitoring of hormone levels and consulting with healthcare providers can help in managing these symptoms effectively. Treatments may include lifestyle changes, hormone replacement therapy, and addressing specific imbalances in thyroid hormone production.

Testosterone, DHEA—What Men Need

As men age, hormone levels necessary for strength, vitality, health, and well-being naturally fluctuate over time. By the time a man reaches his late 30s, key androgens, or powerful male hormones, begin to taper off, creating a subtle downward shift in energy levels and virility, indicating a male hormone imbalance. At optimal levels, androgens (male sex hormones) control the building and function of a series of processes within the male body.

Testosterone: Considered the most potent of all androgens and the foundation for male characteristics, testosterone is created in the testes and is responsible for facial hair, the deepening of the voice, muscle mass and bone density, sexual function, stamina, and competitive drive in males.

‍DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone): Produced in the adrenal glands, DHEA builds protein and helps with immune function in the body. It is also considered a precursor to other hormones like testosterone and estrogen, meaning it can be converted to these hormones if levels in the blood are insufficient. The hormones cortisol and DHEA balance each other to maintain the immune system.

There are many reasons that the natural aging process may cause the overproduction or reduction of certain hormones in the male body, leading to hormonal imbalances. One important reason involves the enzyme aromatase, which converts testosterone to estrogen in the male body, causing free testosterone levels to decline as estrogen rises.

Other factors include:

1. Increase in belly fat (which increases aromatase activity)
2. Damage to tissues that are responsible for testosterone production
3. Reduction in the synthesis of testicular testosterone
4. Lower levels of precursors, such as DHEA
5. Liver function and status of nutrition

When a hormone imbalance occurs, a man feels both the negative physical and psychological effects of aging. Symptoms of hormone imbalance can be addressed through hormone replacement therapy and careful monitoring of the endocrine system, including thyroid hormone levels.