Breasts Enlargement in Men: Andropause Symptoms

What is Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is the atypical breast enlargement of one or both breasts in men. The process usually begins with a small lump underneath the nipple which causes uneven swelling. Enlarged breasts in men are not uncommon, especially as a newborn or during puberty. In newborns, the gynecomastia may include minor lactation or milk flow (also referred to as galactorrhea) and often disappears within a couple of weeks. During puberty, the condition usually lasts for just a couple months.

Gynecomastia can be one of the most upsetting symptoms of andropause. Low self-esteem, libido and mood are just some of the consequences of this symptom of male menopause.

Male breasts enlargement and andropause

Andropause gynecomastia is usually caused with hormonal imbalances. This explains why the condition occurs in newborns: in newborns gynecomastia is a temporary consequence of the high estrogen levels transmitted to the infant's system from the mother in the womb. Usually the infant's hormones balance themselves without treatment shortly after birth and the enlarged male breasts diminish.

Andropause gynecomastia is another matter. Andropause causes testosterone levels to fall. With less testosterone to regulate and balance estrogen, estrogen levels tend to rise.

Estrogen is mainly considered a female hormone, but every man needs low levels of estrogen to regulate various metabolic processes such as bone density, sperm production, and mood.

Enlarged male breasts are more common in overweight men. Weight gain is also a symptom of andropause, so it is not unusual for men to experience both gynecomastia and weight gain at the same time.

Enlarged breasts during andropause occur when testosterone and male estrogen are drastically out of balance. Proper hormone balance is central to all approaches to treating gynecomastia.

Other causes of Gynecomsatia

Besides the natural aging process in men, and hormonal imbalance, associated with that, a number of various medical conditions may also result in gynecomastia:

• Malnutrition and re-feeding (recovery from malnutrition) have both been shown to create a hormonal environment that may lead to gynecomastia. Similarly, cirrhosis of the liver alters normal hormone metabolism and may lead to gynecomastia.
• Disorders of the male sex organs (testes) can result in decreased testosterone production and relatively high estrogen levels, leading to gynecomastia. These disorders may be genetic, such as Klinefelter's syndrome, or acquired due to trauma, infection, or reduced blood flow. Testicular cancers may also secrete hormones that cause gynecomastia.
• Other conditions that are associated with an altered hormonal environment in the body and may be associated with gynecomastia are chronic renal failure and hyperthyroidism. Rarely, cancers other than testicular tumors may produce hormones that can cause gynecomastia.

Gynecomastia can also be a side effect of a number of medications. Examples of drugs that can be associated with gynecomastia are listed below:

• spironolactone (Aldactone), a diuretic that has anti-androgenic activity;
• Calcium channel blockers used to treat hypertension [such as nifedipine (Procardia and others)];
• ACE inhibitor drugs for hypertension [captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec)];
• some antibiotics [for example, isoniazid, ketoconazole (Nizoral, Extina, Xolegel, Kuric), and metronidazole (Flagyl)];
• anti-ulcer drugs [such as ranitidine (Zantac), cimetidine (Tagamet), and omeprazole (Prilosec)];
• anti-androgen or estrogen therapies for prostate cancer;
• methyldopa (Aldomet);
• highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) for HIV disease, which may cause fat redistribution leading to pseudogynecomastia or, in some cases, true gynecomastia;
• digitoxin;
• diazepam (Valium);
• drugs of abuse (for example, alcohol, marijuana, heroin); and
• lavender oil and tea tree oil, when used in skin-care products, have been associated with gynecomastia.

Gynecomastia Evaluation

The definition of gynecomastia is the presence of breast tissue greater than 0.5 cm in diameter in a male. As previously discussed, gynecomastia is the presence of true breast (glandular) tissue, generally located around the nipple. Fat deposition is not considered to be true gynecomastia. Therefore, gynecomastia should not be confused with pseudogynecomastia, which occurs in overweight men whose breasts enlarge because of fat deposits.

If you are a man with enlarged or tender breasts, your healthcare provider will perform an examination to determine whether the tissue in your breasts is fatty or glandular. Glandular tissue is designed to secrete substances, such as milk or hormones, and usually has a network of ducts that can be felt.

If the provider has difficulty determining whether you have gynecomastia, he or she may recommend that you have a mammogram, a specialized x-ray of the breast.

In certain situations, blood tests may be ordered to measure the level of hormones. Blood tests are not usually needed if the cause of the gynecomastia (e.g., puberty, drugs) is known.

Gynecomastia treatment

The best treatment for gynecomastia depends upon its cause, duration, and severity and whether it causes pain or discomfort.

Adolescents — Because pubertal gynecomastia usually goes away on its own, treatment is not usually recommended initially. Instead, the provider will keep close tabs on the condition for several months. In most cases, pubertal gynecomastia resolves during that time.

For boys with severe gynecomastia that is causing substantial tenderness or embarrassment, a short course of a drug called tamoxifen (Nolvadex®) or raloxifene (Evista®) may be recommended. These drugs block the effects of estrogen in the body, and can reduce the size of the breasts somewhat. However, neither of these drugs is approved in the United States for the treatment of gynecomastia. Drugs may be prescribed without FDA approval, although the risks and benefits have not been studied completely.

Adult men — Treatment is also usually delayed in adult men whose gynecomastia is likely to be caused by an underlying health problem or by drugs. In these men, treating the underlying condition or suspending the problematic drug usually allows the gynecomastia to resolve.

Medications that have been used to treat gynecomastia include:

• Testosterone replacement has been effective in older men with low levels of testosterone, but it is not effective for me who have normal levels of the male hormone.
• The selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) tamoxifen (Nolvadex) and raloxifene (Evista) have been shown to reduce breast volume in gynecomastia, although they are not able to entirely eliminate all the breast tissue. This type of therapy is most often used for severe or painful gynecomastia.
• Aromatase inhibitors [such as anastrozole (Arimidex)] are a class of medication that interferes with the synthesis of estrogen. While these drugs theoretically should be able to reduce breast mass in gynecomastia, studies have failed to show a significant benefit in treating gynecomastia.

Prostate cancer patients — Gynecomastia is a known complication of a treatment for prostate cancer (called antiandrogen monotherapy). Approximately 75 percent of men who use this treatment develop gynecomastia. However, there are several treatment options available to prevent the development of gynecomastia, including tamoxifen and radiation therapy.

Tamoxifen — Tamoxifen can be taken along with the anti-cancer (antiandrogen) treatment. Tamoxifen must be taken every day for the duration of antiandrogen treatment. In one study, only 8 percent of men who took tamoxifen plus an antiandrogen developed gynecomastia (compared to 68 percent of men who took the antiandrogen alone).

Tamoxifen may also be given to men who develop gynecomastia while taking antiandrogens.

Radiation therapy — Treating the breasts with radiation before antiandrogen treatment begins can prevent gynecomastia. Radiation treatment (RT) is usually delivered in one to three sessions (similar to having an x-ray). In the study above, 34 percent of men who had RT before antiandrogen therapy developed gynecomastia.

Gynecomastia that has already developed can be treated with higher radiation doses and may improve pain. However, when given after breasts have already developed, radiation is not very effective at reducing breast size.

Radiation therapy versus tamoxifen — Although tamoxifen may be more effective than radiation for men who take antiandrogen monotherapy, tamoxifen needs to be taken for the duration of antiandrogen therapy. For some men, taking another medication every day is less convenient than to have three sessions of radiation therapy.

Surgery — Although tamoxifen and raloxifene are effective for men who have had enlarged breasts for a few months, the drug is not effective in men who have had the condition for one to two years or more. For these men, surgery is an option to reduce the size of the breasts.

Two types of surgery are used to treat gynecomastia:

• Liposuction. This surgery removes breast fat, but not the breast gland tissue itself.
• Mastectomy. This type of surgery removes the breast gland tissue. The surgery is often done on an endoscopic basis, meaning only small incisions are used. This less invasive type of surgery involves less recovery time.

The extent of surgery depends upon the severity of the breast enlargement and whether there is also excess fatty tissue. Many men are treated with a combination of surgical removal of the glandular tissue and liposuction. More extensive cosmetic surgery, including partial surgical removal of the breast skin, is required for men with more severe breast enlargement or those who have excessive sagging of the breast tissue, which may occur after weight loss.

Sources and Additional Information:

http://www.bodylogicmd.com/for-men/gynecomastia

http://globalliferejuvenation.com/gynecomastia_man_boobs.html

http://www.medicinenet.com/gynecomastia/page3.htm

http://www.uptodate.com/contents/patient-information-gynecomastia-breast-enlargement-in-men

http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/library/gynecomastia/DS00850.html

Hot Flashes in Men: Andropause Symptoms

What are Hot Flashes?

Hot flashes or sweats are most common menopause symptoms, and so are mostly associated with women. However, there are many men who suffer from hot flashes, while not considering any treatment for this condition. So, male hot flashes by definition and appearance are very similar to the female hot flashes. However, the main difference is based on the different sources.

The hot flash is definitely an abrupt and extreme feeling of heat impacting the face, neck as well as upper body, resulting in a chilly, clammy sweat all of which lead to distress. In regards to rate of recurrence, male hot flashes often occur 6 to 10 times during the day and range from a few minutes to an hour. The experience can cause anxiousness, a quickened pulse rate, becoming easily irritated and nauseated.

The symptoms of hot flashes can be mild to severe. The mild signs of hot flashes are less discomforting than the severe ones.

• The signs typically start with the face and spread to the neck and chest area, lasting for seconds to minutes.
• The hot flash can start with a feeling of warmth spreading in the upper body, with skin redness and mild perspiration to excessive sweating.
• Finally the person will get a cold, clammy and uncomfortable feeling, if the hot flashes are occurring during night they can interfere with sleeping.
• Other uncomfortable sensations like dizziness, weakness, heart palpitations and pressure feeling can also be experienced along with the hot flashes.

Causes of Hot Flashes in Men

There are several potential causes for the Hot Flashes in Men. Among them:

• Andropause: Andropause is probably the main general cause of the Hot Flashes in males, as the common symptom of the male menopause. Other symptoms which usually go hand-in-hand with hot flashes are substantial weight gain, trouble at sleeping, and slow hair growth.
• Infections: Certain infections like HIV/AIDS or tuberculosis can also be giving men hot flashes or can also cause night sweats.
• Tumor/Cancer: If you are experiencing hot flashes along with testicular pain, immediately contact a doctor as this could be a sign of cancer. Males can also experience hot flashes due to a tumor present in pituitary gland or hypothalamus.
• Androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer: The growth of prostate cells is stimulated by testosterone, and treatments that reduce levels of the hormone or block its actions in the body can help treat the disease. Androgen deprivation can be a temporary measure to boost the effect of radiation therapy (neoadjuvant therapy), or it can be a long-term treatment for advanced prostate cancer. About 70%–80% of men who receive androgen deprivation therapy experience hot flashes.
• Hormone Level: Sudden hot flashes may also occur as a hormone imbalance symptom, like when there is a sudden and substantial lowering in the level of the testosterone, which is the sex hormone or the androgen hormone. Hormones fluctuation is a general reason for the negative health conditions, usually associated with Andropause, but it can come early and might be a sign for the undergoing medical processes in your body, which should be reported to the professionals for detailed investigation.
• Reaction to Food/Medicine: Reaction to MSG, that is, mono sodium glutamate can also cause hot flashes. This is a food additive, and one need to check their diet for MSG. A person can also experience hot flashes as an allergy to certain medications, like nifedipine, niacin, calcitonin, etc.

Why it Happen?

Male menopause hot flashes occur since the low levels of androgenic hormone or testosterone confuse the hypothalamus gland (the thermal center of the mind) into believing the body is overheated. Consequently, the hypothalamus transmits signals to broaden blood vessels in the pores and skin so that you can force this particular “fictional” excess warmth out of the body. Male hot flashes signify your body’s effort to maintain cool and not get too hot. So, the nervous system sends out signals that cause blood vessels in the skin to widen, producing flushing and warmth. To counter the rise in skin temperature, the body rapidly converts a warm flush to a cold, clammy sweat.

Hot Flashes Treatment

It is important to get yourself diagnosed, to know the exact cause behind the occurrence of hot flashes. The doctor will suggest a blood test to check the deficiency of testosterone, which most probably will be giving you the hot flashes. After the underlying cause has been identified, a person can get rid of hot flashes with the appropriate treatment. The treatment involves mostly changing the medications or testosterone therapy.

Considering that testosterone may activate prostate cancer development, an integral remedy towards the disease is androgen deprival therapy. While this is a highly effective way for inhibiting most cancer growths, it can result in negative effects. The procedure effectively puts a man into male menopause and nearly 80% of times results in male hot flashes.

Andropause hot flashes could be properly taken care of as well as absolved with bioidentical androgenic hormone or testosterone replacement therapy. For males with prostate cancer, little doses of the feminine answer to hot flashes, of estrogen, often decreases the issue.

Hormones can help, but newer treatments may be just as successful with fewer side effects. Two approaches have helped both men and women. One involves antidepressants. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as paroxetine (Paxil) have been effective, as has a related antidepressant, venlafaxine (Effexor). Both types are well tolerated; venlafaxine can sometimes raise the blood pressure, and SSRIs can cause sexual dysfunction, but that’s not an issue for most men on androgen deprivation.

The other recent treatment uses the antiseizure medication gabapentin (Neurontin). The first reports of success were in men, but it rapidly gained wider use in women. In one study, the drug reduced the severity and frequency of hot flashes in women by 70%; dizziness is the most common side effect.

Men's health is often lightly taken, and needs to be given a serious thought. So, if your symptoms are mild, you can use the prevention tips and reduce the severity of hot flashes. However, if you have been experiencing hot flashes for some time or experience hot flashes with other pain symptoms; it is important that you get yourself diagnosed to treat the underlying cause.

Acupuncture

Several new studies confirmed good results in using acupuncture for men treatments, who experienced hot flashes associated with hormone therapy. Acupuncture, a popular form of alternative medicine, involves inserting ultra-thin needles into the skin to treat various medical conditions and health ailments. The results of the latest study were overwhelmingly positive, with the study participants reporting 80.3 percent improvement of hot flash symptoms, even after eight months of therapy. Compared to the commonly used drugs to treat hot flashes, acupuncture produced no side effects.

While more research needs to be performed to confirm that link between acupuncture and relief of hot flashes, the study gives new hope to the many men undergoing prostate cancer treatment and actually may even have long-term health benefits to boot. Acupuncture has been touted for increasing mental clarity and physical well-being through the rebalancing of the body’s energies.

Lifestyle Changes

If the symptoms are not too severe, or you would like to consider the prevention techniques for the hot flashes appearance in your life, you may consider the following recommendations, which will reduce the severity and discomfort caused by hot flashes:

• Be cool during the day! Dress up in light and loose-fitting clothes. Drink plenty of water throughout the day.

• Be cool during the night! Use a fan and keep the windows open at all times if possible. If you suffer from hot flashes during night, drink a glass of water to prevent dehydration.
• Try to avoid stress and learn general relaxation techniques. Consider yoga, moving meditation, or martial arts to get recharged.  

• Exercise regularly. Weight gain, estrogen and hot flashes are all very closely related. Hot flashes are typically caused by elevated estrogen levels. Men who have high estrogen levels are more prone to weight gain. Conversely, men who are overweight or obese are more likely to experience elevated estrogen levels. While relationship between weight and hormonal imbalance is still not entirely understood, many studies suggest that men who exercise regularly can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes.
• Consider healthy diet. Hot flashes can also be caused by diet. For instance, spicy foods, such as peppers, curry and chili, can overstimulate nerve endings and cause blood vessels to dilate, resulting in a hot flash. Simple sugars and carbohydrates are also well-known triggers. Sugars and carbs trigger hot flashes by elevating blood sugar, which causes a spike in body temperature. In an effort to cool itself down, the body attempts to “flush” out the heat. Alcohol is another big one. A drink here and there is fine. But excessive alcohol consumption actually raises levels of estrogen within the blood over time, making you more susceptible to symptoms of hormonal imbalance, such as estrogen.

Sources and Additional Information:

http://www.mynetpharma.com/hot-flashes-in-men-a-reality/

http://www.buzzle.com/articles/hot-flashes-in-men.html

http://www.health.harvard.edu/newsweek/Hot-flashes-in-men-An-update.htm

http://www.fyiliving.com/health-news/new-acupuncture-benefit-reduces-hot-flashes-in-men/

http://itsaguythingblog.wordpress.com/2011/11/18/natural-ways-to-relieve-hot-flashes-in-men-guest-post-by-dr-bruce-thomas/

Decline of Masculinity – Effects of Male Hormones

In the previous post, we already touched base on the great significance of the proper levels of testosterone in men, and the possible consequences of the hormonal deficiency for the health and well-being. To give a wider insight on the topic, I would like to present article by Alexander Mostovoy, H.D., D.H.M.S.                                                                                                      

In the age of adulation of professional athletes, powerful cars fuelled by testosterone and in a society where Viagra has become the quick fix for the fragile ego of the middle-aged male, we are experiencing the decline of masculine expression due to testosterone deficiency.

Women got it right long ago that their overall health and well being is connected to their hormonal balance. Men are slow to understand how their hormonal changes inhibit their physical, sexual, and cognitive functions. The outward appearance of a typical middle-aged male shows increased abdominal fat and shrinkage of muscle mass, which is an expression of hormone imbalance. The loss of the feeling of well being, sometimes manifesting as depression, is a common psychological complication of hormone imbalance. Most of these changes are just attributed to aging processes; as such we are expected to accept the fact that our bodies are entering into a long degenerative decline. It is at this vulnerable point that some men will desperately try to express their ‘'middle age crisis'' in whatever shape or form it may take trying to preserve their last semblance of youthfulness mixed with a touch of melancholic adolescence. It is not a coincidence that this emotional upheaval in men looking to validate their youthfulness through a desperate act of attracting younger females coincides with their hormone imbalance. The devastating effect on their families and the psycho-emotional ramifications are too numerous to explore in the course of this paper, thus I would like to present a simplified version of events based on physiological and biochemical factors. By the way, this is exactly where the male psyche usually resides; it does not need analysis, just give me the rationale.

The most important relationship that has been established is that of testosterone and estrogen when it comes to male physiology. We all have this view that testosterone exemplifies aggressive male and estrogen passive female energy. The trick is in the balance. Testosterone has been known as a hormone of desire; however, it should be seen as a "total body hormone," affecting every cell in the body. The changes seen in aging, such as the loss of lean body mass, the decline in energy, strength, and stamina, depression, and decrease in sexual sensation and performance, are all directly related to testosterone deficiency. Degenerative diseases such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, arthritis, osteoporosis, and hypertension are all directly or indirectly linked to testosterone decline. Testosterone also functions as a pro-hormone. Local tissue conversion to estrogens, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), or other active metabolites plays an important part in cellular physiology.

Excess estrogen seems to be the culprit in prostate enlargement. Low testosterone levels are in fact associated with more aggressive prostate cancer. While fear of prostate cancer keeps many men from testosterone replacement, it is in fact testosterone deficiency that leads to the pathology that favors the development of prostate cancer.

Testosterone improves cellular bioenergetics. It acts as a cellular energizer. Since testosterone increases the metabolic rate and aerobic metabolism, it also dramatically improves glucose metabolism and lowers insulin resistance.

Testosterone is the most powerful cardiovascular protector for men. Low testosterone correlates with heart disease more reliably than does high cholesterol. Testosterone strengthens the heart muscle; there are more testosterone receptors in the heart than in any other muscle. Testosterone lowers LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol and improves every cardiac risk factor. It has been shown to improve or eliminate certain arrhythmias and angina. Testosterone shines as blood thinner, preventing blood clots. Testosterone replacement is the most underutilized important treatment for heart disease.

Unfortunately, to many patients' detriment, they are mostly treated with conventional drugs for depression, elevated cholesterol, and a host of other conditions that may be caused by an underlying hormone imbalance. If doctors checked their male patients' blood levels of estrogen, testosterone, DHEA and thyroid they might be surprised to learn that many problems could be resolved by adjusting hormone levels.

A common side effect of antidepressant drugs is the suppression of the sex drive. Sometimes depression sufferers either accept this drug-induced reduction in quality of life, or will get off the antidepressants so they can at least have a normal sex life. Testosterone replacement for those who show low levels of this hormone will often enhance patients' sex drive and will have the opposite effect of most prescription antidepressants. Published scientific studies show that testosterone therapy often produces an increased feeling of well being.

Low levels of testosterone may contribute to the following:

• Fatigue,
• inability to concentrate,
• memory failure,
• reduced intellectual agility,
• passivity,
• disinterest in surroundings,
• inner unrest,
• great timidity,
• touchiness and irritability,
• moodiness and emotionality.

A major problem with aging men is not due to low testosterone production, but rather excessive conversion of testosterone to estrogen. The resulting hormone imbalance (too much estrogen and not enough free testosterone) especially in overweight men partially explains why so many are impotent and have a wide range of premature degenerative diseases.

Individuals with high estrogen and low testosterone levels could be affected by several of the contributing factors, such as:

• Aromatase Enzyme – As men age they produce larger quantities of an enzyme called aromatase, which converts testosterone into estrogen.
• Liver Enzymes – A healthy functioning liver eliminates surplus estrogen and sex hormone binding globulin. Excessive alcohol consumption, environmental toxins and pollutants along with many prescription medications impair liver function and are one of the major causes of hormone imbalance. By the way, heavy alcohol intake will have an estrogenic effect on both men and women.
• Zinc Deficiency – Zinc is a natural aromatase enzyme inhibitor. Adequate consumption of zinc (30-90 mg/day) helps prevent testosterone to estrogen conversion.
• Obesity – Abdominal fat in some circles has been referred to as an endocrine tumor for a good reason. Fat cells create aromatase enzyme that in turn further contributes to more build up of abdominal fat. Low testosterone allows the formation of abdominal fat, which then causes more aromatase enzyme formation thus further converting testosterone into estrogen.

Excessive estrogen can increase the production of SHBG (sex hormone-binding globulin), which binds the active (free) testosterone into an inactive (bound) testosterone. This bound testosterone competes for receptors on cell membranes. For testosterone to produce long-lasting, libido-enhancing effects, it must be kept in the ‘free' form (not bound to SHGB) in the bloodstream. It is necessary to keep excess estrogen in check because this hormone will compete for testosterone receptor sites in the sex centers of the brain and the genitals.

The fact that most men have too much estrogen does not mean that it would be acceptable for a man to have low estrogen. Estrogen is used to maintain bone density, and abnormally low levels may increase the risk for prostate cancer. The objective is to achieve hormone balance and not to go to extremes. However, for the most part the problem is that there is usually too much estrogen and not enough testosterone.

Before starting a supplementation and a natural hormone correction program that may include testosterone replacement, men should have a PSA test and a digital rectal exam to rule out prostate cancer. Very few treatments are risk free and this would be a prudent approach.

A small minority of men with low testosterone and prostate cancer will not have an elevated PSA or palpable lesion detectable by digital rectal examination. If this group uses supplemental testosterone, they risk an acute flare up in their disease process. Continuous monitoring is very important. The major concern that has kept men from restoring their testosterone is the fear of prostate cancer. The misconception remains that since most prostate cells need testosterone it is better not to replace the testosterone that is lost with aging. However, the fact is that most men that develop prostate cancer actually have low testosterone levels and the majority of published evidence shows that serum testosterone levels do not affect one's risk from developing prostate cancer.

Correcting a hormone imbalance:

• Review all drugs you are regularly taking to see if they may be interfering with healthy liver function. Drugs that can affect liver function include NSAIDs: acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, the “statin” class of cholesterol-lowering drugs, some heart and blood pressure medications, and some antidepressants.
• Lose weight. Fat cells, especially abdominal fat, produce the aromatase enzyme, which converts testosterone to estrogen.
• Make sure you are getting 30-90 mg of Zinc per day, it functions as an aromatase inhibitor for some men.
• Consider taking 320 mg/day of Saw Palmetto, 240 mg/day of Nettle (Urtica Dioica).
• Consume 400 mg/day of I3C (Indole 3 Carbinol) increase consumption of cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, etc.).
• Take a supplement called Chrysin 1000mg/day along with Piperine 10mg/day, Chrysin with Piperine are flavonoids and act as mild aromatase inhibitors.
• Reduce or eliminate alcohol consumption to enable your liver to remove excess estrogen.
• Provide proper adrenal support with Eleutheroccosus Senticosus, Rhodeola Rosea, and DHEA.
• Ask your natural health care practitioner about Muira Puama, Yohimbine, Tribulus Terestris and many other botanicals that increase free testosterone and suppress excess estrogen.

After reading this, please, remember that in dealing with sexual dysfunction and libido, there is always a huge psychological component to enhancing well being. Regular exercise, proper dietary assessment, lifestyle choices, emotional stressors, relationship issues and numerous other components may play a crucial part in your own recovery. Physicians and patients urgently need to be educated about the benefits of testosterone and the delicate balance between androgens (testosterone) and estrogens. Each individual has his or her own pattern of hormone balance; this indicates that hormone replacement and balancing should be individualized and carefully monitored. 

What are the Most Important Male Hormones?

Overview

Hormones in the male human body function as coordinators for many bodily processes, including the regulation of organ and cell function. Men primarily produce three types of hormones: follicle-stimulating hormones, luteinizing hormones and steroid hormones. These chemicals control everything from hair growth to sperm production to muscle development, and decrease in production as men age. Hormone replacement therapy for men has been developed and is available from qualified physicians.

Follicle-Stimulating Hormones

Follicle-stimulating hormones (FSH) stimulate the gonads and have a direct impact on supporting the maturation of sperm. These hormones are not required to maintain life, but they are necessary for reproduction. FSH are gonadotropic hormones, which are associated with the endocrine system. A number of hormones inhibit and activate FSH production in a complex cycle.

Decreased production of FSH can result in fertility problems due to low sperm counts in men. Excess FSH has no biological effect, but can be the result of gonad failure or pituitary tumors.

Luteinizing Hormones

Luteinizing hormones (LH) stimulate the gonads to secrete sex steroids and are also known in men as interstitial cell stimulating hormone (ICSH). LH is created in the pituitary cells, the same ones that synthesize FSH. The National Cancer Institute website describes the role of LH as "to make testosterone." As with FSH, decreased production of LH can result in fertility problems due to low sperm counts in men.

Steroids

According to Hudson's Guide, steroid hormones are synthesized mostly in the gonads and more minutely in the adrenal glands. Steroid hormones come in five varieties: androgens, estrogens, progestins, glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids.

The hormones commonly considered to be "sex hormones" in the body are testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone. Testosterone is often referred to as a "male" hormone, and estrogen and progesterone are often referred to as "female" hormones. However, it is interesting to note that no exclusively "male" or "female" hormones have been identified. All hormones characterized to date are present in all people regardless of sex, as are the receptor mechanisms that respond to those hormones.

In fact, the physical observation of the sexes we call "male" and "female" in nature is the result of differences in the amounts of individual hormones in the body and differences in their patterns of secretion (first in utero and then again during puberty) rather than their presence or absence. In other words, testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone are produced by men and women, but in differing amounts and in different patterns.

Glucocorticoids impact physiological systems, the best known of which are carbohydrate metabolism and immune function. These hormones are critical for fetal development, affecting lung maturation.

Mineralocorticoids regulate concentrations of minerals, particularly sodium and potassium, in extracellular fluids. A lack of mineralocorticoids is lethal as a result of electrolyte imbalances and the low blood pressure and cardiac failure that follow.

Other Male Hormones

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is an endogenous (naturally occurring in the human body) steroid hormone that is needed to produce other types of hormones including estrogen and testosterone. It is produced in the adrenal cortex from cholesterol and is commonly called dehydroandrosterone.

Androstenedione is the common precursor of male and female sex hormones. It is an androgenic steroid produced by the testes, adrenal cortex and ovaries.

Androstenedione have been shown to increase serum testosterone levels, which helps maintain balance the mental faculties of men.

Androstenediol has been shown to increase androgen prohormone, testosterone, and estradiol. It functions to stimulate the immune system.

Androsterone is a chemical by-product created during the breakdown of androgens. It can also be derived from progesterones. Androsterones have also minor masculinising effects on the body but not with the same intensity of testosterone.

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a metabolite of testosterone that binds strongly with androgen receptors. It is responsible for the formation of male sex-specific characteristics such as the male genitalia and prostate.

Primary and Secondary Sex Characteristics

Androgens, estrogens, and progestins are the hormones mainly responsible for the development "secondary sex characteristics".

"Primary sex characteristics" refer to physical characteristics present in the human body that are directly involved in reproductive function: namely the gonads and their accessory structures. The development of primary sex characteristics happens to the fetus in the womb.

"Secondary sex characteristics" refer to physical characteristics that are typically associated with "males"/"men" and "females"/"women" but are not necessarily related to reproductive function. Examples would include facial hair growth and deepening of the voice in men, and growth of breasts and increased fat deposits around the hips in women. The development of secondary sex characteristics usually begins at puberty, as the levels and patterns of secretion of the sex hormones in the body begin to change at that time.

The androgen testosterone (and its derivative dihydrotestosterone [DHT]) is responsible for producing masculine secondary sex characteristics such as facial hair growth, deepening of the voice, increased body hair growth, and increased muscle development.

Estrogen and progesterone play a vital role in the menstrual cycle in females. Estrogen is also mainly responsible for producing feminine secondary sex characteristics such as breast development and increased body fat deposits around the hip and thigh areas.

The production of sex hormones in the body

Testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone are produced mainly in the "gonads" (the testes and the ovaries). Two other important hormones-- "luteinizing hormone" (LH) and "follicle-stimulating hormone" (FSH)-- stimulate the gonads into secreting sex hormones. LH and FSH are secreted from cells in the anterior pituitary gland, and are called "gonadotropins" because of their role in stimulating the gonads.

The principle regulator of LH and FSH secretion is "gonadotropin-releasing hormone" (GnRH). GnRH is secreted from the hypothalamus. GnRH stimulates secretion of LH and FSH, which in turn stimulates gonadal secretion of the sex steroids testosterone, estrogen and progesterone (see diagram at left). In an example of a negative feedback loop, the presence of a certain level of sex steroids then inhibits further secretion of GnRH. Numerous hormones influence GnRH secretion, and feedback control over GnRH and LH/FSH secretion is quite complex.

Male Hormones and Sexual Development

The role of male hormones in the human body varies in different phases of a person’s life. These hormones are critical for the development of male traits during pre-birth and puberty but only work for the maintenance of reproductive function in mature adults.

Before Birth

A fetus develops into a male or female between the 12 and 17th week of pregnancy. It is during this period that the female or male sex organ is developed. During this period, the levels of the male hormone, testosterone is ten times higher in male fetuses than in female fetuses. From the transpiration of this period, the level of testosterone in males reduces and remains equal to that of the female until the onset of puberty.

During Puberty

During puberty the level of testosterone (male hormone) is slightly higher in boys than in girls. At the same time, the level of estrogen (female hormone) is much higher in girls than in boys. These differences in the hormonal balance contribute to the development of the secondary sexual characteristics.

Secondary characteristics in males are stimulated by testosterone. During puberty, the growth of the testicles, the appearance of pubic hair at the base of the penis, and an enlargement of the penis occur. These changes indicate that the male hormones are functioning properly and the body is smoothly reaching the age of maturity.

It triggers other bodily changes, making you:
- develop facial, pubic and chest hair
- become more muscular
- grow taller, broad-shouldered and heavier
- perspire more
- get oilier skin and pimples.

Adulthood

Male sex hormones play a great role in the physical changes in adults too. For men, a decrease in the level of testosterone can lead to breast enlargement, loss of muscle size and strength and bone thinning or osteoporosis.

Circulating levels of male hormones can also influence human behavior. Androgen levels have been implicated in the regulation of human aggression and libido. Excessive testosterone in the system is usually the cause of aggressiveness and increased sexual activity.

Older Adults

Unlike women, who stop ovulating permanently after menopause, most men are fertile into old age, unless they have a medical problem. After age 40, it's normal for male testosterone levels to fall but, unlike estrogen levels in menopausal women, they fall very gradually. However, in some older men, testosterone levels get too low and may cause physical and emotional symptoms, including low libido, hot flushes, breast development and erection problems. Diagnosed correctly, this condition can be treated using medically supervised testosterone replacement therapy (TRT).

Sources and Additional Information:

http://www.livestrong.com/article/164880-what-are-the-three-male-hormones/

http://www.ftmguide.org/hormonebasics.html

http://www.premenstrualsyndromesupport.com/what-are-male-hormones.php

http://www.yoursexhealth.org/html/details.php?det=6,0,0