Now that we have reached Level 1 of lockdown, there is a renewed vigour and vibrance in the air. This week as promised, we discuss Male Hormone Health.
Function of the Male Endocrine System
The endocrine system is a series of glands that produce and secrete hormones that the body uses for a wide range of functions. These control many different bodily functions, including:
- Respiration
- Metabolism
- Reproduction
- Sensory perception
- Movement
- Sexual development
- Growth
Hormones are produced by glands and sent into the bloodstream to the various tissues in the body. They send signals to those tissues to tell them what they are supposed to do.
When the glands do not produce the right amount of hormones, diseases develop that can affect many aspects of life.
Anatomy of The Male Hormone System
As with the female hormone system, the main hormone producing glands are:
- Hypothalamus: The hypothalamus is responsible for body temperature, hunger, moods and the release of hormones from other glands; and also controls thirst, sleep and sex drive.
- Pituitary: Considered the “master control gland,” the pituitary gland controls other glands and makes the hormones that trigger growth.
- Parathyroid: This gland controls the amount of calcium in the body.
- Pancreas: This gland produces the insulin that helps control blood sugar levels.
- Thyroid: The thyroid produces hormones associated with calorie burning and heart rate.
- Adrenal: Adrenal glands produce the hormones that control sex drive and cortisol, the stress hormone.
- Pineal: This gland produces melatonin which affect sleep.
- Testes: Only in men, the testes produce the male sex hormone, testosterone, and produce sperm.
How the Male Hormone System Works
Conditions and Disorders of the Male Hormone System
Some of the factors that affect endocrine organs include aging, certain diseases and conditions, stress, the environment, and genetics.
Even the slightest hiccup with the function of one or more of these glands can throw off the delicate balance of hormones in your body and lead to an endocrine disorder, or endocrine disease.
Endocrine disorders are typically grouped into two categories:
- Endocrine disease that results when a gland produces too much or too little of an endocrine hormone, called a hormone imbalance.
- Endocrine disease due to the development of lesions (such as nodules or tumors) in the endocrine system, which may or may not affect hormone levels.
Decreased Libido
Libido is the desire to engage in sexual activity. About 5% of men have decreased libido, a condition that increases with age.
Prostate Enlargement
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is an enlargement of the prostate gland. As men age, it’s common for the prostate to get larger. BPH does not lead to prostate cancer.
Erectile dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction (ED), or impotence, is the inability to consistently initiate or keep an erection long enough to have satisfactory sex. Men often have problems with their erections once in a while. If ED occurs often, medical treatment may help.
Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia is breast enlargement in boys or men due to a benign (non-cancerous) increase in breast tissue. This condition results from an imbalance between the hormones testosterone and estrogen.
Male Infertility
Infertility is the inability of a sexually active couple who are not using birth control to get pregnant after one year of trying. Problems in the male partner affect about 40% of infertile couples.
low Testosterone
Over time, low testosterone may cause a man to lose body hair, muscle bulk, and strength and to gain body fat. Chronic (long-term) low testosterone may also cause weak bones (osteoporosis), mood changes, less energy, and smaller testes.
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer starts in the cells of the prostate but can spread throughout the body. Other than skin cancer, it is the most common cancer in U.S. men.
Balanced Bites For HIS Hormone Health
The exact cause of prostate cancer is unknown, and the only proven risk factors for the disease are increasing age, family history of the disease, and race or nationality (prostate cancer is most common in North America and Europe). A diet high in fat or red meat and lack of physical activity are also thought to increase the risk of prostate cancer. Many experts believe that regular screenings for prostate cancer by a doctor can help find prostate cancer early — when it’s curable.
If you suspect you may have any of the above disorders or conditions.Contact your local Healthcare Practitioner.
Balanced Healing can assist you with a personalised lifestyle plan to optimise your Male Hormone Health.
If you require any more information or treatment of your Male Hormone System.
Contact Sr Bridget Spargo @ 083 653 7470 or Email: b@balancedhealing.co.za to book an appointment.
References
Website: https://www.hormone.org/what-is-endocrinology/the-endocrine-system
Website: https://www.hormone.org/your-health-and-hormones/mens-health
Website: https://www.webmd.com/prostate-cancer/news
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