Whether you’re sitting, running, playing, or sleeping, there are millions of chemical reactions going on in your body all the time. While most of your physical movement is controlled by electrical messages transmitted through the nerves, the chemical changes in your body are controlled unconsciously by your brain with the help of hormones.
They are like messengers in your body that deliver the orders into cells and organs. Any disruption in hormone secretion can create drastic changes in your body. Because there is so little awareness among men about the various roles played by hormones, most men don’t even realize that they are suffering from a hormonal imbalance. So here are 4 common signs which tell you that there’s something off about your hormones.
1. Low Sex Drive And Libido
There have been many studies done on the male sex hormone, testosterone. It is almost universally accepted that testosterone is required for the development of male sex organs, sexual characteristics, and the ability to produce an erection. Testosterone is also responsible for maintaining the interest of pursuing sexual activity.
When men are experiencing low libido, erection problems, and a general lack of interest in any sexual activity, one of the first things doctors check is the level of testosterone. The inability to perform well in bed could make men depressed and embarrassed about themselves. Unfortunately, most men don’t even realize that it could be a hormonal issue and have nothing to do with their physical strength. If you have sexual health issues, talk to your doctor to find a solution.
2. Low Body Temperature
The thyroid is a small gland right below the Adam’s apple and above the chest bone. When it receives a signal from the brain, the thyroid secretes hormones called T3 and T4 which regulate the way the body uses energy. If your thyroid is sluggish and secretes too little of the hormones T3 and T4, then your body temperature drops. This slows down all processes including the metabolic rate, hair and nail growth, synthesis of other hormones, bowel movements, and the immune system.
This condition is known as hypothyroidism. One of the simplest ways to identify a problem in the thyroid gland and an imbalance in the thyroid hormones is by taking your morning body temperature. The optimal waking temperature is between 97.8 – 98.2 degrees Fahrenheit; higher than that and you’re likely suffering from hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid); lower than that and you’re likely having hypothyroidism.
3. Unexplained Loss Of Muscle Mass
Just because you lift weights regularly, it doesn’t mean you cannot lose muscle mass because of hormonal imbalance. When there is a disruption in the production of androgens like testosterone, and/or peptide hormones like growth hormone, the result can be an unexplained loss of muscle mass despite lifting weights regularly.
When these hormones levels dip, muscle protein synthesis decreases, muscle satellite cell activity goes down, and catabolic (muscle breaking) compounds like myostatin are elevated. Most men don’t realize the actual reason behind the loss of muscle and start lifting more weights to fix the problem. However, there is a possibility that but this could backfire. The increase in cortisol levels because of the stress-response further suppresses the hormones that are necessary for the growth of muscle mass.
The best way to fix this is to talk to your doctor and nutritionist. This condition can be countered with proper nutrition, supplementation, and lifestyle changes.
4. Brain Fog And Fatigue
Brain fog is medically known as “clouding of consciousness”. It’s a strange way to describe a condition but that’s how you feel when suffering from brain fog. Your head feels cloudy; you’re not able to think; you have trouble remembering things. This condition often goes undiagnosed as most people who suffer from this condition think it’s normal.
Brain fog is usually caused by micronutrient deficiencies and lack of proper nutrition which leads to increased levels of the stress hormone, cortisol, lowered levels of the male hormone testosterone, and also suppressed thyroid levels. If left untreated, the chronically elevated cortisol levels and suppressed thyroid can cause actual damage to the brain tissue, eventually leading to dementia. To prevent this condition, eat a wholesome, micronutrient-rich diet and exercise regularly.
