Functional Medicine Approach to Male Hormonal Imbalances

Male hormonal imbalances can significantly impact health, leading to conditions such as low testosterone, increased estrogen levels, and potential prostate concerns. Traditional medicine often focuses on measuring hormone levels in the blood, which may not provide a complete picture of what’s happening at the cellular level.

Functional medicine goes deeper, concentrating on free fraction hormones—those active at the receptor level—and addressing the root causes of hormonal dysregulation to restore balance and health.

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Understanding Male Hormones

Hormonal balance in men involves the conversion of cholesterol into key hormones. Understanding these pathways is essential:

1. Cholesterol → DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone)

2. DHEA → Androstenedione, which can :

- Convert into Estrone (E1) via the aromatase enzyme.

- Convert into Testosterone, which can:

- Convert into Estradiol (E2) via the aromatase enzyme.

- Convert into Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) via the 5-alpha reductase enzyme.

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How Functional Medicine Differs from Traditional Medicine

Blood vs. Free Fraction
Hormones

- Traditional Medicine: Measures bound hormones (attached to proteins and inactive).

- Functional Medicine: Focuses on free fraction hormones, which actively function at the receptor site.

Comprehensive Testing

- Saliva tests and advanced hormone panels assess active hormones, providing a clearer clinical picture compared to standard blood tests.

Signs of Male Hormonal Imbalances

- Fatigue and low energy levels

- Decreased muscle mass and increased body fat

- Enlarged breasts (gynecomastia) and belly fat

- Low libido and erectile dysfunction

How Functional Medicine Addresses Male Hormonal Imbalances

1. Down-Regulating Aromatase Activity

- Focuses on lifestyle interventions and supplements to inhibit aromatase, which may increase with aging, insulin resistance, and inflammation.

2. Balancing 5-Alpha Reductase Activity

- Targeted strategies to reduce 5-alpha reductase activity help maintain healthy testosterone levels and prevent prostate concerns.

3. Correcting Insulin Resistance

- Personalized nutrition and exercise plans are used to restore insulin sensitivity, addressing hormonal imbalances.

4. Testing Free Fraction Hormones

- Saliva testing provides accurate measurements of active hormones for precise treatment plans.

5. Targeted Supplementation

- Saliva testing provides accurate measurements of active hormones for precise treatment plans.

Risks of Untreated Hormonal Imbalances

- Increased risk of prostate enlargement or prostate cancer

- Persistent low energy and decreased quality of life

- Cardiovascular risks linked to low testosterone levels

- Worsening symptoms without addressing root causes

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Optimize Your Hormonal Health Today

Integrated Medicine of Ohio emphasizes the importance of harmonizing each patient's chemistry to improve health and wellness. Under the supervision and commitment of our caring and skilled doctors and staff, patients report higher functioning in many areas of their lives.

AKRON OFFICE

330-644-5488

brian@weightlossofohio.com

Address: 2780 S. Arlington Rd. Suite 202 Akron, Ohio 44312

Fax: 330-644-9292

Functional Medicine