Understanding Sex & Reproductive Hormones

Sex hormones are essential for many processes in our bodies. As we age, their levels can change, leading to issues like reduced libido, blood sugar problems, weight gain, and heart disease. This guide will help you understand key sex hormones, how they affect your health, and the symptoms you might experience if their levels are imbalanced.

Estradiol (E2)

For Women:

  • Role: Supports bone health and overall well-being.
  • Low Levels:
    • Symptoms: Hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, vaginal dryness, and reduced bone density.
    • Issues: Increased risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
  • High Levels:
    • Symptoms: Bloating, mood swings, breast tenderness, and irregular periods.
    • Issues: Higher risk of breast or endometrial cancer.

For Men:

  • Role: Helps maintain bone density.
  • Low Levels:
    • Symptoms: Reduced libido, fatigue, and mood changes.
    • Issues: Increased risk of bone fractures.
  • High Levels:
    • Symptoms: Increased abdominal fat, emotional instability, and gynecomastia (breast tissue development).
    • Issues: Linked to obesity, cardiovascular disease, and insulin resistance.

Testosterone — Total and Free

Total Testosterone:

  • Definition: All testosterone in the bloodstream, both bound and unbound.
  • For Men:
    • Low Levels:
      • Symptoms: Reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, depression, and loss of muscle mass.
      • Issues: Metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular problems, and decreased quality of life.
    • High Levels:
      • Symptoms: Aggressiveness, acne, and excessive body hair.
      • Issues: Potential overuse of supplements, leading to imbalances.
  • For Women:
    • High Levels:
      • Symptoms: Acne, hirsutism (excessive hair growth), and deepening of the voice.
      • Issues: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and testosterone-producing tumors.
    • Low Levels:
      • Symptoms: Fatigue, low libido, and muscle weakness.
      • Issues: Reduced quality of life and potential hormonal imbalance.

Free Testosterone:

  • Definition: The unbound form of testosterone.
  • For Men:
    • Low Levels:
      • Symptoms: Same as low total testosterone.
      • Issues: Metabolic syndrome, heart disease, and erectile dysfunction.
    • High Levels:
      • Symptoms: Aggressiveness and acne.
      • Issues: Overproduction or excessive supplementation.
  • For Women:
    • High Levels:
      • Symptoms: Same as high total testosterone.
      • Issues: PCOS and insulin resistance.
    • Low Levels:
      • Symptoms: Fatigue, low libido, and reduced bone density.
      • Issues: Osteoporosis and decreased muscle mass.

Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG)

  • Function: Regulates the availability of sex hormones in the blood.
  • Low Levels:
    • Symptoms: Increased free testosterone levels.
    • Issues: Risk of type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
  • High Levels:
    • Symptoms: Reduced availability of testosterone.
    • Issues: Hormonal imbalances affecting both men and women.
  • Men: Levels rise with age, reducing free testosterone.
  • Women: Levels decrease from ages 20 to 60, then increase, impacting hormone balance.

Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

  • Function: Crucial for growth and reproduction.
  • Men:
    • Low Levels:
      • Symptoms: Reduced sperm production.
      • Issues: Infertility and testicular atrophy.
    • High Levels:
      • Symptoms: Testicular pain and swelling.
      • Issues: Potential testicular dysfunction.
  • Women:
    • Low Levels:
      • Symptoms: Irregular menstrual cycles and difficulty conceiving.
      • Issues: Ovarian dysfunction and infertility.
    • High Levels:
      • Symptoms: Hot flashes and night sweats.
      • Issues: Common in menopause, indicating reduced ovarian function.

Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

  • Function: Essential for reproductive health.
  • Men:
    • Low Levels:
      • Symptoms: Reduced testosterone production.
      • Issues: Infertility and reduced sexual function.
    • High Levels:
      • Symptoms: Testicular pain.
      • Issues: Testicular dysfunction or tumors.
  • Women:
    • Low Levels:
      • Symptoms: Irregular periods.
      • Issues: Fertility problems.
    • High Levels:
      • Symptoms: Irregular menstrual cycles and hot flashes.
      • Issues: Polycystic ovary syndrome and menopause.

Pregnenolone

  • Function: A precursor for other steroid hormones like testosterone and estrogen.
  • Low Levels:
    • Symptoms: Fatigue, poor memory, and depression.
    • Issues: Reduced production of essential hormones.
  • High Levels:
    • Symptoms: Anxiety and insomnia.
    • Issues: Hormonal imbalances and potential adrenal issues.

Progesterone

  • Function: Prepares and maintains pregnancy and supports milk production.
  • Women:
    • Low Levels:
      • Symptoms: Irregular menstrual cycles, mood swings, and difficulty conceiving.
      • Issues: Infertility and increased risk of miscarriage.
    • High Levels:
      • Symptoms: Bloating, mood swings, and breast tenderness.
      • Issues: Hormonal imbalances.
  • Men:
    • Low Levels:
      • Symptoms: Mood changes and fatigue.
      • Issues: Reduced production of other essential hormones.
    • High Levels: Rare, but can indicate hormonal imbalance.

Prolactin

  • Function: Stimulates breast milk production and supports the immune system, mental health, and metabolism.
  • Low Levels:
    • Symptoms: Poor milk production in breastfeeding women.
    • Issues: Potential pituitary dysfunction.
  • High Levels:
    • Symptoms: Nipple discharge, menstrual irregularities in women, and erectile dysfunction or reduced libido in men.
    • Issues: Infertility, pituitary tumors, and metabolic issues.

Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1)

  • Function: Works with Growth Hormone to promote cell reproduction and regeneration.
  • Low Levels:
    • Symptoms: Poor growth in children, fatigue, and reduced muscle mass.
    • Issues: Chronic inflammation and short stature in children.
  • High Levels:
    • Symptoms: Enlarged body parts (hands, feet, face), joint pain.
    • Issues: Risk of cancer and acromegaly (abnormal growth).

Conclusion

Understanding these hormones and their roles can help you recognize potential health issues. Balancing your hormones is key to maintaining overall health and well-being. If you suspect an imbalance, make an appointment with a doctor from Ensocure or download our app for more information.