Hormonal disorders can affect a man's general well-being and libido.
It is important to note that testosterone is not the only possible cause—various hormones can disrupt the body's overall hormonal balance and lead to significant disturbances.
The most significant hormonal disorder in men is testosterone deficiency (hypogonadism).
The most common form is late-onset hypogonadism, which affects 20–30% of men over the age of 40. It results from the continuous decline in testosterone production in the testes—approximately 1 to 2 percent per year.
Less common hormonal disorders involve the production of:
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Prolactin – e.g., hyperprolactinemia caused by benign pituitary tumors
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Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) – e.g., DHEA deficiency syndrome
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Estrogen – e.g., usually as a consequence of testosterone deficiency
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Thyroid hormones – e.g., hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism
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Melatonin – e.g., disruptions in the sleep-wake cycle
A comprehensive initial examination, including a detailed hormonal profile, is the foundation of any therapy. Based on your symptoms and laboratory results, appropriate next steps can be planned.