male hormones list

When it comes to male hormones, the one that probably leaps to mind first is testosterone. It’s frequently considered a major contributing factor to male traits like a deep voice, hairiness and muscle mass. Testosterone is a major player, that’s been established, but it’s only one player in a far more complicated hormonal system. Several hormones collaborate within the male body, affecting everything from masculine mood and energy to fertility and his general well-being.

An awareness of this entire range of hormones is important in order to remain healthy. Someone who has too little or too much of any one of these chemicals may experience symptoms that interfere with how and where they live, learn or work. Here’s an extensive list of male hormones including their individual functions and symptoms of imbalance as well as actionable tips to keep your hormonal balance in check.

The Big Six: Key Male Hormones

These are hormones most closely associated with male development and action. They are potent and have systemwide effects.

Testosterone

These are hormones most closely associated with male development and action. They are potent and have systemwide effects.

• Muscle Mass and Strength: Protein synthesis is a basic requirement for muscle hypertrophy and maintenance, a process mediated by testosterone.
• White and Density: LeBeau White is a holistic nutritionist whose focus is on building strong and healthy bones to help minimize fractures.
• Sexual Drive and Function: Testosterone is a major factor in sex drive (libido); some men may experience diminished libido with declining testosterone levels, but this cannot necessarily be explained by the falling levels.
• Production of Red Blood Cells: It encourages production of red blood cells that help oxygenate our body.

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)

5-alpha-reductase is an enzyme that converts testosterone into DHT, a powerful androgen. It is much stronger than testosterone, but the effects are narrower. DHT is critical for:

• Masculinization of the Male Genitalia: DHT is required for development of the penis, scrotum and prostate gland during fetal life.
• Hairy Factors: It causes growth of body, facial and pubic hair. Ironically, it is also a major contributor to male pattern baldness in those who are genetically predisposed.
• Prostate Health: DHT, derived from testosterone, is the enemy of your prostate. Although some DHT is needed, when too much of the hormone exists it can irritate or enlarge the prostate causing benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)

DHEA is an adrenal steroid hormone. This is because the body can metabolize it into other hormones, such as testosterone and estrone. DHEA concentrations reach their maximum in early adulthood and decrease afterwards during aging. It influences:

• Energy Levels and Health: A lot of people feel good at healthy levels of DHEA and use it to energize themselves.
• Immune Function: DHEA has the potential to regulate immune function, helping your body kill off invading bugs.
• Cognitive Function: Some evidence suggests that DHEA is involved in memory and cognitive function.

The Supporting Cast: Secondary Male Hormones

While not strictly “male,” these hormones have critical supporting roles for male reproductive health and balance.

Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

LH is a messenger hormone that is made in the brain’s pituitary gland. It is in charge of trekking down to the testicles (or testes) and then stimulating Leydig cells to produce testosterone. Consider it the “on” switch for testosterone production.

Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

FSH is also manufactured by the pituitary gland, and is the sister hormone to LH. In men, FSH is necessary for sperm production (spermatogenesis). It is necessary for male fertility, as it activates the Sertoli cells in the testes which are responsible for feeding and nurturing growing sperm cells.

Estrogen (Estradiol)

Yes, men have estrogen too! The main form of estrogen (though much less prevalent than in women), estradiol is important to overall male health. It is converted from testosterone by an enzyme known as aromatase. Its functions include:

• Bone Health: Estrogen, just like testosterone, is necessary to maintain bone mass.
• Brain Health: It supports brain and mental functions.
• Sexual function: Optimal levels of estrogen and testosterone are a must for robust libido and normal erectile ability.

The Influencers: Hormones with Indirect Effects

This is a family of hormones that don’t control male sexual features directly, but they have large implications on the hormone situation in general.

Growth Hormone (GH)

GH, a hypophyseal secretion is essential for growth in childhood/adolescence. In adults, it may still act to:

• Metabolism: GH is involved in controlling fat, protein, and glucose metabolism.
• Muscle Building: It encourages the growth and repair of muscle.
• Lean Body Mass: Normal GH helps your body be leaner while retaining less fat mass.

Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1)

IGF-1 mediates much of the effects of Growth Hormone, and is synthesized primarily in the liver when stimulated by GH. IGF-1 is a growth factor that has anabolic effects on nearly every cell in the body, including muscle, cartilage and bone.

Cortisol

It’s so called the stress hormone; cortisol is synthesized in the adrenal glands as a reaction to stress. Although it is necessary for “fight or flight”, high cortisol levels can throw the balance of hormones out of whack. It may inhibit testosterone production and obstruct the work of other vital hormones.

Recognizing Hormonal Imbalance

When this elaborate system is getting out of whack, the body often provides clear warnings. Common signs of an hormonal imbalance in men include:

• A feeling of lethargy and lack of energy
• Mood swings, irritability, or depression
• Decrease in your sex drive or sexual problems (for example impotence)
• Loss of muscle and gain in fat, particularly around the waist
• Difficulty concentrating or “brain fog”
• hair loss or abnormal hair growth on the bodyBloody or black stools.

If you have these symptoms, your doctor can order simple blood tests to determine your hormone levels. Standard tests that you might see on your results sheet are total and free testosterone, LH, FSH, estradiol and thyroid hormones.

Pathways to Hormonal Health

Treatment may involve changes to lifestyle factors right through to medical intervention, for example hormone replacement therapy (HRT). But there are also steps you can take to help nourish your hormones naturally.

Nutrition and Diet

It’s important to maintain a well-balanced diet to ensure the body has what it needs for making hormones.

• Good Fats: Cholesterol is a building block for steroid hormones, such as testosterone. Add sources such as avocados, nuts and seeds and olive oil.
• Adequate Protein: You also need adequate protein to support muscle health and control hunger.
• Zinc: (meat, shellfish and seeds) Vitamin D (sunlight and fortified foods) are especially important when it comes to cookin’ up teh t-sauce.

Exercise and Physical Activity

Regular exercise is one of the most reliable tools for building hormonal health.

• Resistance training: Weight lifting will temporarily increase testosterone and improve your body composition in the long run.
• High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT): Any kind of high-intensity activity will activate the production of both GH and testosterone.
• Don’t Train Too Much: Over-training can elevate cortisol and suppress testosterone.

Stress Management and Sleep

Both of these are non-negotiable for hormonal balance.

• Lower Cortisol: Practice stress-reduction methods such as meditation, deep breathing, yoga or getting in touch with nature.
• Get Enough Sleep: Always try to sleep 7-9 hours of good quality night time sleep. A lot of testosterone and GH are generated by the body while you sleep so therefore it’s a vitally important time for hormone regulation.

A Holistic View of Male Health

The male sex hormone system is much more complex than just testosterone. From the signaling hormones in the brain (LH and FSH) to your stress response that’s worked out by cortisol, it’s all about balance! Knowing all the male hormones and how they are used in your body, puts you in charge of your health.

You can help assist this complex system by living a healthy lifestyle which includes good nutrition, regular exercise and stress reduction techniques. And if you are worried about a hormone imbalance, definitely go talk to the doctor! A simple blood test can bring this into focus and direct you toward the right solutions so you feel your best.