When you think about men’s health and hormones, testosterone probably comes to mind first. It’s often seen as the marker of masculinity, strength and vitality. And while it’s important, it’s not the whole story.
“Testosterone is one of thousands of hormones in the human body and they all work together to maintain optimal health,” said Rebecca Rosenberg, DO, a metabolic medicine and endocrinologist with Banner Health. “Other hormones, like DHEA, estrogen, cortisol and thyroid hormones, also play important roles in your energy, mood, memory and overall vitality.”
Hormones are chemical messengers that guide how your body works. They influence sleep, energy, stress, metabolism, sex drive, heart health and more. Your hormones don’t work in isolation; they work as a team. If one hormone is off, it can throw the whole system out of balance.
That’s why optimizing your health isn’t just about testosterone. Read on to learn about key hormones involved in men’s health and how to support healthy levels naturally.
Testosterone: The star, but not the whole show
Testosterone often gets the spotlight when it comes to men’s health, and there are some good reasons for that.
“In addition to stimulating sexual development during puberty, testosterone is important for libido (sex drive), energy, metabolic and cardiovascular health, as well as maintenance of bone density as people age,” Dr. Rosenberg said.
Why balance matters
When testosterone is low, you may notice:
- Low energy (fatigue)
- Low sex drive or sexual performance issues
- Mood swings or irritability
- Loss of muscle and strength
- More body fat, especially around your midsection
“Low T,” as some people refer to it, can happen for many reasons. Age is one factor but stress, certain medications, poor sleep and medical conditions can also lower it.
Some men turn to testosterone replacement therapy (or TRT). While it can be helpful in certain situations, taking too much, especially when you don’t need it, can backfire.
“If you take too much testosterone via medications, it can turn into estradiol (estrogen) in the body,” Dr. Rosenberg said.
Estrogen: The quiet supporter
Yes, men have estrogen. In men, the main form is estradiol. Your body makes estradiol by converting some testosterone (a process called aromatization). Estradiol helps with maintaining bone density, supports sex drive and affects mood and brain health.
Why balance matters
Too low estradiol can weaken bones and lower libido. Low levels are not generally a cause for concern.
Too high estradiol can cause infertility, gynecomastia and erectile dysfunction.
Cortisol: Your stress hormone
Cortisol sometimes gets a bad rap but your body needs it. This hormone, produced by the adrenal gland, helps your body wake up in the morning and cope with stress.
“Cortisol is also one of the primary hormones in our bodies that is responsible for maintenance of normal blood pressure and electrolyte balance,” Dr. Rosenberg said.
Why balance matters
The problem comes when cortisol stays high for too long, like when you’re under constant stress. Chronic high cortisol (called Cushing’s syndrome) can lead to:
- Weight gain, especially around the belly
- Low energy
- Poor sleep
- Lower testosterone levels
- Anxiety or irritability
- Weaker immunity
On the other hand, too little cortisol (sometimes called adrenal fatigue) can leave you feeling drained, dizzy, or mentally foggy. “In some cases, it can cause dangerously low blood pressure and severe electrolyte problems, which can be life-threatening,” Dr. Rosenberg said.
Thyroid hormones: Your body’s thermostat
Your thyroid gland, a small butterfly-shaped organ in your neck, produces hormones that control how fast your body uses energy. They affect heart rate, metabolism, digestion, body temperature and more.
Why balance matters
Thyroid issues can affect how you feel, think and move.
“Low thyroid, called hypothyroidism, typically causes weight gain, constipation, low heart rate and fatigue,” Dr. Rosenberg said. “Too much thyroid, or hyperthyroidism, can cause heart racing/palpitations, heart arrhythmias, high blood pressure, weight loss, frequent bowel movements, and fatigue.”
Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can also impact fertility, affecting sperm production and quality.
DHEA: The helper hormone
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is made in the adrenal glands. It helps with energy, immune system strength, mood, stress and brain function and memory.
“DHEA is one of the building blocks used to turn cholesterol into other hormones like testosterone, aldosterone, cortisol and estradiol/estrogen,” Dr. Rosenberg said.
Why balance matters
Like testosterone, low DHEA levels are common with aging. It may leave you feeling tired, less motivated or foggy.
If your DHEA is elevated, it can affect sex drive, getting or maintaining an erection and increased heart disease risk.
The most common cause of high DHEA levels is the use of supplements. “As with most supplements that are sold over-the-counter (OTC), the scientific data behind using DHEA as a supplement is limited,” Dr. Rosenberg said. “Always check with your health care provider before starting a supplement.”
How to support healthy hormone levels
You can’t control everything about your hormones, but some lifestyle choices can make a difference. Here are some ways to support balance:
- Lift and move: Strength training, in particular, boosts testosterone and helps manage cortisol and insulin sensitivity. Aim for a mix of lifting and cardio. Avoid overtraining.
- Prioritize sleep (seven to nine hours each night): Keep a cool, dark room. If you snore or wake up feeling unrefreshed, consider asking about a sleep study. “One of the most common causes of low testosterone is poor sleep and sleep apnea,” Dr. Rosenberg said.
- Eat real food: Fill half your plate with vegetables and fruit, add lean protein, whole grains and healthy fats. Limit processed food or sugar. Avoid extreme dieting.
- Manage stress: Try deep breathing, meditation or even short breaks during your workday. Therapy or counseling can also help.
- Limit alcohol and avoid tobacco: Both can affect hormone balance and sleep.
- Think before you supplement: Some OTC hormone boosters make big promises but can disrupt your natural balance. Always talk to your provider first.
When to talk to your provider
Sometimes, lifestyle changes aren’t enough on their own. If you still feel “off,” you don’t need to wait. “You should always feel comfortable talking with your provider if something feels off, no matter how mild or severe your symptoms are,” Dr. Rosenberg said.
You may want to ask about hormone testing if you have:
- Ongoing tiredness, even after good sleep
- Low sex drive or performance changes
- Mood shifts like irritability or depression
- Trouble gaining muscle or losing weight
- Difficulty concentrating or memory lapses
- Sleep issues
Your provider may order blood tests for testosterone, thyroid function (TSH and related tests), and other labs. Testing helps find the root cause and prevents guesswork.
Takeaway
When it comes to men’s hormones, testosterone matters but it isn’t the whole story. Estrogen, cortisol, thyroid hormones and DHEA all influence energy, mood, weight, sleep and sexual health. When they’re in balance, you feel like yourself again.
If something doesn’t feel right, don’t ignore it. At Banner Health, our providers can help you understand your hormone levels, address underlying issues and guide you toward safe, effective solutions. Make an appointment today.
