Hormone Balancing Herbs for Men

By: Jhoane Robinson

My last blog covered Hormone Balancing for Women, so it’s only fair to address our male counterparts, as well. Talking about male hormones can be a bit of a sensitive subject, but it’s an important one for us all to understand. To be clear, we’re not addressing sex drive here, but the complex hormonal system specific to men. So, guys, this one’s for you!

What is Testosterone?

Simply put, testosterone is one of the androgenic hormones. Testosterone is the main male hormone that is responsible for the physical characteristics of adult males. Right from the start of the development of a fetus, it’s testosterone that initiates the development of the male reproductive organs, including the testes (where testosterone is produced), and the prostate. Luteinizing hormone, generally recognized as the hormone that regulates women’s menstrual cycles, is also vital to men! It’s the hormone that causes the testes to produce testosterone!

What Does Testosterone Regulate in Males?

You know those ‘raging hormones’ we talk about when boys go through puberty? That’s when those pesky and vital testosterone hormones bring about changes in your voice, height, male hair growth, etc., and effect sexual and other behaviors.

While testosterone is most often associated with sex drive and sperm production, this hormone is as important to bone and muscle mass, how fat is stored in the body, red blood cell production, and even mood. Important hormone balance for overall male health is what we are covering.

Other Male Hormones

You know the Chinese symbol of the Yin/Yang? It is an ancient metaphor that symbolizes the male and female forces in nature; black is female (Yin), and white is male (Yang). There is a dot in each side, white in the black, and black in the white. This symbolizes that there is a bit of Yang in Yin, and a bit of Yin in Yang. This happens in our bodies with our male and female hormones – there is a bit of male (testosterone) in female and female (estrogen) in male. Testosterone, while mainly a male hormone produced in the testes, is also produced in women in the ovaries, and estrogen, mainly a female hormone produced primarily in the ovaries, is also produced in men, in the testes.

Of course, the testosterone level is much higher in men than in women, and there is much more estrogen in women than in men, but all human beings need both!

Estrogen

Estrogen production in the male body is totally normal and necessary.

Role of Estrogen in Men

Estrogen (as estradiol) plays a very important role in everyday health for men. It needs to be in balance with the rest of the hormones, especially testosterone.

Estrogen in men is important for:

• Maintenance of bone health
• Regulation of fat and lean muscle mass
• Brain functions
• Lipid metabolism
• Skin metabolism
• Erectile function and sex interest

Effects of Estrogen Imbalance:

High Estrogen in Men – Symptoms to watch for may include:

• Fatigue or lack of energy
• Mood swings, anxiousness, and/or depression
• Water retention
• Excessive sweating
• Insomnia
• Night sweats
• High blood pressure
• Enlargement of, or development of, breasts
• Erectile dysfunction, loss of libido, infertility, etc.

Low Estrogen in Men – Symptoms to watch for may include:

• Fatigue
• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Depressed mood
• Forgetfulness
• Oversleeping or sleeping too often
• Water retention
• Bone loss
• Fat accumulation
• Sexual dysfunction

Low estrogen levels and low testosterone levels tend to go hand in hand, with similar symptoms. Proper blood testing can determine which hormone levels are on the low side.

Cortisol – The Stress Hormone

Cortisol is a hormone that is released in the body by the adrenal glands as a response to threat of danger to the body. It’s that old fight-or-flight response.

Impact of Cortisol Imbalance

When there is a high ratio of cortisol to testosterone, that indicates there is chronic stress. High stress can affect libido and sperm quality, and high levels of cortisol may potentially interfere with testosterone levels and functions.

Aging and Male Hormone Levels

T levels dip in the 30’s, generally dropping approximately 1% each year. It’s normal for the body to produce smaller amounts of testosterone and estrogen from middle age on and is not necessarily a symptom of imbalance. This is sometimes referred to as andropause or male menopause.

Causes of Hormonal Imbalance in Men

• Lifestyle factors
• Poor diet and nutrition
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Certain medications
• Chronic stress
• Lack of sleep
• Injuries and trauma
• Hormone therapy
• Exposure to endocrine disruptors; natural or human-made chemicals that mimic, block, or interfere with the body’s hormones.

Recognizing Hormonal Imbalances

Physical Symptoms of Low T Levels:

The pituitary gland regulates testosterone production, so pituitary gland issues can be involved in testosterone imbalances and testosterone deficiency.

In adult men, low testosterone levels may show up as less muscle bulk, loss of body hair, wrinkled skin, and loss of muscle tone. Also, difficulty with concentrating, memory, sleep, and sexual performance. Other symptoms may be less energy, weight gain, or thinner bones. Sperm count and sperm motility are also affected by low testosterone levels.

Emotional and Psychological Symptoms of Low T Levels:

Low mood and moodiness, low self-esteem, and loss of libido.

Diagnostic Tests for Hormone Imbalance

Consult with your healthcare practitioner if you are concerned about your hormone levels. Both High and Low T Levels can easily be detected with blood testing. Testosterone replacement therapy is a medical option, but let’s talk about other options, as well.

Ways to Help Balance Hormones

Lifestyle Tips for Supporting Testosterone & Hormone Balance

• Sleep
• Healthy Diet
• Exercise
• Stress Management
• Vitamin D – deficiency in Vitamin D has been implicated in erectile dysfunction.
• Nascent Iodine – thyroid hormones are integral to other hormones’ production, and iodine is essential to thyroid hormone production.
• Supplement your diet with hormone balancing & supporting herbs.

Herbs to Boost Testosterone Levels:

Traditional Medicine, such as TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) and Ayurvedic Medicine, have used herbs as testosterone supplements for centuries.

• Ashwagandha Root – Found to improve testosterone levels and follicle-stimulating hormone, which is connected to sperm quality and male fertility. (Ginseng Vitality) 
• Tribulus Terrestris (puncture weed) – Supports hormone levels, sexual function, and libido.
• Tongkat Ali – Known as an herbal testosterone booster, stimulates the release of free testosterone, reduces fatigue, and improves well-being. (Revive-His-Drive™)
• Maca Root – May significantly increase testosterone levels in healthy men. (Revive-His-Drive™, Ginseng Vitality)
• Fenugreek Seed – Helps increase testosterone levels. (Thyro Boost)
• Horny Goat Weed (Epimedium sagittatum) – Believed to improve desire and function as a testosterone booster. (Revive-His-Drive)
• Asian Ginseng Root – Impacts testosterone health, reduces stress, and helps improve sexual health and function in men. (Ginseng Vitality)

Cedar Bear Dietary Supplements for Men’s Hormone Support:

Tongkat Ali Root

Supports testosterone, and and strengthens virility, energy, libido, and male health. Helps boost athletic performance, and benefits muscle mass and strength.

 Ashwagandha Root 

Adaptogenic, revitalizing, rejuvenating, and strengthens resilience to stress. Rejuvenates the reproductive system and energy in both men and women.

 Lion’s Mane Mushroom 

May increase testosterone production through the beneficial effects it has on the brain (especially through the hypothalamus, which controls the pituitary gland.) Supports brain health and helps reduce the negative effects of stress.

 Revive-His-Drive™ – Mojo Energy & Male Health Builder

An all-natural herbal formula that strengthens the male reproductive/hormonal system, helps maintain circulation and blood flow to the lower extremities, builds energy and vitality, and benefits overall long-term sexual health, supports short­-term performance, benefits athletic performance.

 Adrenal Balance – Adrenal Exhaustion, Stress, & Mental Focus

Stress and life’s pressures cause adrenal exhaustion, which leads to physical, mental, and emotional fatigue, raw nerves, and difficulty with brain fog and mental focusing. Strengthens the body’s ability to handle stress, helps rejuvenate overall health and vitality, and calms the nervous system. Helps you get your get-up-and-go back!

 Ginseng Vitality ­– Builds Energy, Vitality & Immune Health

Strengthens physical, mental, and emotional vitality, immune system, cardiovascular health, and brain function, and builds overall stamina and energy levels, turns back the clock, and even helps strengthen libido!

 Thyro Boost – Activates & Builds the Thyroid

Low thyroid function slows metabolism and affects every organ system and function of your body. Supports thyroid function and boosts your thyroid.

 Nascent Iodine – Benefits Thyroid, Immune Function, & Overall Health

An alcohol-free daily use iodine supplement that gently supports iodine levels. Iodine is essential for the thyroid and benefits endocrine and immune function, metabolism, and cardiovascular health.

What Does This All Mean?

We’ve covered a lot here, so what does it all mean? When it all comes together, whether you are in a male or female body, your hormones and endocrine system need to be in balance for optimal health. That’s why we at Cedar Bear have created herbal formulas specifically with your and your endocrine system’s health in mind.

Go to www.cedarbear.com for natural hormone and endocrine support for both men and women.

Don’t let your health and well-being be less than the best! Check out Cedar Bear supplements today! 

(These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.)