Hormones are your body’s internal messengers, and when their levels fall out of balance, the effects can ripple across your physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
From infancy through adulthood, hormones play a critical role in shaping how your body develops and functions.
Shortly after birth, both baby boys and girls can experience temporary breast tissue enlargement due to estrogen passed from the mother during pregnancy, showing just how early hormone exposure begins.
Years later, the surge in hormones during puberty drives dramatic physical and emotional changes in both sexes.
By adulthood, maintaining a healthy hormonal balance is key to staying energetic, mentally sharp, and physically resilient.
Men and women both produce hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, but in different ratios that support their unique physiological needs.
In men, testosterone supports muscle mass, bone density, and sexual function, while small but vital amounts of estrogen help regulate fat distribution and bone metabolism.
When testosterone falls below optimal levels, men may notice symptoms such as reduced muscle strength, lower energy, and decreased libido.
At the same time, low estrogen levels can also contribute to increased body fat and weakened bones, and research shows that estrogen deficiency is linked to male hypogonadism and its associated symptoms.
Hormonal changes may be subtle at first but become more pronounced with age.
Some men are surprised to learn that declining estrogen, not just testosterone, may be responsible for symptoms like poor sleep, mood shifts, or changes in sexual function.
Fortunately, hormone levels can be evaluated through a simple blood test, typically done in the morning when levels are most stable.
A comprehensive evaluation can identify whether deficiencies exist and whether they may be affecting your health in ways you hadn’t connected to hormones.
For example, low testosterone is associated with reduced bone density and increased fracture risk in older men, a connection highlighted in research from the Endocrine Society.
Measuring estradiol, a form of estrogen, is just as important.
Estradiol levels influence everything from fat metabolism to cardiovascular function and libido, which is why it’s now standard to assess this hormone in men as well as women.
Because hormone levels differ from one person to another, knowing your personal baseline is essential.
Symptoms of hormone deficiency are not just a “normal” part of aging—they’re signals that something in your internal balance may need attention.
Getting your hormones tested provides clarity and a foundation for addressing issues that might otherwise go overlooked.
If you’ve been experiencing low energy, brain fog, weight gain, or changes in mood or performance, hormones could be part of the equation.
Taking action starts with knowledge.