International Men’s Day, celebrated every year on 19 November, reminds us of the importance of men’s health. This year’s theme is ‘Positive Male Role Models’ and it inspires us to focus on their overall well-being so that we can remain role models for our families. This is the perfect opportunity to focus on a problem that is often associated with women and ignored among men. Hormonal imbalance can have a significant impact on a person’s overall health, affecting everything from physical health to mental health. Dietitian Manpreet Kalra highlighted the issue in an Instagram post and all men should take notes.
Read also: Boost Male Fertility: Expert Diet Tips to Improve Sperm Quality
Do men have hormonal problems?
Like women, men can experience fluctuations in hormone levels throughout their lives. These imbalances can lead to a variety of health problems, including:
- Low testosterone: This can lead to decreased sex drive, fatigue, and muscle loss.
- High estrogen: Elevated estrogen levels can contribute to gynecomastia (enlarged breasts) and reduced testosterone levels.
- Thyroid dysfunction: An imbalance in thyroid hormones can affect metabolism, energy levels, and weight management.
- Adrenal fatigue: Chronic stress can lead to adrenal fatigue, which includes fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and poor mood.
Read also:Pumpkin seeds for men’s health: A man’s best friend?
Here are 5 common hormonal problems in men and their natural remedies
1. Skin Tags:
These small, fleshy growths may appear on the neck, armpits, or groin. They are often associated with insulin resistance.
Remedy: Consuming fenugreek seeds regularly can help control blood sugar levels and reduce insulin resistance.
2.Excess Belly Fat:
Belly fat is often linked to hormonal imbalance, especially insulin resistance.
Remedy: Adding cinnamon to your diet can help control blood sugar levels and reduce belly fat.
3. Gynecomastia/ male breast enlargement
Enlarged breasts in men may be caused by hormonal imbalance, such as increased estrogen levels.
Remedy: Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower can help balance hormone levels and reduce estrogen dominance.
4. Male Pattern Baldness:
This condition is often associated with high levels of DHT (Dihydrotestosterone).
Remedy: Nettle tea has been shown to prevent the conversion of testosterone to DHT, potentially slowing hair loss.
5. Neck Lump, Adrenal Fatigue:
Chronic stress can lead to adrenal fatigue, which is characterized by fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and poor mood.
Remedy: Ashwagandha, an adaptogenic herb, may help reduce stress and control cortisol levels.
Also read: 6 Foods to Increase Libido and Improve Sex Life for Men
Factors beyond diet, lifestyle to manage hormonal imbalance in men:
Apart from dietary interventions, lifestyle factors can also play an important role in managing hormonal imbalance:
- Regular exercise: Regular physical activity can help regulate hormones, reduce stress, and improve overall health.
- Stress management: Practice stress-reducing techniques like yoga, meditation or deep breathing to reduce cortisol levels.
- Adequate sleep: Prioritize quality sleep to maintain hormonal balance and overall health.
- Limit alcohol and processed foods: Excessive alcohol consumption and processed foods can have negative effects on hormonal health.
It is important to consult a health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of any underlying hormonal imbalance. While natural remedies can be helpful, they should be used with medical advice.
