Sex hormones are hormones that are involved in the regulation of sexual development and reproduction. The primary sex hormones are estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. Men and women have all of these, just in different amounts and ratios. Estrogen and progesterone are found in greater amounts in women. Testosterone is the predominant sex hormone in men. They are called “sex hormones” because they regulate the reproductive (sex-related) functions of the body. These include the menstrual cycle and the production of eggs by the ovaries and sperm by the testes.

When men and women have chronic fatigue caused by an imbalance in their sex hormones, it is usually from different hormones. For men, it is usually due to a testosterone deficiency. For women, it is usually due to estrogen and/or progesterone imbalances.

These imbalances can occur at any age, but tend to get worse as you get older. The most dramatic shifts in sex hormones occur at puberty, after delivering children, around menopause, and in andropause. (Andropause is a real condition a man may experience in middle age. A decrease in testosterone can lead to a decrease in libido, and, of course, fatigue.)

Imbalances in sex hormones are much more common than you might think and can cause fatigue in both men and women. Besides fatigue, sex hormone imbalances can produce many signs and symptoms, including (but not limited to) hot flashes, premenstrual symptoms, low libido, erectile dysfunction, infertility, polycystic ovaries, mood instability and sleep disturbances. Bringing hormones into balance can dramatically improve your energy and quality of life, and can ease the transition through menopause and andropause.

Bringing your sex hormones into balance has other health benefits, including lowering your risk for heart attack, stroke, and Alzheimer's disease.

Hormone levels can be assessed using blood, urine, and saliva testing, and each has appropriate applications. Hormone imbalances today are complicated by stress and overwhelmed adrenals as well as exposure to xenoestrogens (estrogen disrupting chemicals), which are present all around us. Your adrenals and thyroid must be regulated before the ovaries or testes can function optimally.

Symptoms of Estrogen Deficiency

These symptoms are typically found in peri- (approaching menopause) and post-menopausal (after menopause) women:

• Hot flashes

• Vaginal dryness

• Pain with intercourse

• Hair loss

• Memory loss

• Recurrent bladder infections

• Depression

• Joint stiffness

• Light or absent menses

• Weight gain

• Fatigue

• Problems staying asleep

• Increased risk for heart attack and Alzheimer’s disease

Symptoms of Estrogen Excess

These symptoms are typically found in menstruating women the week before their periods:

• Premenstrual and menstrual symptoms (bloating, headaches/migraines, abdominal cramping, etc.)

• Irregular periods

• Breast swelling and tenderness

• Fatigue

Symptoms of Progesterone Deficiency

These symptoms are typically found in peri- and post-menopausal women.

• Hard time falling asleep

• Premenstrual symptoms

• Depression

• Anxiety

• Headaches

• Migraines

Symptoms of Testosterone Deficiency

These symptoms are typically found in men and women after fifty years of age or younger when the usual suspects are present. (Remember, the usual suspects are heavy metals, chemicals, molds, infections, allergies, emotions, and electromagnetic frequencies.)

• Decreased libido

• Erectile dysfunction

• Hard time building muscles

• Poor decision-making ability

• Diminished physical performance

• Lack of endurance/stamina

• Depression

• Anxiety

• Increased risk for heart attack, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease

• High cholesterol

Symptoms of Testosterone Excess

These symptoms are typically found in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome and men on testosterone therapy.

Anger

Aggression

Ovarian cyst growth

Facial hair growth

Infertility

Increased risk for heart attack or stroke (because of blood clotting

Testing

The methods I use to assess sex hormone status include your symptoms, of course, and blood, urine, and saliva testing. Blood testing is the most convenient, however, it is only good for assessing testosterone unless the levels of estrogen or progesterone are very high or low. Urine testing is best if you are already receiving hormone therapy, whereas urine or saliva both work well for those not yet receiving hormone therapy.

The Dance of the Hormones

A beautiful dance takes place between the thyroid, the adrenals, and the gonads (ovaries/testes). These glands compensate for each other during times of stress and imbalance. Ideally, when the gonads stop producing sex hormones (as in menopause and andropause), the adrenals and the thyroid should compensate by increasing the production of their own hormones. Sex hormone production is also continued by the adrenal glands. However, in today’s high-stress and toxic world, your adrenal gland’s function may already be compromised and may be unable to compensate adequately. This results in the hormonal deficiency symptoms of menopause and andropause. Consequently, if adrenal and thyroid function is optimal, you will have fewer symptoms of menopause or andropause.

Action Steps

• If you are experiencing the symptoms listed above, schedule a time to chat so we can discuss a plan to get your hormones balanced and get you back on the road to higher levels of energy.

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