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November 24, 2025
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Hormonal imbalance is common and caused by several factors. It can happen in both women and men, of which the latter may or may not be aware.
The social stigma or taboo that men shouldn't or do not talk about their problems is still prevalent.
Although it can be argued to be a form of "toxic masculinity", in actual fact, there are many reasons behind a man's preference to keep to themselves. Ironically, it could also be a sign of hormonal imbalance.
What are hormones?
The human body has more than 50 hormones [1]. They are essentially the body's chemical messengers. They signal the body what to do and when to do something.
They profoundly affect the body's growth and development, metabolism, sexual function, reproduction and mood. In a nutshell, hormones are essential to an individual's life and health.
The Importance of Hormones
Hormones regulate the human body's various systems. From the wake/sleep cycle, digestion, and respiration to tissue function, mood and metabolism [2].
Any imbalance, no matter how little, can have a sizeable effect on the human body regarding its wellbeing and ability to function.
What Is Hormonal Imbalance?
An imbalance happens when there is too little or too much of something, which also applies to hormones. While some hormonal imbalances are temporary, others are long-term or chronic.
A hormonal imbalance may require treatment so that the affected individual can lead a better quality of life and health [3]. Left untreated, it can potentially lead to several detrimental issues.
Causes of Male Hormone Imbalance
In men, ageing is a leading cause of male hormonal imbalance. Typically, male growth hormones tend to decrease after the age of 20.
When they hit 40, only half of these hormones are retained. By the age of 80, about five percent is left.
Other leading causes of hormonal imbalance in men include [3]:
- Insulin resistance and obesity (brought about by excess sugars and refined starches)
- Trans fatty acids (as in pastries and highly processed foods)
- Chronic stress (excess cortisol)
- Sleep deprivation
- Working nights under bright lights and trying to sleep in the daytime (the melatonin effect)
- Fluoridated water and toothpaste
- Environmental xenoestrogens
- Cigarette smoking
- Zinc deficiency
- Testosterone deficiency
- Progesterone deficiency
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Cadmium toxicity
- Lack of sulfur-containing amino acids and glutamine
- Lack of good antioxidants
- Lack of exercise
- Magnesium deficiency
- Liver dysfunction (and the use of drugs that impair liver function)
- Polluted air
- Hypothyroidism
Certain medical conditions or issues are known causes, such as:
- Type 1 and type 2 diabetes
- Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism
- Pituitary tumours, benign tumours, cancer, and Cancer treatment
- High or low levels of cortisol (Cushing's Syndrome or Addison's Disease)
- Iodine deficiency
- Endocrine gland injury
- Hereditary pancreatitis
While ageing is inevitable, staying healthy and minding our wellbeing can help keep the hormones balanced to a certain extent. Still, it can be a difficult challenge, especially regarding hereditary-related issues.
Types of Male Hormone Imbalance
Common male hormonal imbalances can be classified into four types [4], and these are:
- Andropause: Also known as "male menopause", this is the most common type
- Adrenal fatigue: This type is caused by prolonged stress. A common symptom is tiredness
Hyperthyroidism: This condition occurs when the thyroid glands become overactive - Hypothyroidism: This condition occurs when the thyroid glands become underactive
Symptoms Of Hormonal Imbalance In Men
There are symptoms that men can look out for, and these include [5]:
- Cognitive decline
- Depression
- Erectile dysfunction
- Fatigue
- Hair loss, including a decrease in beard and body hair growth
- Loss of muscle mass
- Low sex drive
- Memory loss
- Weight gain
- Gynecomastia, or the enlargement of male breasts
- Tenderness in the breast area
- Erectile dysfunction (ED)
- Loss of muscle mass
- Loss of bone mass, otherwise known as osteoporosis
- Difficulty in concentrating
5 Most Common Symptoms Of Male Hormonal Imbalance in Singapore
While hormonal imbalance can happen to just about anyone and hence can be distressing, there are common symptoms that men in Singapore can look out for.
1. Low Libido
Having low libido or sex drive can be a sign of a hormonal imbalance [6]. In men, a downward dive in testosterone levels is a common cause, but high estrogen levels may also impede one's sexual desire and performance.
The cause of low libido can be better ascertained with a complete medical evaluation.
2. Erectile Dysfunction
Low testosterone is often associated with erectile dysfunction [7]. However, other factors or causes include stress, depression, heart disease, insomnia and others. Addressing hormonal imbalance may help in treating erectile dysfunction.
3. Losing Muscle and Gaining Fat
Testosterone helps to regulate the maintenance of muscles, and when their levels drop, muscles degenerate more easily [8].
Loss of muscles means fewer calories to burn (as muscles burn calories), and if an individual doesn't change their eating habits to cater to the change, they're more likely to gain weight.
High levels of cortisol can also cause weight gain and muscle loss. Certain conditions, such as hypothyroidism, can also cause a metabolic disruption, often leading to weight gain.
These are generally considered the causes of hormonal imbalance, and getting the right diagnosis is critical to look for the necessary and appropriate treatment/s.
4. Mood Changes
Low testosterone levels can lead to mood swings, depression, anxiety, decreased motivation and other symptoms, which, if not addressed or treated, can lead to more pressing and detrimental issues [9].
The reality is that many men don't realise that the mood swings they are experiencing are caused by hormonal imbalance and, for that reason, do not know how and where to get help. An affected individual needs to seek qualified help soonest to facilitate the proper treatment.
05. Gynecomastia
A strong indicator of hormonal imbalance is gynecomastia or male breast enlargement [10]. It is a real problem among men, but due to the social stigma surrounding it, most men are too shy to seek treatment until it is too late.
Gynecomastia is often, among others, the result of a decrease in testosterone levels compared to oestrogen levels. The condition can be painful for some affected individuals and even adversely affect their mental well-being. It is an issue that needs to be properly diagnosed and treated.
How to know if you’re experiencing a male hormonal imbalance
Setting up a physical examination appointment with a doctor is a recommended first step.
Bring along any supplements and medications, and be frank with the doctor regarding the symptoms you are experiencing.
The doctor may ask questions that include:
- How often are you experiencing symptoms?
- Does anything help relieve your symptoms?
- Have you lost or gained weight recently?
- Are you more stressed than usual?
- Do you have trouble getting or maintaining an erection?
Based on your answers, the doctor may suggest further tests to ascertain the root cause before recommending any treatment.
