Hormones and Male Sexual Health: What You Should Know

Do you ever feel like your energy is lower, your sex drive is off, or things just aren’t the same in the bedroom? You are not alone. As many as one in every six men regularly have low levels of sexual desire.

While many people blame natural aging, the real culprits are hormones. Testosterone and other hormones play a huge role in how you feel, function, and perform. But as you get older, or due to lifestyle factors those levels decline, and can lead to issues like low libido, fatigue, and even erectile dysfunction (ED).

At Totality Men, we focus on optimizing your hormones so you can get back to feeling like yourself. Let’s break down the key hormones that impact your sexual health, the symptoms of imbalance, and what you can do to regain control.

The Key Hormones That Affect Your Sexual Health

Your entire body, including almost all of its functions, runs on a network of hormones, but for sexual health, these are the most important ones:

1. Testosterone 

Often dubbed the powerhouse hormone, testosterone is the primary male sex hormone. It regulates libido, sperm production, muscle mass, and overall energy. However, testosterone has a natural tendency to decline as you age. It’ll decrease by about 1%-2% per year, especially after 30. Testosterone levels are typically at their peak during your early twenties.

Low T levels can lead to:

• Loss of muscle mass and increased belly fat
• Fatigue and brain fog
• Decreased sex drive
• Erectile dysfunction

If you’re feeling like a shadow of your former self, low testosterone might be the reason.

2. Estrogen – Yes, Men Need It Too

Contrary to popular belief, men also need estrogen, just in smaller amounts. An imbalance of Testosterone and estrogen can lead to symptoms like:

• Low libido
• Increased body fat, especially around the belly
• Mood swings and irritability

3. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) 

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is known as the building block hormone. It’s a precursor hormone that helps your body make testosterone and estrogen. It also plays a role in energy, mood, and stress management. Low levels can contribute to low libido, weight gain, and depression.

4. Cortisol – The Stress Hormone That Wrecks Everything

Cortisol is the stress hormone that wrecks everything, including your sex drive. Stress is the leading cause of poor mental and physical health in adults, affecting more than half (53%) of men and women. 

In men, high cortisol levels suppress testosterone and can cause:

• Chronic fatigue
• Poor sleep
• Reduced libido

If you’re always stressed, your hormones are likely out of balance. 

6 Signs Your Hormones Are Out of Balance

It’s a fact that your hormones will decline or go out of balance as you age, but how do you know if that’s what’s affecting your sexual health? Here are some key symptoms to watch out for:

• Weight gain (especially belly fat): Higher estrogen levels and lower testosterone can contribute to this.
• Difficulty gaining muscle or loss of strength: This can result from low testosterone, which is essential for muscle growth and maintenance.
• Low libido: A drop in sex drive is often the first sign your hormones are declining.
• Erectile dysfunction: Struggling to get or maintain an erection could mean low testosterone.
• Lack of morning wood: If you used to wake up ready to go but don’t anymore, your hormones might be off.
• Fatigue and brain fog: Low energy and trouble concentrating could signal low testosterone or high cortisol.
• Mood swings and irritability: If you’re feeling more anxious or down, your hormone balance could be the reason.

How to Balance Your Hormones and Boost Sexual Health

If you’re gaining body fat, losing muscle, feeling low, your sex drive is shot, or you can’t focus anymore, you might want to turn to experts to optimize your hormonal health. Here’s what you can do:

1. Get Your Testosterone Levels Checked

If you suspect hormone imbalance, get tested. Running comprehensive hormone tests to check your testosterone, estrogen, DHEA, and cortisol levels can help. Based on these results, a men’s healthcare expert can create a tailored plan for you.

2. Consider Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)

Testosterone replacement therapy can restore your T levels and improve libido, energy, and muscle mass​. TRT is available in different forms, including:

• Injections: The most effective and popular method.
• Topical gels or patches: Applied daily for a steady hormone release.
• Pellets: Inserted under the skin and lasts several months.

TRT can help:

• Boost sex drive and performance
• Increase muscle strength
• Improve energy and mood
• Reduce body fat​

3. Optimize Your Diet for Hormone Health

Food directly affects your hormones, so be mindful of what you eat. Of course, you should consult a certified nutritionist for a personalized diet plan, but typically your diet should include: 

• Healthy fats: Avocados, nuts, and olive oil support testosterone.
• Zinc-rich foods: Oysters, beef, and pumpkin seeds help testosterone production.
• Protein: Eggs, chicken, and fish fuel hormone production.
• Dark chocolate: Improves blood flow and mood.​ 

However, avoid eating:

• Processed sugar as it spikes insulin and crashes testosterone.
• Alcohol, especially beer, can raise estrogen levels.

4. Focus on Strength Training and HIIT Workouts

Exercise can help you naturally boost testosterone levels. When working out, focus on: 

• Compound movements: Squats, deadlifts, and bench presses.
• HIIT workouts: Short bursts of intense exercise improve circulation and hormone balance.

5. Reduce Stress and Improve Sleep

Since stress wrecks testosterone, include these changes in your lifestyle to manage its effect on your hormonal health. 

• Try deep breathing and meditation every morning to lower cortisol levels.
• Prioritize your sleep, which should be at least seven to nine hours per night.
• Get plenty of sunlight, as Vitamin D is crucial for testosterone​ production.

6. Try Peptide Therapy

Peptides can stimulate growth hormone production and improve your muscle mass, fat loss, and recovery​. Peptide therapies like Sermorelin and Lipotropic (MIC) B12 can help optimize body composition and boost testosterone naturally, while Pentadeca and TB-500 can help with recovery and repair.

Final Thoughts

Your hormones control everything, from your energy levels to your sex drive. If you’ve noticed changes in either, don’t dismiss them as a part of natural aging. Instead, take control of your hormonal health and live a happy, energetic life even after 30. Don’t worry! Totality Men is here to help you make that happen. 

We specialize in TRT, peptide therapy, and personalized men’s health plans to help you restore balance and reclaim your vitality​. Are you ready to optimize your hormones and feel like yourself again? Contact us today to book your consultation.