Sex Hormones and Their Effects on the Body

Sex Hormones Effect More than Your Sex Drive

When someone talks about estrogen, we immediately think of a woman in menopause. Or, someone mentions testosterone, we think of a buffed out man or a man with ED.  Rarely do we think about heart health or bone strength.

It is important to understand the sex hormones and the role they play in overall health and wellbeing.

Estrogen:

Estrogen is found in greater amounts among women and still important for men too.

  • Protects against Osteoporosis, Heart Disease, Memory Loss, Colon Cancer, Incontinence and Tooth Loss
  • Enhances Sleep, Emotional Well-Being, Mental Acuity and Focus, Memory Attention Span, Communication Ability, Vision, Hearing, Taste, Touch, Smell, Digestion, Libido and Skin Tone
  • Relieves Menopausal Symptoms and Depression
  • Increases Tolerance to Pain

Progesterone:

Progesterone is considered the counterpart to estrogen.

  • Has a Calming Effect and Enhances Mood
  • Regulates Fluid Balance
  • Increases Blood Sugar, Thyroid Function, and Mineral Balance
  • Relieves Menopausal Symptoms
  • Decreases Risk of Endometrial Cancer and May Help Protect Against Breast Cancer and Fibrocystic Breast Disease
  • Protects Against Osteoporosis and Heart Disease

Testosterone:

As the predominant hormone in men testosterone helps to maintain healthy muscle mass, stamina, and strength. Testosterone is also necessary for proper balance for women. A deficiency of testosterone can also have negative effects on women, including low energy, decreased libido, and well-being.

  • Builds Muscles and Promotes Muscle Tone
  • Increases Energy and Libido
  • Enhances Sense of Well-Being
  • Helps Strengthen Bone

DHEA:

As the most abundant steroid hormone in the body, DHEA is the precursor to testosterone and estrogen.

  • Helps Protect Against Heart Disease, Osteoporosis, Diabetes, Cancer, Memory Loss, Lupus, and Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Can Increase and Enhance Energy Levels, Libido, Memory, and Immunity
  • Protects Against the Effects of Stress
  • Aids Weight Loss and Healing of Burns
  • Helps to Prevent Wrinkles and Dry Eyes

Cortisol:

While cortisol is not a direct sex hormone, it works in concert with the hormones listed above.

  • Helps in Responding and Coping with Stress, Trauma, and Infection
  • Increases Energy and Metabolism
  • Helps Regulate Blood Pressure
  • Enhances the Integrity of Blood Vessels
  • Reduces Allergic and Inflammatory Responses

To learn more about your hormone levels and health, you are invited to a complimentary consult with Dr. Hope Engsberg, MD.