Data from the Public Health Statistics Report, Ministry of Public Health, found that the number of Thai people suffering from diabetes is continuously increasing. In 2023, there were 300,000 new patients per year. Diabetes is considered a silent threat that you may develop without realizing it.
Many men may experience problems with erectile dysfunction, also known as impotence, fatigue, shortness of breath, loss of sexual desire, or in fact, it may be caused by the diabetes you have. Therefore, let’s get to know diabetes that affects male hormones with Dr. Wivat Rodprasert, an internist specializing in endocrinology and metabolism, who holds a PhD in men’s health from Finland.
Checklist for Low Male Hormones: What Are the Signs?
Low male hormone condition can have various symptoms. Observe the symptoms and check the list as follows:
- Decreased sexual desire
- Erectile dysfunction
- Fatigue, tiredness, weakness
- Unexplained weight gain
- Osteoporosis
- Hot flashes
- Insomnia
- Stress and depression
- Reduced self-confidence
- Lack of concentration at work, poor memory
If you have the above symptoms, you may suspect low male hormone condition. You should consult a specialist and get a testosterone hormone test in the blood.
What Factors Cause Low Male Hormones?
There are various factors, such as:
- Increasing age: Men over 40 years old experience a gradual decline in male hormone levels, increasing the risk of low hormone levels as they age.
- Having other diseases that affect hormone production, leading to lower than normal hormone levels, including pituitary gland diseases such as tumors, testicular diseases such as severe trauma.
- Use of drugs and steroids
- Self-administration of male hormones without regular medical supervision
- Overweight condition
- Radiation therapy or chemotherapy
Many People Don’t Know That Diabetes Can Also Cause Low Male Hormones
Men with diabetes have twice the chance of developing low male hormone levels compared to those without diabetes, especially if they are overweight. The key mechanism is that the part of the brain responsible for hormone secretion controls the testicular function less, resulting in reduced hormone production. If diabetic patients have the above symptoms, they should inform their treating diabetes doctor to get additional male hormone testing.
How to Prevent Low Male Hormones
- Control weight Studies show that overweight patients who control their diet and exercise to lose weight can increase their male hormone levels.
- Manage chronic diseases well such as blood sugar levels, blood pressure, or blood lipids
to prevent complications that can lower hormone levels. - Avoid drug use, quit smoking, and do not drink alcohol
- Get enough sleep and rest
- Eat healthy foods
- Exercise regularly
- Reduce stress
Know About Low Male Hormones? Consult a Doctor Immediately
If you have the symptoms mentioned above, you can get your hormone levels tested. It is recommended to fast, avoid food and drink after midnight, and have a blood test. If low hormone levels are detected, the doctor will provide further treatment. At Phyathai 2 Hospital, we have a team of doctors who will take care of and accurately diagnose and treat you.
Dr. Wivat Rodprasert, Internist specializing in Endocrinology and Metabolism
Diabetes and Endocrinology Center, Phyathai 2 Hospital
