Ruby McKenzie
When you think about the bodily systems that are very important in maintaining good health, you may give little thought to your endocrine system. However, the endocrine system plays a crucial role in maintaining proper testosterone levels and many other things as well. This article will review some factors that decide what makes a well-balanced system.
Cardiopulmonary Disease
When your endocrine system is not working properly, you’re at much greater risk of cardiopulmonary disease. In fact, you can be at risk of suffering such conditions as:
- Stroke
- Asthma
- Hypertension
- Heart disease
Since the endocrine system is linked to proper metabolic function, a system breakdown means your metabolic rate can get out of balance. When this happens, your body may become confused about when to give you feelings of having a full stomach, which over time can result in a weight gain leading to obesity.
Reproductive Health Issues
Much to the surprise of most men, the endocrine system is a very important component in keeping your sex drive alive and well. Should the hormones in this system become out of balance, your testicles will begin to produce lower levels of testosterone. Over time, this will lead to not only a diminished libido that will keep you worried and frustrated, but also other sexual dysfunction issues such as erectile dysfunction. If this happens and you are wanting to have sex, you may be unable to get or maintain an erection for sexual intercourse with your partner.
Weak Bones
Even if you have been a man who exercises regularly and considers yourself to be in good physical shape, an endocrine system that is not properly balanced can eventually result in you having osteoporosis, a condition that makes your bones weaker and more prone to breaking. Although osteoporosis is a condition that’s much more common in women, studies have shown that men who suffer from low testosterone are at much greater risk of developing osteoporosis as they age. To keep your bones at their best, you should not only pay close attention to the results you may get from a male hormone at home test, but also make sure you eat a diet that is high in calcium, since it is the main component to giving you strong bones.
Be Wary of Chemicals
While most of your attention will be focused on what you eat and how much you exercise, you should also know that various types of chemicals can also play havoc with your body’s endocrine system. Known as endocrine disruptors, these chemicals can be present in not only various types of foods and even the water you drink, but also in such things as plastics and pesticides. If your body absorbs too high an amount of these chemicals over time, it will change how your hormones send and receive messages, making it more likely you may deal with increasing weight and loss of muscle.
Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes
Perhaps more than anything, having your endocrine system out of balance will put you at a very high risk of developing either Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. A condition that currently affects over 10% of the U.S. population, you should also note that nearly 30% of the nation’s population is considered to be prediabetic, meaning it may take only a slight change in body function to result in a diabetes diagnosis. If you suspect you may be prediabetic, look for such signs as:
- Urge to urinate frequently
- Excessive thirst
- Frequent exhaustion
- Unexplained weight gain
- Sweating more than usual
Since it’s possible to reverse Type 2 diabetes, never delay in talking to your doctor if you believe diabetes may be a health issue in your life.
Concentration and Memory Problems
If your endocrine system is out of balance and thus leads to your testosterone levels sinking lower and lower, you may start to experience memory and concentration problems at work and at home. Though you may chalk it up to anxiety or simply a temporary brain lapse, it’s best to consult your doctor if these problems persist.
Bottom Line
Never hesitate if you suspect your endocrine system may be experiencing problems. By using an at-home test early on and meeting with your doctor, you can soon have a well-balanced endocrine system that has you feeling great.
