Most people are familiar with the link between hormones and mood swings, weight gain, and energy levels. However, few realize that hormones also play a significant role in urology health. In fact, imbalances in hormone levels can lead to a variety of urinary and sexual problems. Read on to learn more about how hormones affect urology health—and what you can do to keep your hormone levels in check.
How Hormones Affect Urology Health
There are two main types of hormones that impact urology health: sex hormones and adrenal hormones. Sex hormones, which include testosterone and estrogen, are responsible for the development of secondary sex characteristics (such as body hair and breast development) and the regulation of the reproductive system. Adrenal hormones, on the other hand, help the body respond to stressors by increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels. Here's a closer look at how each type of hormone affects urology health:
Testosterone
Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone. It plays a key role in sexual function, sperm production, and muscle mass. Low testosterone levels can cause erectile dysfunction and low libido. In some cases, testosterone replacement therapy may be necessary to restore sexual function.
Estrogen
Estrogen is the primary female sex hormone. It regulates the menstrual cycle and is involved in the development of female secondary sex characteristics (such as breasts). Estrogen also helps maintain vaginal lubrication and elasticity. Low estrogen levels can cause vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, and urinary incontinence. In some cases, estrogen replacement therapy may be necessary to relieve these symptoms.
Adrenal Hormones
Adrenal hormones help the body respond to stressors by increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels. When adrenal hormone levels are too high or too low, it can cause problems with urination (including incontinence). If you suspect that your adrenal hormone levels are out of balance, talk to your doctor about getting tested.
Hormones play a vital role in overall health—including urology health. Imbalances in hormone levels can cause a variety of urinary and sexual problems. If you think your hormone levels may be out of balance, talk to your doctor about getting tested. Treatment options vary depending on the type of hormone involved; however, options may include lifestyle changes, medication, or hormone replacement therapy. By keeping your hormone levels in check, you can help maintain good urology health. Lansing Institute of Health is a Division of Compass Health. The area’s leading physicians have come together for your health. Welcome to a new direction in health care. Physician leaders in the Lansing area have come together to form Compass Health—a multi-specialty medical group committed to preserving the physician/patient relationship in today’s health care landscape. At Compass Health, providing the care you need is the focus of everything we do. The physicians and staff of Compass Health provide leading-edge patient-centered care across a range of medical specialties.
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