23/03/2026
HERE ARE THE FIVE MAIN HORMONES FOR MEN'S HEALTH:
1. Testosterone
2. Oestrogen
3. Prolactin
4. Control hormones (LH and FSH)
5. Cortisol
1. Testosterone
👉Testosterone is a s*x hormone. Men primarily produce it in the testicles, while women produce it in the ovaries.
👉WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF TESTOSTERONE FOR MEN'S HEALTH?
Testosterone impacts s*x drive, s***m production, bone and muscle mass, fat distribution, red blood cell production, and mood.
👉Low testosterone levels can cause a decrease in s*x drive, less energy, weight gain, muscle loss, feeling down, and weaker bones. Factors contributing to testosterone deficiency include ageing, testicular injury, cancer treatments, chronic illnesses, and stress.
👉In men, testosterone is responsible for:
Changes during puberty (development of male characteristics, like the p***s and te**es, deepening of the voice, facial, and p***c hair growth)
Maintaining bone and muscle mass
Regulating body composition, including the muscle-to-fat ratio
S*x drive (libido)
S***m production
Red blood cell production
👉Symptoms of low testosterone include:
Low mood or energy levels
A reduced libido
Loss of muscle mass
Erectile dysfunction
Male pattern baldness
2. Oestrogen
👉Oestrogen is the collective term for a group of hormones. You may initially class oestrogen as only being important for women. You're right that oestrogen is primarily responsible for the development of the female reproductive system. However, this hormone is important for both s*xes.
👉WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF OESTROGEN FOR MEN'S HEALTH?
Men make small amounts of oestrogen, which is important for regulating libido, erectile function, and s***m production. Oestradiol is the strongest of the three naturally produced oestrogens. The te**es produce oestradiol, a steroid hormone made from cholesterol, at low levels.
Men can have higher oestradiol levels from too much body fat or as testosterone decreases with age.
👉Oestradiol in men is essential for:
Regulating libido
Erectile function
S***m production
Symptoms of raised oestradiol include:
Excess growth of breast tissue
Loss of libido
Infertility
3. Prolactin
👉The pituitary gland produces prolactin, which is important for reproductive health. Its primary purpose is to stimulate milk production in women after childbirth. In men, its function is less well understood, but it plays a role in reproduction and mood.
👉WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF PROLACTIN FOR MEN'S HEALTH?
Low prolactin levels in men are rare. However, raised levels in men can interfere with the function of the testicles and cause problems.
A significantly raised prolactin level affects around one in 200 adults. It is more common in men with impotence or fertility issues and women with absent periods . It's fairly common to receive a mildly raised prolactin, the causes of which are often harmless and related to how you take the test. For example, eating a big meal, recent in*******se, or intense exercise can all lead to a raised result. Find out more about the causes of raised prolactin.
Maintaining normal prolactin levels is important for hormonal balance and overall health. Usually, addressing the underlying cause is the first step. For example, medications, stress, and alcohol intake can all affect your prolactin levels.
👉Symptoms of raised prolactin can include:
Reduced s*x drive
Lack of energy
Erectile dysfunction
Breast tissue tenderness and enlargement
Fertility problems
4. Control hormones - FSH and LH
👉In men, Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and Luteinising Hormone (LH) function as key control hormones for regulating the reproductive system. Specifically, they control the production of s***m and testosterone.
👉WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF FSH FOR MEN'S HEALTH?
FSH from the pituitary gland helps the te**es make s***m by providing necessary nutrients and molecules for production. Elevated levels of FSH in men often indicate testicular issues.
Low FSH levels may indicate a pituitary gland problem and can lead to issues with s***m production and fertility. Elevated testosterone levels in the blood can also affect FSH levels, such as through anabolic steroid use or testosterone replacement therapy (TRT).
👉WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF LH FOR MEN’S HEALTH?
LH from the pituitary gland stimulates the te**es to produce testosterone. High levels of LH may point to decreased s*x steroid production from the te**es, which can affect fertility.
Low levels of LH can be a sign of problems with the pituitary gland. If levels are not sufficient to support testicular function, this too may cause infertility.
Raised testosterone (potentially from anabolic steroid use) can prevent the pituitary gland from creating LH. This may also cause a reduction in LH levels.
Causes of raised LH:
Injury to the te**es
Klinefelter’s syndrome (chromosomal abnormality)
Mumps
Previous chemo- or radiotherapy to the te**es
Stress (which can lower testosterone and cause a secondary rise in FSH)
Tumour of the germ cells (the cells that produce s***m)
5. Cortisol
👉Cortisol is a steroid hormone that regulates many vital processes throughout the body. The adrenal glands produce cortisol in response to stress.
Almost every cell has cortisol receptors, allowing it to impact various bodily functions.
👉WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF CORTISOL FOR MEN'S HEALTH?
Studies show a significant relationship between high cortisol levels and low testosterone levels .If you're curious about potentially experiencing chronic stress, you can check your cortisol level with our Cortisol Saliva Stress Test.
Cortisol has essential roles, including regulating :
Stress
Metabolism
The body’s immune response
Persistently elevated cortisol levels, due to stress, adrenal gland tumours, or steroid use, can inhibit testosterone production and lead to Cushing’s syndrome.
👉Symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome include:
Erectile dysfunction
Loss of libido
High blood pressure
Thinning of the bones
Low cortisol levels can also impact the body, often due to conditions like Addison’s disease, where the adrenal glands fail to produce sufficient cortisol.
Symptoms of Addison’s disease include:
Abdominal pain
Physical weakness
Weight loss
https://www.medichecks.com/blogs/mens-health/five-main-hormones-for-mens-health?srsltid=AfmBOoogr3L9kgAQt4BQ2yVZs6Rl7MBjrOSGR8LjDrt4GtZbLT8frTxC #
Why are hormones important for men's health? Learn about the five main hormones that influence men's health, where they're produced, how to test them, and their functions.