What Are Male Hormones?

Male hormones, also known as male sex hormones, play a crucial role in male reproductive health and development. Typically, after puberty, the secretion of male hormones, specifically androgens, gradually increases in males, leading to the development of secondary sexual characteristics. However, some men may experience a decrease in hormone levels, resulting in less body hair or less prominent secondary sexual characteristics.

Male hormones are a category of hormones that promote the maturation of male reproductive organs, the development of secondary sexual characteristics, and the maintenance of their normal functions. Their primary functions include stimulating the development and maturation of male external and internal reproductive organs (such as the seminal vesicles and prostate) and maintaining their functions. They also stimulate the appearance of secondary sexual characteristics, maintain their normal state, promote sperm production and maturation, enhance protein synthesis (especially in muscles, bones, and reproductive organs), and stimulate cell production.

Causes of male hormone deficiency can vary and often require supplemental therapy. These causes can be categorized into four main groups:

• Congenital developmental defects resulting in a lack of male hormones, leading to the inability of sexual organs to develop and significant impairments in sexual and reproductive functions. This can include conditions such as untreated cryptorchidism or testicular removal, various causes of testicular atrophy, or pseudohermaphroditism.
• Acquired male hormone deficiency, often due to the decline of male hormones during menopause, resulting in symptoms of male menopause syndrome. Supplemental male hormones may be considered when other treatments are ineffective. Deficiencies can also arise from conditions such as pituitary tumors or radiation treatment.
• Poor sperm quality due to male hormone deficiency, which can be addressed through supplementation.
• Hematopoietic dysfunction, as male hormones can promote red blood cell production.

Foods beneficial for male health include:

• Soybeans: Containing phytoestrogens, soybeans are beneficial for both men and women. Japanese men who regularly consume soy products have a lower risk of prostate cancer compared to men in Western countries. Soybeans are also effective in improving bone loss in men, a condition that becomes more severe after age 60.
• Pumpkin seeds: Men over 40 often experience prostate enlargement. A study in the United States found that patients with prostate enlargement who consumed pumpkin seed extracts reported reduced frequency of urination and improved other symptoms. Pumpkin seeds are also a good source of vitamin E, which has anti-aging properties.
• Carrots: Carotenoids are converted into vitamin A in the body, which helps boost immunity and inhibits the formation of reactive oxygen species that can lead to cell damage. Carrots are also rich in potassium, which helps lower blood pressure. Carotenoids can also help prevent cancer.