Hormone Imbalances in Men and Women
Common signs of of hormone imbalance in men and women
Deanne E. Mueller MSN APNP FNP-C
4/14/20261 min read
Feeling tired, moody, or noticing changes in your body that don’t seem to improve with diet or exercise? You’re not alone. Hormone imbalances affect both men and women and can impact energy, mood, weight, sleep, and overall well-being.
In functional medicine, we don’t wait for “abnormal” lab results. We use optimal ranges — narrower targets based on vibrant health rather than just the absence of disease — to catch imbalances early and address root causes.
Common Signs of Hormone Imbalance
These symptoms often overlap for both men and women:
Persistent fatigue or low energy — even after a full night’s sleep
Unexplained weight gain, especially around the midsection
Mood changes — irritability, anxiety, depression, or feeling “flat”
Poor sleep quality — trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking unrested
Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
Reduced libido or sexual function changes
Signs More Common in Women
Irregular, heavy, or painful periods
PMS symptoms, hot flashes, or night sweats
Vaginal dryness or mood swings around cycle or perimenopause
Signs More Common in Men
Loss of muscle mass or strength despite training
Decreased motivation or “drive”
Erectile changes or lower stamina
Why Do Hormones Go Out of Balance?
Chronic stress (affecting cortisol and the HPA axis)
Gut health issues and inflammation
Poor sleep and mitochondrial energy problems
Toxic burden from everyday chemicals
Nutrient gaps (especially vitamin D, zinc, and magnesium)
Optimal Ranges vs. Standard “Normal”
Conventional labs use broad ranges that include many people with subclinical issues. Functional medicine targets optimal levels for feeling your best:
TSH (Thyroid): Optimal 0.5–2.0 mIU/L (vs. up to 4.5)
Testosterone: Men 600–900+ ng/dL; Women 35–45+ ng/dL (or upper healthy range for age)
Free T3 (Active Thyroid): 3.0–4.0+ pg/mL
Testing should include a full thyroid panel, sex hormones, and sometimes cortisol rhythm or DUTCH testing.
Simple Steps to Start Supporting Hormone Balance
Prioritize 7–9 hours of quality sleep and daily stress reduction (breathwork or meditation helps both sexes)
Build muscle with resistance training 3–4 times per week
Eat enough protein, healthy fats, and 35g+ fiber daily
Optimize key nutrients: vitamin D, zinc, and magnesium
Address gut health — it strongly influences hormone metabolism
Small, consistent changes often lead to noticeable improvements in energy, mood, and vitality.
Ready to Feel Better?
If these signs sound familiar, comprehensive testing and a personalized functional medicine plan can help uncover the root causes and restore balance naturally.
Corelix Wellness. 1610 Barton Ave. West Bend WI 53090. 262.297.7978. corelixwellness@gmail.com
Book a consultation today to get started with tailored testing and support.
