Hormone imbalance affects millions of women and men every year, causing symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, low libido, depression, anxiety, poor sleep, brain fog, hot flashes, and loss of energy. Whether you’re experiencing menopause, perimenopause, low testosterone, or other hormone-related issues, understanding the root causes of hormone decline is the first step toward restoring your health. Dr. Steven Hotze discusses common symptoms, testing, and treatment options for hormone imbalance.
It is time again for “Ask the Doctor.” I particularly enjoy this monthly feature because it gives me an opportunity to answer your questions and help you on your path to health and wellness.
If you have a question or health concern that you would like me to address, please visit the Hotze Health & Wellness Facebook page and send me a private message. Mention Katy Christian Magazine in the subject line.

Why are we so tired and having all these symptoms?
Hi Dr. Hotze, I’m 48 and my husband is 50 and we are both so tired all the time. We used to love to travel and go out dancing, but now we just want to stay home and watch TV or take a nap. I also have trouble sleeping, I have headaches and mood swings and I’ve gained 30 pounds. My husband has gained weight, too, and gets depressed often, even though he won’t admit it. We don’t have much of a “love life” anymore, either. Could these symptoms be related to our hormones? – Kathy P.
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That is a great question, Kathy. Hormone decline affects both women and men. As you age, hormone levels decline and cause a host of symptoms, including the ones you mentioned.
Ladies can suffer from symptoms of hormone decline in estrogen and progesterone, as well as testosterone, such as no energy, difficulty sleeping, poor concentration and focus, weight gain, anxiety, depressed moods, cold hands and feet, low libido, PMS, and hot flashes, to name a few.
Men, hormone decline affects you, as well. Low testosterone levels can cause many symptoms. Do you find it difficult to focus and concentrate at work? Do you have irritable moods, low libido and joint and muscle aches and pains? Do you not feel on top of your game? Do you have loss of muscle mass and strength? Have you gained weight around your midsection? Do you feel tired and lack motivation?
First of all, we are all born with hormones, men and women alike. Hormones are chemical messengers that regulate the functions of our body. Without them, we could not survive. And when our hormone levels decline, we experience undesirable health symptoms. Young girls in their teens often experience hormonal imbalance when they reach puberty and have heavy, irregular periods and painful cramps. Women experience hormonal changes in midlife, after childbirth, and while taking birth control pills or counterfeit estrogen hormones. Men start gaining that spare tire around their waist, become tired and irritable, and lose their ambition and drive.

The Natural Solution: Restore Hormone Balance with Bioidentical Hormones
Bioidentical hormones are the exact molecular structure of the hormones made by your body. How do you know if bioidentical hormones can help you? It’s really quite simple. These are some of the most common symptoms that indicate a hormone deficiency and imbalance:
Women:
- fatigue
- weight gain
- migraines
- night sweats
- brain fog
- depression
- hot flashes
- loss of libido
- osteoporosis
- insomnia
- anxiety
- premenstrual syndrome
- irregular menstrual cycles
- infertility
- menstrual cramps
- mood swings
Men:
- low libido
- lack of initiative, assertiveness and drive
- fatigue
- decline in sense of well-being and self-confidence
- depressed, irritable moods
- increased body fat around the waist
- decline in sexual ability
- indecisiveness
- decreased mental sharpness
- lessened stamina and endurance
- loss of muscle mass, strength, and tone
- sleep apnea
- gynecomastia (enlarged breasts)
Click here to take the symptom checker on my website to find out if you have symptoms of hormone decline.
At the Hotze Health & Wellness Center, we also offer the treatments for the following:
We offer a Candida/Yeast-Free Healthy Eating Program and vitamin and mineral supplementation, as well.
Want more information? Contact me today.
COMPLIMENTARY E-BOOKS
If you would like to learn more about natural approaches to health, including hormone balance and hypothyroidism, then click here to get a complimentary copy of all 4 of my e-books!
Keep Your Questions Coming
I hope these suggestions are helpful to you and to others who are dealing with these common problems. Keep your questions coming! Send me a private message on Hotze Health & Wellness Facebook page at www.facebook.com/HotzeHWC/. Don’t forget to mention Katy Christian Magazine in the subject line. And remember, there’s no such thing as a dumb question.
To learn more about the Hotze Health & Wellness Center and schedule a Free Wellness Consultation, call us at 281-698-8698 or visit hotzehwc.com.