Three Nutrients to Support Hormone Balance in Men*

Hormones act as the body’s chemical messengers, directing every area of the body and influencing everything from mood to digestion. While hormone imbalance is more common in women, men often have underlying hormone imbalances that go unnoticed.

Dr. Will Cole shares his three favorite supplements and superfoods to help keep hormones in peak condition.

1. Vitamin D

This fat-soluble vitamin is used by every single cell of the body and is especially important for healthy hormone production in both men and women.* As one of the most common nutrient deficiencies, supplementation is often necessary since it can be difficult to get enough vitamin D through food alone. This can be particularly beneficial for men because normal serum vitamin D levels have been shown to be associated with healthy testosterone levels.*

2. Maca

Maca has been traditionally used for centuries as a food source and as a general energy tonic.* More recent scientific data suggest that "gelatinized" maca may help to support healthy sexual activity and fertility for men.* Clinical data indicate that maca does not exert a direct effect on endocrine function.

3. Herbal Supplements*

We like to associate estrogen with women and testosterone with men, when in fact, women and men produce both hormones, just in different amounts. Men make estrogen by converting testosterone in the liver through an enzyme called aromatase. I often find that over-aromatization happens and too much testosterone is converted leaving an imbalance of estrogen. Some herbs like turmeric and licorice may positively affect steroid hormone metabolism.*