MALE HORMONES

UNDERSTANDING MALE HORMONES

Dr Shirin Lakhani considers the effects of hormones on men’s health and confidence, and the emerging protocols that help support them.

A s more men are engaging with clinics not only for visible improvements but also to support overall wellbeing, confidence, and quality of life, a holistic view of men’s health is receiving more focus. At the centre of this shift is a growing awareness of male hormones and their wide-reaching influence. Hormonal balance plays a key role in energy, mood, physical performance, sexual health and the ageing process.

MORE THAN JUST TESTOSTERONE

Male hormones go beyond testosterone, although it remains the primary androgen. Other key hormones include dihydrotestosterone, growth hormone, cortisol and thyroid hormones. Together, they regulate metabolic function, tissue repair, stress response and energy levels.

These hormones operate as an interconnected system rather than in isolation. Testosterone, for example, interacts with oestrogen, cortisol and insulin, meaning that an imbalance in one area can disrupt overall health. This greater understanding is essential for practitioners seeking to detect the underlying causes of patient concerns rather than treating symptoms alone.

Testosterone levels naturally decline with age. However, in clinical practice, there is increasing evidence that modern lifestyle factors are accelerating this process. Chronic stress, poor sleep, weight gain and environmental exposures all contribute to earlier and more pronounced hormonal imbalance. As a result, many men experience symptoms such as fatigue, low libido, reduced motivation and brain fog without recognising a hormonal component.

We’re seeing a real shift in men’s health…. It’s not only about appearance. Men are increasingly focused on how they feel, how they function and how they age. Hormonal health is central to that.

„Men are increasingly focused on how they feel, how they function and how they age. Hormonal health is central to that.„

THE IMPACT OF MALE HORMONES ON PHYSICAL HEALTH

Hormonal balance directly influences physical characteristics that are often central to male patients’ concerns. Testosterone plays a vital role in maintaining muscle mass, regulating fat distribution and supporting energy levels. Declining levels may result in reduced strength, increased abdominal fat and lower stamina.

Sexual health is also closely linked. Testosterone influences libido and sexual function, while vascular and neurological factors add further to performance. Hormones also affect hair growth and skin quality. Sensitivity to dihydrotestosterone can lead to male pattern hair loss, while hormonal changes may reduce skin thickness, hydration and collagen production.

These visible and functional changes often prompt men to seek support. However, many patients initially present with aesthetic concerns such as weight gain, skin ageing or hair loss without recognising the underlying hormonal drivers. This places aesthetic practitioners in a unique position to spot patterns and guide patients towards appropriate care.

Many men normalise these changes or feel hesitant to seek help, mainly about sexual health or hormonal issues. By the time they come to the clinic, they’ve often been struggling for some time. Part of our role is to open that conversation in such a way that feels comfortable and non-judgmental.

MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL EFFECTS OF HORMONAL CHANGES

Hormones also have a crucial role in mental and emotional wellbeing. Low testosterone levels have been associated with irritability, low mood and reduced confidence. Many men report a decline in motivation, focus and mental clarity.

Cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone, is particularly relevant. Prolonged elevation due to chronic stress can worsen fatigue, disrupt sleep and negatively impact both physical and psychological health. Over time, this can contribute to a cycle of declining wellbeing.

These internal changes regularly influence how men perceive themselves and whether they seek help. Increasingly, men are becoming more receptive to discussing these concerns, showing a broader cultural shift. They are also more informed, actively researching treatments and seeking solutions that target both function and appearance.

THE LINK BETWEEN HORMONES AND AESTHETIC CONCERNS

Hormonal imbalance frequently manifests in ways that are visible to patients. Skin may appear thinner or drier, acne may develop, and hair thinning can become more pronounced. Changes in body composition, including increased fat and lowered muscle tone, can alter facial structure and contribute to signs of ageing.

Aesthetic practitioners are often the first point of contact. Patients may present with surface-level concerns, but these may indicate deeper hormonal or metabolic issues. This creates an opportunity for a more integrated, preventive approach.

Before considering medical treatments, lifestyle optimisation is essential. Sleep, resistance training, nutrition and stress management all have a significant impact on hormonal health. In many cases, consistent improvements in these areas can help reduce symptoms.

High-quality supplementation may also support blood flow, hormonal balance and general well-being when used alongside lifestyle changes. For some patients, clinically guided hormone replacement therapy can be appropriate. Testosterone replacement therapy, when carefully assessed and monitored, may improve energy, mood, libido and body composition. However, it is not a quick fix and requires a personalised, medically led approach.

REGENERATIVE TREATMENTS

Erectile dysfunction is rarely caused by a single factor. It is typically the result of a combination of vascular, hormonal and psychological influences. While traditional medications might offer short-term support, they do not correct underlying tissue health.

Regenerative treatments such as my P Shot protocol are increasingly being integrated into men’s health and aesthetic practice. This procedure uses platelet-rich plasma (PRP)derived from the patient’s own blood using the Arthrex autologous conditioned plasma (ACP) system to stimulate tissue repair, improve blood flow, and boost sensitivity. The aim is to support natural function rather than simply manage symptoms.

Botulinum toxin has also been established as a complementary treatment for erectile dysfunction and may be combined with PRP to enhance outcomes in selected patients.

One of the most critical factors in PRP treatment is the quality of preparation. Platelet concentration, the presence of leukocytes and processing methods all directly influence clinical results. Without standardisation, outcomes can be inconsistent.

Investing in medical-grade PRP technology delivers reproducibility, optimal growth factor concentration and ultimately more trustworthy results for patients.

Despite their benefits, regenerative treatments are not a substitute for tackling underlying health conditions. An in-depth assessment is still essential, particularly when cardiovascular or hormone-related factors are involved. Managing patient expectations is also key to achieving satisfactory outcomes.

SEXUAL HEALTH, CONFIDENCE AND OVERALL WELLBEING

Sexual health is closely linked to psychological wellbeing, identity and confidence. Improvements in sexual function often surpass physical outcomes, positively influencing relationships, self-esteem and overall quality of life.

In clinical practice, tackling these concerns is not only about intimacy, it’s about restoring a sense of normality and control, which is fundamental to overall wellbeing.

This shows a broader change in how men view health. Increasingly, performance, appearance and wellbeing are seen as linked rather than separate. Patients are seeking treatments that correspond with this perspective, favouring discreet, minimally invasive options with little to no downtime.

THE FUTURE OF MEN’S HEALTH IN AESTHETIC MEDICINE

With the clear move away from reactive care toward a more preventive and preemptive model, greater awareness of the links between hormones, metabolic health, sexual function, and mental wellbeing has emerged, directing both patient expectations and clinical practice.

“Ultimately, when you optimise men’s hormonal health, you’re not just improving physical symptoms. You’re improving confidence, relationships and overall quality of life.„

Regenerative and functional medicine are playing an increasingly important role. Rather than simply handling symptoms, these approaches seek to restore and optimise function. Advances in hormone optimisation, PRP and lifestyle medicine are expanding what practitioners can offer.

In the future, personalised medicine is likely to define the next phase of this evolution. The combination of detailed hormone profiling, hereditary information, and wearable data will allow more precise, individualised treatment plans.

For practitioners, adapting to this shift is essential. Patients now seek a comprehensive approach which considers lifestyle, hormonal balance, mental wellbeing and functional outcomes alongside aesthetic results. Preserving high clinical standards, using evidence-based treatments and committing to quality technology will be key.

Understanding male hormones gives useful insight into the concerns that bring men into aesthetic clinics. By recognising the connection between hormonal health, physical changes and emotional wellbeing, practitioners can deliver more informed and optimal care.

Men’s health is about looking better, feeling energised, operating effectively and ageing with confidence. For modern aesthetic practitioners, this represents a responsibility and an opportunity to deliver truly holistic care.

Ultimately, when you optimise men’s hormonal health, you’re not just improving physical symptoms. You’re improving confidence, relationships and overall quality of life.

DR SHIRIN LAKHANI

Dr Shirin Lakhani MBBS MRCGP DRCOG is the founder of Elite Aesthetics and a highly experienced GP and aesthetic physician, specialising in Lichen Sclerosis and intimate rejuvenation treatments including the O Shot and P Shot. She graduated from Guy’s & St Thomas’ Hospitals in London in 1999 and has extensive NHS experience across multiple hospital specialities, including anaesthetics, where she developed advanced injection and procedural skills. Passionate about delivering safe, highquality and natural-looking results, Dr Shirin brings the same clinical rigour to aesthetics as to her medical practice. She is GMC registered, fully insured, committed to ongoing professional development, and is the UK Trainer for the O Shot, P Shot, Vampire Facial and Vampire Hair, as well as the author of a leading book on the P Shot.