In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the concept of “Kidney Deficiency” and male hormone deficiency share many similarities in clinical symptoms, especially in terms of sexual function symptoms such as decreased libido, impotence, premature ejaculation, and more. So, are Kidney Deficiency and male hormone deficiency the same thing? Let’s understand together.
In Chinese Medicine, the “Kidneys” are considered the foundation of yin and yang in the body, the source of growth, development, and reproduction, and the root of life activities, thus referred to as the “foundation of innate vitality.” Kidney Deficiency in TCM includes both Kidney Yang Deficiency and Kidney Yin Deficiency, with main causes being congenital insufficiency, emotional imbalances, excessive sexual activity, chronic illnesses damaging the kidneys, aging, and physical decline.
Symptoms may include fatigue, low vitality, aversion to cold, cold limbs, sore and weak lower back and knees, decreased sexual function, impotence, premature ejaculation, and susceptibility to prostatitis.
Other symptoms like sore and weak lower back and knees, irritability, dizziness, tinnitus, insomnia with vivid dreams, flushed cheeks, night sweats; impotence or excessive libido, nocturnal emissions, premature ejaculation, and more.
Male hormones are primarily produced by the testes, with small amounts secreted by the adrenal cortex and ovaries. The regulation of male hormones is controlled by the pituitary gland and hypothalamus. Male hormone deficiency is mostly due to testicular dysfunction, rarely due to pituitary, hypothalamus, or chromosomal issues.
1. Hot flashes, night sweats, accompanied by anxiety, palpitations, insomnia;
2. Sleep disturbances, depression or irritability, lack of focus, reduced short-term memory, decreased interest in work and life;
3. Decreased work capacity, physical stamina, muscle atrophy, increased abdominal fat;
It is evident that Kidney Deficiency and male hormone deficiency share many clinical manifestations, but they differ significantly in terms of causes and treatment approaches. Moreover, Kidney Deficiency is more common in females while male hormone deficiency is less common, indicating they should not be considered the same.
