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June is Men’s Health Month

Posted in: Blog by chirocare on June 7, 2011

Hey guys!  Have you heard of “Men-O-Pause”?  Please take the time to read about what may be going on inside your body and what you can learn about taking better care of yourselves.

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Male menopause or “andropause” is a condition that occurs as a man ages at about 40-65 years of age. In men the process is a slow decrease in the hormone testosterone.  Women have a quick depletion of hormones and definitely more symptoms so more attention is given to the condition.  None the less this change in hormones can affect you!  This is how:

  • Depression, decreased motivation or self-confidence
  • Feelings of anger
  • Trouble concentrating or remembering things
  • Sleep disturbance
  • Loss of sexual appetite, erection, sexual performance difficulties and infertility (your testes may even become smaller)
  • Weight gain (particularly around the abdomen) or difficulty losing those last 10 or 15 pounds
  • Loss of strength and muscle bulk
  • Swollen or tender breasts
  • Less energy
  • Thinning hair
  • Night sweats (“hot flashes”)
  • Osteoporosis  (loss of bone density)

Do any of the above apply to you?  If it does…then what do you do?

 Get in charge of your own health!

  • Get check ups and tests that are recommended as you reach this age.
    • For example…your prostate needs to be checked.  This can be done by physical exam and even by simple blood work.  The age to think about is 35-40.  If there is a family history definitely by 35. 
    • Be your best advocate and learn more about how to better care for yourself.

 Know what the most recent research is saying:

  • Vitamin D is found to be the vitamin that is most deficient in men.  You can improve your overall health and build strong bones by supplementing essential vitamins and minerals.
    • It plays a key role in maintaining strong bones, protecting against osteoporosis
    •  It improves longevity 
    •  It lowers the risk of heart disease
    •  It prevents high blood pressure
    •  It may lower the risk of certain cancers
    •  It can help fight against influenza and reduces muscle pain.  
    •  You can get more Vitamin D by eating fish, egg yolks, fortified Vitamin D milk, and certain cheeses.
    • The sun is also a great source.  It triggers the body to naturally produce it.  You just need 10 -15 minutes about 3 days a week so I am not saying to bake yourself. 

Your endocrine system is made up of glands and hormones that influence almost every cell, organ, and function of our bodies.  Your testes are included in this system!  Here are some important hormones:

  • Testosterone is a primary hormone associated with aging.
  • This principal sex hormone is produced in your testes and is important in the development of the male reproductive system
  • It is responsible for secondary sex characteristics, like increased muscle, bone mass, and hair growth
  • It plays a role in mental concentration, mood, the immune system, cholesterol regulation, bone health, and sex drive
  • Production decreases by approximately 1% per year, starting when a man is in his early 20s. So by the time he reaches his mid-50s, he will only produce 75% as much testosterone, and by the time he reaches his 70, only half as much.

 HGH is known as the “youth hormone”

  • It is produced in the brain’s pituitary gland, and is the master gland that regulates the entire hormone system
  • It is responsible for the growth of the human body, from childhood to adulthood
  • It is also responsible for increasing muscle mass, strengthening bone, stimulating the immune system, and synthesizing proteins

 

  • DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) is the most plentiful hormone in the body, and is often referred to as the “master” or “mother” hormone
    • The body converts it into other hormones, such as testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, and corticosterone

 DHT (Dehydroxy-testosterone) is the “bad” kind of testosterone found in excess

  • It is thought to be related to hair loss, benign hypertrophic prostate disorder (BHP) and even prostate cancer

Fortunately, science has now proven that many of these signs of declining hormones can be relieved, and in some cases almost reversed.

Seek help from your medical professional if you are in your mid thirties and especially beyond.  So much emphasis is put on women being screened, but men need it too.  Be pro-active!

 

How can I help?

  • I can do a symptom survey, along with blood tests and/or saliva tests to find out your chemical makeup and how your body is being affected
  • I can lead you in the right direction to eat better and exercise
  • I can make recommendations on natural approaches such as supplementation

 

Just ask me.  If I can’t help…I can find someone who will.

 

Yours in good Health,

 

Dr. Gina

 

Statistics and other details used in this article were found on: dynamicchiropractic.com, medicare.com, menshealthmonth.org, menshealth.com, mensfitness.com, bodylogicmd.com, mayoclinic.com, ourhealthierliving.com, healthcentral.com, and familydoctor.org

Comments

1 Comment
  1. Ask Dr. Gina » June is Men's Health Month | Male Menopause

    [...] here to read the rest: Ask Dr. Gina » June is Men's Health Month ← Andropause, Menopause and Hair Loss – Andropause, Hair, Loss [...]

    Pingback by Ask Dr. Gina » June is Men's Health Month | Male Menopause on June 7, 2011 at 5:55 pm