Being overweight is not only unpleasant, but in many cases, is dangerous to one’s health and life span. The reason men have excess weight is often multifactorial, and in many cases, reaching your goals involves more than just “needing to go on a diet”. The primary...
When you’re sitting at work, or at the grocery store, or in the park, look to your left, then look to your right. Chances are, at least one of you is trying to lose weight. In North America alone, around 44% of people are actively looking to shed pounds. The global...
We talked recently about heart health and how we can help analyze patients’ cardiovascular risk. But for women, it’s especially important to understand how aging, and menopause specifically, can increase your risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and a cardiovascular...
You’ve heard of cardiovascular disease (CVD), you likely know someone with it, but do you know your own risk of CVD? “Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death globally, taking an estimated 17.9 million lives each year” and unfortunately,...
When talking to women about hormone replacement therapy, the most common question I get is, “Is it safe?” I applaud this question. We should be highly cognizant of what we put into our bodies, and we should be asking if it’s safe. From the foods we eat to the...
Testosterone is a natural substance responsible for several crucial metabolic functions in humans. Secreted by the testicles and the adrenal glands, the steroid hormone has a significant role in the formation and activity of male sex organs, as well as secondary sexual characteristics, like facial hair and muscle strength.
It is estimated that more than 4 million American men have low testosterone levels. In addition to erectile dysfunction, reduced muscle mass and low energy, abnormally low testosterone is associated with other health issues, such as fractures, depression and infertility, as well as cardiovascular disease and neurodegenerative disorders. There are several causes of low testosterone levels in men.
As you age, the production of testosterone declines. Although most men do not notice the symptoms of low testosterone, or hypogonadism, until their 50s or later, the body gradually reduces the production of this hormone decades earlier. There is also a strong correlation between low testosterone and obesity, as well as metabolic syndrome, which are associated with lifestyle factors, like poor diet and insufficient exercise.
Other potential causes of low testosterone include chronic health conditions, such as noninsulin dependent diabetes and liver or kidney disease. Low testosterone levels can worsen in men with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who are treated with oral glucocorticoid medications. Taking prescription narcotics or undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatment for cancer also increases your risk for experiencing low testosterone.
The condition can occur because of mumps, and physical injury to the testicles can decrease your body’s ability to produce testosterone. Men with Northern European ancestry can inherit the gene responsible for hemochromatosis, a genetic iron storage disorder that increases the risk for hypogonadism.
If you are experiencing classic low testosterone symptoms, such as sexual dysfunction, mood disturbances and low energy, do not worry. In most cases, the symptoms of low testosterone can be managed or eliminated with the proper treatment. Based on your unique health profile, our experienced physicians at Age Management Center of New England can create a customized treatment plan that will address any underlying health conditions. Our doctor may recommend hormone replacement therapy and lifestyle changes, such as exercise, weight loss and a healthy diet.
In addition to restoring your sense of well-being, the proper treatment can restore sexual function, bone density and secondary sexual characteristics, like muscle strength. Age Management Center of New England has locations in Jupiter, FL and Portland, ME. Contact us today to schedule your consultation to learn more about how our age management services can help you.
