Q&A: Men's Health


1) Do males really go through hormonal changes like females do during menopause?

Yes, “male menopause”, also known as andropause, is term for men aging.  Andropause is the decrease in the body’s production of male hormones. On average, a man’s testosterone level decreases 1% every year starting at age 40. You, or the man in your life, may be experiencing andropause if you recognize the following symptoms: reduced libido, insomnia, loss of lean muscle mass, impaired memory, erectile dysfunction, mood changes, and the list goes on. The term “grumpy old man” has been popularized for a reason.  But there is hope! Men can also have their hormones rebalanced utilizing bio-identical hormone replacement. Testosterone replacement is a common treatment for the symptoms above with profound results by increasing a man’s quality of life.  

2) What and when should be in every man’s health calendar?

Men’s health screenings:
  • Testicular cancer screening- self exams every month.
  • Prostate cancer screening- DRE (digital rectal exam) and PSA (prostate specific antigen) should be checked at 50.
  • Colon cancer screening- a baseline colonoscopy should be done at age 50 or earlier if there is a history of colon cancer in your family.
  • Heart- blood pressure checks every year starting at age 30.
  • Skin cancer- check for strange or new lumps, bumps, and spots every year.
  • Glaucoma- every 1-3 years for men over 40 years old.
  • Obesity- know your body mass index (BMI). A healthy BMI for men should be between 19-25.
  • General physical and blood labs- check your cholesterol and glucose every year starting at age 40 or earlier if you have a family history of heart disease, stroke, or diabetes.  

3) My guy is so stubborn and won’t go to the doctors unless a limb is falling off! Any suggestions for what I can do to help him live a preventative, healthy lifestyle?

Regular health check ups are crucial for prevention of many health issues such as heart disease and diabetes. Here are some sneaky ways of keeping the man in your life healthy and living longer.

  • Make a doctor’s appointment for a Father’s day present.
  • Instead of a big screen TV, buy a gym membership or personal training sessions instead.
  • Set a work out schedule together or plan hiking trips or out door excursions.
  • Sign up for dance lessons.
  • Enjoy time together by cooking and eating healthy, home-made meals.

Answers provided by Dr. Sonja Fung of Live Well Clinic in La Quinta. If you have a health related question you would like addressed in a future Q & A; please email info@livewellclinic.org.

Live Happy, Live Well.
www.livewellclinic.org.  78900 Avenue 47 Suite 102 La Quinta, CA. 760-771-5970







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