Tag Archives: #menshealthmonth

Men’s Health Month: Low Testosterone

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Low testosterone, or male hypogonadism, is a condition in which the testicles don’t produce enough testosterone.  

Testosterone is a hormone that stimulates the development of male characteristics and is essential for sperm production. Levels of testosterone are naturally much higher in men than in women. In men, testosterone helps maintain and develop: 

  • Sex organs and genitalia 
  • Muscle mass 
  • Adequate levels of red blood cells 
  • Bone density 
  • Sense of well-being 
  • Sexual and reproductive function 

Low testosterone can begin during fetal development, puberty, or adulthood. Signs and symptoms of low testosterone depend on when the condition develops.  

If the body doesn’t produce enough testosterone during fetal development, the result may be impaired growth of the external sex organs. Depending on when it develops and how much testosterone is present, a child who is genetically male may be born with: 

  • Female genitals 
  • Genitals that are neither male nor female (ambiguous genitals) 
  • Underdeveloped male genitals 

Male hypogonadism can delay puberty or cause incomplete or abnormal development. It can impede: 

  • Development of muscle mass 
  • Voice deepening 
  • Growth of body hair and facial hair 
  • Growth of the penis and testicles 

It can also cause: 

  • Excessive growth of the arms and legs in relation to the trunk of the body 
  • Development of breast tissue 

Hypogonadism can alter certain masculine physical characteristics and impair normal reproductive function in adult males. Early signs and symptoms might include: 

  • Decreased sex drive 
  • Decreased energy 
  • Depression 

Over time, men with hypogonadism can develop: 

  • Erectile dysfunction 
  • Infertility 
  • A decrease in hair growth on the face and body 
  • A decrease in muscle mass 
  • The development of breast tissue 
  • Loss of bone mass 

There are two possible causes of low testosterone levels: 

  • Primary hypogonadism 
  • Secondary hypogonadism 

The causes of primary and secondary hypogonadism are also divided into either congenital (at birth) or acquired (developed later in childhood or adulthood).  

Primary hypogonadism happens when something is wrong with the testicles that doesn’t allow them to make normal levels of testosterone.  

Secondary hypogonadism is caused by conditions that affect how the hypothalamus and/or pituitary gland function. 

If you have any signs or symptoms of low testosterone, a healthcare provider will perform a physical exam and ask questions about your medical history, medications you take or have taken, smoking history, and any symptoms you currently have. They may also order blood tests. To make a diagnosis, they will consider your specific signs, symptoms, and any blood test results.  

Healthcare providers treat low testosterone with testosterone replacement therapy. There are several forms of testosterone replacement therapy, including: 

  • Testosterone skin gels 
  • Intramuscular testosterone injections 
  • Testosterone patches 
  • Testosterone pellets 
  • Buccal testosterone tablets 
  • Testosterone nasal gel 
  • Oral testosterone 

Healthcare providers and medical researchers don’t know how to prevent low testosterone resulting from genetic conditions or damage to the testicles, hypothalamus, or pituitary gland. However, lifestyle habits may help keep testosterone levels normal. They include: 

  • Eating a healthy diet 
  • Exercising 
  • Managing your weight 
  • Avoiding excessive use of alcohol and drugs 

If you’re experiencing symptoms of low testosterone, you can receive treatment from an endocrinologist at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486. 

 

 

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Top 5 Conditions That Threaten Men’s Health

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Mens Health-83405698A recent national survey has shown that women are three times more likely to see a physician for checkups than men and men are more likely to see a doctor only when they experience alarming symptoms of illness.

Despite the reluctance to go for checkups, it is important for men to see their doctors because as they age, the risks for developing life-threatening health conditions increase. Many of these conditions are preventative or can be controlled if they are detected early.  Some of the leading conditions that threaten men’s health include:

  1. Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)-The risk of hypertension increases in men who are 45 years old and older; however, it is not uncommon for younger men to be diagnosed with this condition. Your level of alcohol consumption can also affect your chances of developing high blood pressure. Men who drink alcohol heavily are at a higher risk for hypertension than non-drinkers.
  2. Cancer- According the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the leading causes of cancer deaths among men is prostate cancer, lung cancer and colorectal cancer.
  3. Stroke- Studies have indicated that African American men, seniors and smokers are at higher risk for developing strokes.
  4. Diabetes- The number of men affected by Type 2 diabetes has increased significantly. The risk of this disease tends to increase with age. It is recommended that men are screened regularly after the age of 45.
  5. Cardiovascular disease- The American Heart Association has estimated that one in three adult men have some form of cardiovascular disease.

June is Men’s Health Month, the perfect time to discuss these health concerns with your husband, father or brother, and encourage them to make an appointment for a physical.

Waiting for the onset of debilitating health symptoms is not the best way to gauge your health. There are serious health conditions that can often go undetected until they are at an advanced stage.  Going for regular checkups may give your physician a better chance of detecting symptoms that indicate serious health issues.  It is important to keep in mind that many health conditions are preventative or treatable with early detection.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.