You At Your Best

metro creative ServiceS Regardless of gender, all humans produce the hormone testosterone. However, men have much higher levels of testosterone than women. Testosterone is a chemical messenger that is responsible for the development of male sexual characteristics. In addition, testosterone helps regulate muscle size and strength, red blood cell production, bone mass, and fat distribution. As men age, their testosterone levels begin to dip. Although a natural result of aging, lower testosterone levels, also called hypogonadism, can contribute to any number of side effects — some of which men can find interrupt their quality of life. Testosterone starts to decrease after age 30, falling by 1 percent for each year thereafter. Some men may even suffer from low testosterone (called low-T), which is the underproduction or lack of production of this hormone. Typically, this is linked to chronic medical conditions, such as obesity, diabetes and other hormonal conditions. Although not all men will experience low-T, learning to recognize its signs and symptoms can help those who develop the condition address it that much more quickly. • Changes in sexual function: Changes in sexual function resulting from low-T can include decreased libido/desire, inability to have or maintain erections, fewer spontaneous erections, and infertility. Since testosterone is linked to healthy sperm production, lower levels may reduce the number of healthy sperm or their mobility. • Insomnia and trouble sleeping: Sleep disturbances may be linked to low-T. These can include trouble falling asleep or frequent waking. • Weight gain: Men with low-T may suffer from increased body fat coupled with decreased energy levels that can make exercise less appealing. Weight gain — particularly in the abdominal area — may also occur in conjunction with a condition called gynecomastia, which is swollen or tender breasts. • Reduced muscle mass: Other physical changes can include reduced muscle bulk and strength. Decreased bone Symptoms and side effects of low testosterone Special to NWa Democrat-Gazette It's no secret that many men avoid getting the healthcare they need. In fact, men make only half as many doctor visits for preventive care as women do. Even when it comes to recovering at home – after surgery, for instance – men use home healthcare services at a significantly lower rate than women. So, if men don't make their own health a priority, what can their loved ones do about it? Well, there is some good news. According to a survey by the American Academy of Family Physicians,78 percent of men say their spouse or significant other has some influence over their decisions to eat healthier, exercise more or see their doctor. These men are more likely to have regular doctor visits and preventive screenings than other men, and they are more likely to follow their doctor's recommendations for home healthcare services. Encouraging loved ones to seek appropriate care is crucial for their good health, but not everyone is easy to convince. If the man in your life needs some encouragement, try the following methods to keep him in good health: • Make it relevant by discussing his family health history. Talk about what illnesses his family members have had and whether he may be at risk. • Help him prepare for a checkup by making a list of anything he would like to discuss with the doctor. • Offer to go with him to doctor's appointments. If he is nervous about a wellness visit, your presence could help him to feel more comfortable. • After an injury or hospitalization, discuss the kinds of in-home assistance he may need. Help him realize he may require care beyond your capabilities. • Know what common health issues he may be at risk for and what screenings he needs for his age. Watch for any symptoms and remind him of the preventive benefit of screenings. • If he is still reluctant, sit down and discuss why he does not want to see a healthcare professional. If he is worried about the possibility of finding a serious health problem, remind him that the earlier any issues are detected, the more likely they are to be easier to treat. Make a point to keep each other accountable for good health habits. Regular checkups, preventive screenings and appropriate follow-up care after injury or hospitalization are important for maintaining good health and preventing disease and disability. In sickness & in health mass or mineral density is also possible. • Emotional changes: Emotional changes may be a byproduct of lower testosterone or feelings of helplessness over a seemingly irreversible condition. Fatigue, low self-confidence, sadness, depression, and even trouble concentrating are possible. Low-T is quite common. Roughly four out of 10 men over the age of 45 have low testosterone. Low-T also affects two out of 10 men over the age of 60 and three out of 10 men over the age of 70. If symptoms of low-T prove bothersome, testosterone replacement therapy, or TRT, may be prescribed. These include skin gels, shots, long-acting pellets, patches, and pills. The American Urological Association suggests discussing the pros and cons of TRT with a doctor who is skilled in diagnosing low-T. TRT should not be used by men planning to become a father anytime soon. Although some people feel that TRT can help them feel more vigorous and younger, the Mayo Clinic says there are no distinctive studies that point to those results. 10 | YOU AT YOUR BEST | nwAdg.cOm/YOUATYOURBEST AUgUST - mEn'S HEAlTH | SATURdAY, JUlY 28, 2018

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