focus on health
:::for him:::
Mythbusting:
Male Menopause
Sorry, guys. You’ll have to come up with another reason for the motorcycle.
Testosterone production usually begins in utero around the seventh week of gestation and remains high until just before birth, when levels take a dip. Levels climb again between 3 and 6 months of age, and then go into hiding until puberty.
For some men, testosterone levels will remain high all their lives, but most will experience a gradual decline beginning around age 40.
The term “male menopause” came from a study in 1944 that described symptoms in men similar to those experienced by premenopausal women. Testosterone replacement reversed the symptoms. The term is considered a bit of a misnomer because males typically experience a decline in hormone levels over several decades, compared to the relatively sudden drop of estrogen and progesterone levels seen in female menopause.
The Downside of Testosterone Therapy
Long-term studies of testosterone therapy for otherwise healthy men have not yet been conducted, but several small studies seem to point to possible benefits. There is a downside, however. In some studies, testosterone therapy raised prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, which means that prostate cells were being affected. Long-term testosterone therapy is also known
to negatively affect cholesterol levels and the liver,
and possibly lead to heart disease.
Wake Up, Men
Staying up late can wreak havoc on a man’s health.
Why Rest Really Matters
For some men, getting seven to nine hours of sound, restful sleep every night may be ideal, but it’s not a reality. Studies show that men who suffer from sleep deprivation have significantly lower levels of testosterone, which can lead to depression, obesity, loss of muscle mass, lack of libido and erectile dysfunction. Maintaining healthy hormone levels and developing good sleep habits can dramatically improve brain function and lead to an overall sense of well-being.
On the Level
Nearly five million men in the United States suffer from low testosterone. More than a vital sex hormone, testosterone is a steroid hormone produced in the testes of men and the ovaries of women. Its effects on metabolism and the brain influence the efficiency of the entire body.
Some testosterone deficiencies in men are linked to medical conditions, such as pituitary gland tumors and cardiovascular disease. However, the vast majority of men
who suffer from low testosterone levels go undiagnosed because major symptoms are often confused with normal signs of aging, including:
Chronic fatigue
Lowered sex drive
Muscle weakness
Osteoporosis
Restorative sleep plays a major role in regulating inefficient testosterone levels because it allows the body time to repair and rejuvenate. If you’re having trouble sleeping or are concerned about your testosterone levels, consult your primary healthcare provider.
