MEN'S HEALTH
Male health has many gender-specific issues such as testosterone production, sexual health and engaging in risky behavior. It is important that men take care of their health by eating a healthy diet, making positive lifestyle adjustments and regular checking ups.
The phases of male life often depend on male hormones, mainly testosterone. During adolescence, when men’s bodies start producing more testosterone, their bodies start to change, with muscles replacing fat. Young adulthood is usually related to men being physically active, exploring intimacy, and seeking achievements.
Middle age for men starts in their 40s. Men often experience a decline in testosterone that leads to depressive symptoms, including anxiety or dissatisfaction.
During their old age, men are usually more protected from conditions like Alzheimer’s Disease and osteoporosis because they continue to produce testosterone throughout their lives. Decrease in testosterone may affect male satisfaction with intimate life, leading to psychological problems.
HORMONES (TESTOSTERONE)
Testosterone is an important male sex hormone. Its function is to regulate fertility, muscle mass, red blood cell production and fat distribution. Testosterone also regulates sex drive and bone mass. Men with low levels of testosterone may experience reduced sex drive, erectile dysfunction, and enlarged breast tissue. Low testosterone may also lead to osteoporosis, mood swings and reduced energy.
Testosterone levels in men decrease with age, usually starting around 40 years old. The following symptoms indicate that testosterone levels are falling: decreased libido, diminished erectile quality; mood changes, fatigue, baldness, skin changes or higher abdominal fat.
MUSCLE BUILDING
Muscles are made of many stretchy fibers. They allow us to move, sit up straight, run, walk and lift. A key function of muscles is to keep bones in place and support their movement. Tendons connect muscles to bones.
Almost every man who is active physically has tried to increase their body mass by building muscles. You can increase your muscle mass by exercising, adding more high-protein meals to your diet, and letting your body to recover after the heavier exercising. Adding collagen to your diet helps maintain tendon health and therefore muscle development and health.
LIBIDO
Male libido changes with age. Men’s libido is high at their 20s when the level of testosterone increases. Male libido continues to be strong through the ages 30 - 40. However, the stress of work, family and other responsibilities and commitments may decrease interest in sex. In their 50s, men can stay physically active and enjoy their sex life especially, if they are in good physical and mental health.
Male libido also depends on the factors such as psychological state, social and physical condition.
PROSTATE ISSUES
The prostate is a small gland located between the bladder and the penis. It produces and contains fluid that forms part of semen. The prostate grows naturally with age and usually doesn’t cause any problems. However sometimes, men face problems related to the prostate.
The most common problems related to the prostate are an enlarged prostate. This compresses the urethra and makes men urinate frequently, especially at night. Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate caused by bacteria. It is a male urinary tract infection which can cause pain while urinating or ejaculating, fever and chills, needing to urinate more often and cloudy urine.
Prostate cancer is another threat, and often has no symptoms. Therefore, medical visits for a prostate check-up are recommended.
STRESS/DETOX
Stress is the body’s response to changes in life. Stressors can be emotional or physical in nature. Men experience stress on a daily basis, caused by problems at work, relationship problems, financial issues, busy schedules or even the minor changes in a daily routine.
It is important to pay attention to signs showing that your life has too much stress. The symptoms may be physiological and emotional, such as depression or anxiety, anger, irritability, lower interest in intimate life, feeling unmotivated or confused, problems with memory or concentration.