Men's Health

Men’s Health


The normal rules and guidelines for general health and wellness are universal for men, women and children. However, when it comes to the health of men specifically, there are two main issues that must be addressed: maintaining testosterone levels and a healthy prostate. As it turns out these are actually related. This week I’d like to share some strategies related to these concerns.


Testosterone is a sex hormone found in higher level in men that is associated with reproductive function, hair growth, increased muscle mass, bone density, red blood cell production and even emotional well-being. In the past, it was believed that high levels of testosterone were linked to prostate enlargement. Recent studies have concluded the opposite – that the prostate gland actually requires testosterone to maintain optimal condition. This is logical considering that testosterone levels typically decline as we age beyond 30 years and prostate problems are a concern in all men over 50 years of age. For this reason and the purpose of this article, I would like to focus on optimizing testosterone levels. We now know that the over activity of an enzyme known as 5-alpha reductase decreases testosterone and increases the risk of prostate enlargement and cancer. Even though this phenomenon is common, it is not normal! Numerous chemicals are known to affect this process of testosterone reduction. Most recently, it’s been found that statin drugs for cholesterol and an ingredient in many herbicides were found to interfere with the ability to produce testosterone. Likewise, something known as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDC’s) are known to affect our hormone levels. These are chemicals found in personal hygiene products, chemical cleansers, contraceptive drugs, and they even show up in our drinking water and food. Other chemicals known as phthalates are proven to lower testosterone. These are found in vinyl flooring, detergents, soaps, deodorants, perfumes, hair sprays, plastic packaging and bottles. When it comes to food, the bovine hormones found in commercial beef and dairy products and unfermented soy products both alter testosterone as well. Unfortunately, the list of these “gender-bending” chemical goes beyond this. The best way to limit these chemicals is to go more natural. As you all know, avoid Teflon cookware and try to limit plastic bags and bottles. You should also start shopping for more natural cleansers and hygiene products that are toxin-free. Finally, you should spend the extra money for grass-fed organic meats free of the hormones.


The good news is that there are methods to improve testosterones if you believe it’s a problem. Signs of low testosterone include: weight gain and loss of muscle mass, reproductive dysfunction, depression, and memory or concentration problems. For confirmation of a hormonal imbalance, you should run a blood test. If you do this, I would encourage checking your DHEA adrenal hormone levels as well. Bioidentical forms of DHEA have been proven to increase testosterone and other hormones. One of the main ways to improve testosterone levels as we age just happens to be the same way to prevent all other disease – diet, exercise, and stress reduction. To learn more about this, please check in next week and thanks for reading!