One’s health is the foundation of their overall well-being, and men must take an active role in maintaining it. Regular checkups, a crucial part of this responsibility, should not be overlooked. These checkups are vital in preventing severe health issues and should be a priority, despite societal expectations. In the United States, men face distinct health challenges, where men die on average 5 years earlier than women. Over 30% of men skip annual checkups compared to 20% of women. The life expectancy of American men is 76, compared to 81 for women, a difference of about 5 years. These societal expectations of self-reliance and toughness can make it difficult for men to seek proactive care, leading to preventable complications at a later stage. By defining how men’s health differs from general health and leveraging the expertise of Advanced Internal Care, you will be better equipped to ensure longevity and vitality.
Testosterone and Hormonal Health
Testosterone is the primary male hormone in men, regulating a wide range of bodily functions, including mood and muscle mass. As men age, their testosterone levels decrease, leading to hypogonadism, also known as andropause. This hormonal imbalance can significantly affect libido, energy, and mental clarity, underscoring the importance of managing and monitoring hormonal health for overall well-being.
- Prevalence in the United States– around 4-5 million Americans have been suffering from testosterone deficiency. Shockingly, only 5% of men receive hormone replacement therapy, which reflects a significant underdiagnosis of this condition. This highlights the importance of more proactive testing and diagnosis, underscoring the need for men to take a more active role in their health and not to overlook potential health issues.
- The economic impact—Hormonal health, particularly testosterone deficiency, can reduce work productivity and affect quality of life. However, replacement therapy has been shown to positively influence these aspects, underlining the importance of addressing hormonal health for overall well-being.
- Guidelines– when men report low libido, fatigue, or mood changes, then it is recommended to go for a testosterone deficiency test.
Top 10 men’s health issues
Below are the 10 men’s health issues faced by US men, collectively responsible for mortality and morbidity in males in America.
- Prostate cancer– It is the most common type of cancer around the world and the second most common in the United States. Around 313780 cases are expected to be seen in 2025.
- Cardiovascular disease– It is the leading cause of death in the U.S. for men.
- Mental health disorder– Suicide cases for men in America are four times higher than those for women. Depression often goes undiagnosed.
- Erectile dysfunction– It affects 52% of American men aged between 40 and 70.
- Obesity– over 40% of men in America are obese with a BMI of more than 30. It leads to heart disease and diabetes.
- Type 2 diabetes– the prevalence of diabetes in U.S. men is 11%, and it is strongly tied to obesity rates.
- Male pattern baldness—Over 50 million American men experience some degree of hair loss by age 50. Early treatment has shown positive results.
- Chronic lower back pain– Men are reported to have more occupational burden, and it affects over 30 million Americans at any point in time.
- Substance use disorders-15% of men in the United States admitted that they are heavy drinkers, and death by overdose outpaces that of women by 70%.
- Sleep apnea – It is estimated that 25 million adults in the United States have sleep apnea, which can cause disturbing sleep patterns.
From mental health issues to heart disease, Advanced Internal Medicine provides world-class treatment and diagnostic plans to manage these health concerns.
Male-specific disease
Certain conditions predominantly affect men, and early detection through proper screening is crucial for successful treatment. By being proactive and responsible in getting these screenings, you can take control of your health and ensure successful treatment if any of these conditions are detected.
- Prostate cancer– This is the most common skin-based cancer in men. This can be screened with a prostate-specific antigen(PSA) blood test.
- Male infertility– It is caused by hormonal imbalance, genetic disorder, and varicocele. It can be evaluated with semen analysis, scrotal ultrasound, and hormone panels.
- Testicular cancer– It affects men between the ages of 15 and 35, and it can be evaluated with a monthly self-exam to detect swelling or lumps.
- Male pattern baldness (Androgenetic Alopecia)– progressive hair thinning following a distinctive pattern. Early detection of the disease can slow its progress.
Awareness and regular checkups at Advanced Internal Medicine can empower men to detect the disease at an earlier, more treatable stage.
Cardiovascular health in men
Heart disease has been one of the leading causes of death in U.S. men. With the help of lifestyle and factor management, it can be reduced dramatically. Men develop heart disease 10 years earlier than women.
Key risk factors
- Smoking
- High cholesterol
- Hypertension
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Obesity
How to prevent
- Manage a balanced diet of fruits, whole grains, vegetables, and lean proteins.
- Ensure at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity a week.
- Routine blood pressure and lipid screening.
- Distance yourself from excessive alcohol consumption and smoking.
Mental health for men
Men around the world often hesitate to open up about their emotions, which leads to higher chances of mental health issues. Advanced Internal Medicine integrates behavioral health into its practice to ensure better treatment for its patients and helps remove barriers to support. The clinic offers the following services to promote effective mental health prevention.
- Counselling—We provide counselling services, including consultation and referrals for our patients to follow up with a therapist or a
- psychiatrist as required.
- Follow-up and screening– Routine anxiety and depression screening is designed into annual visits.
- Holistic coping strategies, including stress management coaching and mindfulness, are provided by Advanced Internal Medicine.
Advanced Internal Medicine breaks the stigma by offering integrated services, encouraging patients to seek care and build long-term health.
Empowering modern-day men to take control
Men’s health encompasses a broader spectrum, from fitness and hormonal balance to disease prevention and mental well-being. By embracing healthy lifestyle choices, proactive screening, and being open about their emotional well-being, men can enhance the length and quality of their lives. Advanced Internal Medicine, in this aspect, ensures an expertly personalized treatment plan and a diagnostic and integrated care model. Book the exclusive check-up with us and explore our resources.
Men's Health Care That Fits Your Life
Request an appointment with Advanced Internal Medicine for screenings, answers, and care tailored to men.
FAQ
Q. How can I improve my testosterone levels naturally?
Ans: Testosterone levels can be improved with a rich protein diet, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), 7-9 hours of sleep, and a balanced intake of healthy fats. Advanced Internal Medicine provides support through a personalized lifestyle plan and baseline hormonal panel.
Q. What are the common mental health issues in men?
Ans: Anxiety, depression, stress-related disorders, and substance misuse are the most common mental health issues in men.
Q. What are the risk factors involved in male infertility?
Ans: Hormonal imbalance, varicocele, smoking, genetics, excessive alcohol consumption, and heat exposure are the common risk factors for male infertility. Advanced Internal Medicine coordinates through hormonal panels, semen analysis, and specialist referrals.
Q. What are the best tips for a diet for men?
Ans: Eat healthy fats, lean proteins, whole grains, and veggies. Limit processed food and sugars. The dietitians at Advanced Internal Medicine develop and track custom meal plans for individual patients.
Q. What are the common male-specific diseases?
Ans: Testicular cancer, prostate cancer, infertility, and male pattern baldness are common diseases affecting men in the United States. Advanced Internal Medicine’s screening protocol ensures early disease and treatment detection.
Medically Reviewed By
At Advanced Internal Medicine of Northern Illinois, Dr. Ashima Salwan, MD, treats adult and geriatric patients, men and women alike, working through some of the most common and most connected health problems out there: obesity,...
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