Tag Archives: andropause

Men’s Health Awareness Month

June 17, 2019General Health and Wellness, Genital/Urinary, Health Prevention844-SMA-TALK, andropause, Behind the Curtain, Erectile dysfunction, Father's Day, Men's Health, Prostate cancer, Sterling Medical Advice, SterlingMedicalAdvice.com, Straight No Chaser, There are 72 Hours in a Day, Screening RecommendationsJeffrey Sterling, MD

Introduction

We like to use Fathers’ Day to launch Men’s Health Awareness. Join us, and continue the love and support you offered the men in your life!

Take a moment to think through the variety of concerns of our fathers.

Many of our fathers are of advancing ages and have to address all the ramifications of that, including arthritis, coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease and cancer. With the likelihood of suffering from multiple diseases, it is probable that they are taking multiple medications, leaving them susceptible to medication side effects and drug interactions. Either of these concerns can result in falls, leading to trauma, fractures and head injuries. Additionally, many fathers have to deal with Alzheimer’s and/or dementia type issues.
Some of our fathers have been taken from us by gunshots or other forms of violence. Remember, public health concerns have caused more deaths than medical illness.
On a lighter note, a lot of fathers will only have to suffer the embarrassment of a minor burn over the grill!

Think Prevention!

All of this is meant to point out the need for health prevention in a group that utilizes health care much less than women and children. If you’re in the gift giving mood for your fathers, do better than that not-so-attractive tie. Think health. Get one of those health monitors that track steps, eating and sleeping habits. How about a treadmill? Try a safety helmet if he’s a motorcycle rider. Grab some manly mittens for the grill. Get him a back brace or a dolly to help with the duties he performs around the house. Make him an appointment to see his physician.

As a father, when I think of my health and what my loved ones can best do to contribute to it year-round, I think of happiness. Fathers are providers and protectors. If you’re lucky enough to still have your father around, take a moment, and let him know the ways he’s contributed to your happiness. That’s pretty simple and shouldn’t be that much to ask. Don’t discount the impact of happiness on health.

On Straight, No Chaser, we often discuss the intersection of health and happiness, and during Men’s Health Week and on a day like Father’s Day, that discussion becomes both important and meaningful. It is quite likely that on this day, fathers everywhere are reflecting on the meaning of life and realizing that fatherhood is our ultimate legacy. So while you’re rewarding your favorite guy (with healthy food, no doubt), lay the love sauce on a little thick. It’s needed and will be appreciated. Happy Fathers’ Day to all those deserving men out there. Now let’s get into some health and medical facts.

Health Facts

(Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Men die at higher rates than women from 9 of the top 10 causes of death and are the victims of over 92% of workplace deaths.
In 1920, women lived, on average, one year longer than men. Now, on average, men die almost five years earlier than women.

Who is the Weaker Sex?

115 males are conceived for every 100 females.
The male fetus is at greater risk of miscarriage and stillbirth.
25% more newborn males die than females.
3/5 of SIDS victims are boys.
Men suffer hearing loss at 2x the rate of women.
Testosterone is linked to elevations of LDL, the bad cholesterol, and declines in HDL, the good cholesterol.
Men have fewer infection – fighting T-cells and are thought to have weaker immune systems than women.
By the age of 100, women outnumber men eight to one.

Prevention

Women are 100% more likely to visit the doctor for annual examinations and preventive services than men.

Depression and Suicide

Depression in men is undiagnosed contributing to the fact that men are 4 x as likely to commit suicide.
Among ages 15 to 19, boys were 3.1x as likely as girls to commit suicide.
Among ages 20 to 24, males were 4.6 x as likely to commit suicide as females
The suicide rate for persons age 65 and above shows a 6x more frequent occurrence in men than in women.

Men as Victims of Homicide

The chance of being a homicide victim places African-American men at unusually high risk.

Here are the relative chances of being a homicide victim.

Black males: 1 in 30
White males: 1 in 179
Black females: 1 in 132
White females: 1 in 495

There’s More!

Read these additional Straight, No Chaser posts for general and specific information on points related to men’s health.

Men's Health

Follow us!

Ask your SMA expert consultant any questions you may have on this topic. Also, take the #72HoursChallenge, and join the community. Additionally, as a thank you, we’re offering you a complimentary 30-day membership at www.72hourslife.com. Just use the code #NoChaser, and yes, it’s ok if you share!

Order your copy of Dr. Sterling’s books There are 72 Hours in a Day: Using Efficiency to Better Enjoy Every Part of Your Life and The 72 Hours in a Day Workbook: The Journey to The 72 Hours Life in 72 Days at Amazon or at www.jeffreysterlingbooks.com. Another free benefit to our readers is introductory pricing with multiple orders and bundles!

Thanks for liking and following Straight, No Chaser! This public service provides a sample of http://www.SterlingMedicalAdvice.com (SMA) and 844-SMA-TALK. Likewise, please share our page with your friends on WordPress! Also like us on Facebook @ SterlingMedicalAdvice.com! Follow us on Twitter at @asksterlingmd.

Straight, No Chaser: Male Menopause (aka Andropause)

June 19, 2018Endocrine/Metabolic, General Health and Wellness, Genital/Urinary844-SMA-TALK, andropause, Behind the Curtain, Low testosterone, Menopause, Sterling Medical Advice, SterlingMedicalAdvice.com, Straight No Chaser, There are 72 Hours in a DayJeffrey Sterling, MD

So the logical question to ask would be is this just the same as low testosterone? Well, not exactly. It’s the confluence of several problems men face with aging, including low testosterone, obesity, diabetes and depression (in those with these conditions). In particular, obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes seem to be particular risk factors. The fortunate news is this complex doesn’t occur universally and can be delayed with certain actions.
So what are you to do? For starters, know the symptoms and know when to ask for help. Here are symptoms commonly associated with andropause.

Depression
Difficulty sleeping
Increased body fat, particularly in the midsection
Irritability
Less desire for physical activity
Less energy
Less erections or less strong erections
Less mental sharpness and quickness
Loss of armpit or genital hair
Loss of confidence
Loss of interest in regular activities
Loss of libido
Night sweats
Reduced muscle mass
Social withdrawal
Swollen breasts

Feel free to ask your SMA expert consultant any questions you may have on this topic.
Take the #72HoursChallenge, and join the community. As a thank you for being a valued subscriber to Straight, No Chaser, we’d like to offer you a complimentary 30-day membership at www.72hourslife.com. Just use the code #NoChaser, and yes, it’s ok if you share!
Order your copy of Dr. Sterling’s new books There are 72 Hours in a Day: Using Efficiency to Better Enjoy Every Part of Your Life and The 72 Hours in a Day Workbook: The Journey to The 72 Hours Life in 72 Days at Amazon or at www.72hourslife.com. Receive introductory pricing with orders!
Thanks for liking and following Straight, No Chaser! This public service provides a sample of what http://www.SterlingMedicalAdvice.com (SMA) and 844-SMA-TALK offers. Please share our page with your friends on WordPress, like us on Facebook @ SterlingMedicalAdvice.com and follow us on Twitter at @asksterlingmd.
Copyright © 2018 · Sterling Initiatives, LLC · Powered by WordPress

Straight, No Chaser: Low Testosterone

June 18, 2018Endocrine/Metabolic, General Health and Wellness, Genital/Urinary844-SMA-TALK, andropause, Behind the Curtain, Low testosterone, Menopause, Sterling Medical Advice, SterlingMedicalAdvice.com, Straight No Chaser, There are 72 Hours in a DayJeffrey Sterling, MD

Are you someone who had never heard of Low-T until recent commercials starting telling you that you weren’t normal? Let’s review what all the fuss is about.
As most people know, testosterone is the most important male sex hormone that in many ways and for many defines “manhood,” contributing to the following:

Changes of puberty, including deepening of your voice
Production of pubic, facial and body hair
Production of sperm
Facilitation of sex drive
Maintenance of bone health, which assists growth

In case you were wondering, this is what “male menopause” looks like.
Certain parts of the brain (hypothalamus and pituitary gland) signal how much testosterone needs to be produced. Most production occurs in the testes.
The symptoms of low testosterone are predictable. Symptoms include a reduction in sex drive, erections and sperm count. Men may also see an enlargement of their breasts. Additional symptoms (over the long-term) may include smaller testes, less energy, mood changes, loss of muscle size and strength, and weakened bones.

The aging process normally reduces sex drive, sperm count and frequency of erections. Aging also reduces testosterone such that clinically low testosterone levels invariably occur by age 70. The presence of these two independent facts can make it confusing to know if these symptoms are simply part of the aging process or might be attributable to a disease in the areas that either produce or regulate testosterone. In other words, although a natural age-related reduction in testosterone level is normal, it may or may not be the cause of lower sex drive.

Low testosterone in the absence of aging really is thought to be more of a sign of disease than a disease unto itself. The primary goal is to ensure than none of the more serious causes of low testosterone are present. Some of the more serious causes and considerations leading to low testosterone include injury, infection or cancer to the testes, radiation therapy or chemotherapy, hormonal disorders such as pituitary gland tumors or diseases, liver and kidney disease, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, obesity, certain genetic disorders and use of opiates (pain-killers).
Based on the cause and your health status, you may be prescribed testosterone replacement therapy. Testosterone replacement may occur via periodic injections, skin patches/gels, skin pellets or tablets that stick to the gums.
Testosterone replacement is not like taking a pill for an erection. These are hormones and come with long-term risks, the most notable being prostate cancer. Therefore, those males with prostate or breast cancer aren’t candidates for testosterone replacement therapy. Other side effects of testosterone replacement therapy include acne, breast enlargement, fluid buildup in the legs, ankles and feet, increased red blood cell count, prostate enlargement and sleep apnea.
Here are groups with significant enough risks from testosterone replacement therapy that they require monitoring if treated this way:

African-American men
Men over 40 years of age who have close relatives with prostate cancer
All men over 50 years of age

So what should you do with this information?

Understand that certain age-related changes occur naturally and don’t represent disease.
Understand that the premature presence of these symptoms could represent disease and need to be evaluated.
Understand that a desire to avoid the symptoms associated with low testosterone is best done with routine health measures (diet and exercise) that help the body function and maintain healthy levels of testosterone naturally.
Understand that a decision to seek treatment for these symptoms isn’t as simple as getting a pill or a patch. Hormonal treatment has real and serious associated side effects and risks and should only be done with the consultation and consent of your physician and endocrinologist (hormone specialist).

Straight, No Chaser In the News – Testosterone Therapy Doubles the Risk of Heart Attacks

June 20, 2017Cardiology/Heart, Endocrine/Metabolic, Genital/Urinary844-SMA-TALK, andropause, Behind the Curtain, hypogonadism, Low testosterone, male menopause, Sterling Medical Advice, SterlingMedicalAdvice.com, Straight No Chaser, There are 72 Hours in a DayJeffrey Sterling, MD

Over the last few days, Straight, No Chaser featured discussions of low testosterone and male menopause (which often includes low testosterone levels as a component of the syndrome). More importantly, you may recall our Straight, No Chaser post that discussed managing low testosterone without receiving testosterone therapy. Well as it seems, you may want to read that post again if you’re suffering from low testosterone (hypogonadism).

You should be aware of a study out of the University of California-Los Angeles, which notes two particularly disturbing findings about treatment of low testosterone:

The rate of developing a heart attack is nearly tripled in men less than 65 years old with a history of heart disease.
The rate of developing a heart attack doubled in men older than 65 years old with or without a history of heart disease.

Today’s message is rather simple: if you’re one of those individuals that view medicines as “magic in a bottle,” or if you’re someone so impressed by those commercials that you take testosterone just for an “extra boost,” this serves as another reminder that health has no shortcuts. Medications have risks, and health has benefits.
Alternatively, if you have serious health concerns consistent with low testosterone or male menopause (andropause), please discuss your concerns with your physician. You certainly can discuss your concerns with your Sterling Medical Advice expert consultant at www.sterlingmedicaladvice.com or at 844-SMA-TALK. We’ll keep you informed of risks and benefits of medicines as well as how to appropriately address your medical concerns with and sometimes without medications. Your personal healthcare consultants are standing by.
Feel free to ask your SMA expert consultant any questions you may have on this topic.
Take the #72HoursChallenge, and join the community. As a thank you for being a valued subscriber to Straight, No Chaser, we’d like to offer you a complimentary 30-day membership at www.72hourslife.com. Just use the code #NoChaser, and yes, it’s ok if you share!
Order your copy of Dr. Sterling’s new books There are 72 Hours in a Day: Using Efficiency to Better Enjoy Every Part of Your Life and The 72 Hours in a Day Workbook: The Journey to The 72 Hours Life in 72 Days at Amazon or at www.72hourslife.com. Receive introductory pricing with orders!
Thanks for liking and following Straight, No Chaser! This public service provides a sample of what http://www.SterlingMedicalAdvice.com (SMA) and 844-SMA-TALK offers. Please share our page with your friends on WordPress, like us on Facebook @ SterlingMedicalAdvice.com and follow us on Twitter at @asksterlingmd.
Copyright © 2017 · Sterling Initiatives, LLC · Powered by WordPress

Straight, No Chaser: Low Testosterone

June 17, 2017Endocrine/Metabolic, General Health and Wellness, Genital/Urinary844-SMA-TALK, andropause, Behind the Curtain, Low testosterone, Menopause, Sterling Medical Advice, SterlingMedicalAdvice.com, Straight No Chaser, There are 72 Hours in a DayJeffrey Sterling, MD

Changes of puberty, including deepening of your voice
Production of pubic, facial and body hair
Production of sperm
Facilitation of sex drive
Maintenance of bone health, which assists growth

African-American men
Men over 40 years of age who have close relatives with prostate cancer
All men over 50 years of age

So what should you do with this information?

Understand that certain age-related changes occur naturally and don’t represent disease.
Understand that the premature presence of these symptoms could represent disease and need to be evaluated.
Understand that a desire to avoid the symptoms associated with low testosterone is best done with routine health measures (diet and exercise) that help the body function and maintain healthy levels of testosterone naturally.
Understand that a decision to seek treatment for these symptoms isn’t as simple as getting a pill or a patch. Hormonal treatment has real and serious associated side effects and risks and should only be done with the consultation and consent of your physician and endocrinologist (hormone specialist).

Feel free to ask your SMA expert consultant any questions you may have on this topic.
Take the #72HoursChallenge, and join the community. As a thank you for being a valued subscriber to Straight, No Chaser, we’d like to offer you a complimentary 30-day membership at www.72hourslife.com. Just use the code #NoChaser, and yes, it’s ok if you share!
Order your copy of Dr. Sterling’s new books There are 72 Hours in a Day: Using Efficiency to Better Enjoy Every Part of Your Life and The 72 Hours in a Day Workbook: The Journey to The 72 Hours Life in 72 Days at Amazon or at www.72hourslife.com. Receive introductory pricing with orders!
Thanks for liking and following Straight, No Chaser! This public service provides a sample of what http://www.SterlingMedicalAdvice.com (SMA) and 844-SMA-TALK offers. Please share our page with your friends on WordPress, like us on Facebook @ SterlingMedicalAdvice.com and follow us on Twitter at @asksterlingmd.
Copyright © 2017 · Sterling Initiatives, LLC · Powered by WordPress

Straight, No Chaser: Male Menopause (aka Andropause)

June 16, 2017Endocrine/Metabolic, General Health and Wellness, Genital/Urinary844-SMA-TALK, andropause, Behind the Curtain, Low testosterone, Menopause, Sterling Medical Advice, SterlingMedicalAdvice.com, Straight No Chaser, There are 72 Hours in a DayJeffrey Sterling, MD

Depression
Difficulty sleeping
Increased body fat, particularly in the midsection
Irritability
Less desire for physical activity
Less energy
Less erections or less strong erections
Less mental sharpness and quickness
Loss of armpit or genital hair
Loss of confidence
Loss of interest in regular activities
Loss of libido
Night sweats
Reduced muscle mass
Social withdrawal
Swollen breasts

Feel free to ask your SMA expert consultant any questions you may have on this topic.
Take the #72HoursChallenge, and join the community. As a thank you for being a valued subscriber to Straight, No Chaser, we’d like to offer you a complimentary 30-day membership at www.72hourslife.com. Just use the code #NoChaser, and yes, it’s ok if you share!
Order your copy of Dr. Sterling’s new books There are 72 Hours in a Day: Using Efficiency to Better Enjoy Every Part of Your Life and The 72 Hours in a Day Workbook: The Journey to The 72 Hours Life in 72 Days at Amazon or at www.72hourslife.com. Receive introductory pricing with orders!
Thanks for liking and following Straight, No Chaser! This public service provides a sample of what http://www.SterlingMedicalAdvice.com (SMA) and 844-SMA-TALK offers. Please share our page with your friends on WordPress, like us on Facebook @ SterlingMedicalAdvice.com and follow us on Twitter at @asksterlingmd.
Copyright © 2017 · Sterling Initiatives, LLC · Powered by WordPress

Straight, No Chaser In the News – Testosterone Therapy Doubles the Risk of Heart Attacks

June 23, 2016Cardiology/Heart, Endocrine/Metabolic, Genital/Urinary844-SMA-TALK, andropause, Behind the Curtain, hypogonadism, Low testosterone, male menopause, Sterling Medical Advice, SterlingMedicalAdvice.com, Straight No ChaserJeffrey Sterling, MD

You should be aware of a study out of the University of California-Los Angeles, which notes two particularly disturbing findings about treatment of low testosterone:

The rate of developing a heart attack is nearly tripled in men less than 65 years old with a history of heart disease.
The rate of developing a heart attack doubled in men older than 65 years old with or without a history of heart disease.

Today’s message is rather simple: if you’re one of those individuals that view medicines as “magic in a bottle,” or if you’re someone so impressed by those commercials that you take testosterone just for an “extra boost,” this serves as another reminder that health has no shortcuts. Medications have risks, and health has benefits.
Alternatively, if you have serious health concerns consistent with low testosterone or male menopause (andropause), please discuss your concerns with your physician. You certainly can discuss your concerns with your Sterling Medical Advice expert consultant at www.sterlingmedicaladvice.com or at 844-SMA-TALK. We’ll keep you informed of risks and benefits of medicines as well as how to appropriately address your medical concerns with and sometimes without medications. Your personal healthcare consultants are standing by.
Feel free to ask your SMA expert consultant any questions you may have on this topic.
Order your copy of Dr. Sterling’s new book Behind The Curtain: A Peek at Life from within the ER at jeffreysterlingbooks.com, iTunes, Amazon, Barnes and Nobles and wherever books are sold.
Thanks for liking and following Straight, No Chaser! This public service provides a sample of what http://www.SterlingMedicalAdvice.com (SMA) and 844-SMA-TALK offers. Please share our page with your friends on WordPress, like us on Facebook @ SterlingMedicalAdvice.com and follow us on Twitter at @asksterlingmd.
Copyright © 2016 · Sterling Initiatives, LLC · Powered by WordPress

Straight, No Chaser: Low Testosterone

June 21, 2016Endocrine/Metabolic, General Health and Wellness, Genital/Urinary844-SMA-TALK, andropause, Behind the Curtain, Low testosterone, Menopause, Sterling Medical Advice, SterlingMedicalAdvice.com, Straight No ChaserJeffrey Sterling, MD

Changes of puberty, including deepening of your voice
Production of pubic, facial and body hair
Production of sperm
Facilitation of sex drive
Maintenance of bone health, which assists growth

African-American men
Men over 40 years of age who have close relatives with prostate cancer
All men over 50 years of age

So what should you do with this information?

Understand that certain age-related changes occur naturally and don’t represent disease.
Understand that the premature presence of these symptoms could represent disease and need to be evaluated.
Understand that a desire to avoid the symptoms associated with low testosterone is best done with routine health measures (diet and exercise) that help the body function and maintain healthy levels of testosterone naturally.
Understand that a decision to seek treatment for these symptoms isn’t as simple as getting a pill or a patch. Hormonal treatment has real and serious associated side effects and risks and should only be done with the consultation and consent of your physician and endocrinologist (hormone specialist).

Feel free to ask your SMA expert consultant any questions you may have on this topic.
Order your copy of Dr. Sterling’s new book Behind The Curtain: A Peek at Life from within the ER at jeffreysterlingbooks.com, iTunes, Amazon, Barnes and Nobles and wherever books are sold.
Thanks for liking and following Straight, No Chaser! This public service provides a sample of what http://www.SterlingMedicalAdvice.com (SMA) and 844-SMA-TALK offers. Please share our page with your friends on WordPress, like us on Facebook @ SterlingMedicalAdvice.com and follow us on Twitter at @asksterlingmd.
Copyright © 2016 · Sterling Initiatives, LLC · Powered by WordPress

Straight, No Chaser: Male Menopause (aka Andropause)

June 20, 2016Endocrine/Metabolic, General Health and Wellness, Genital/Urinary844-SMA-TALK, andropause, Behind the Curtain, Low testosterone, Menopause, Sterling Medical Advice, SterlingMedicalAdvice.com, Straight No ChaserJeffrey Sterling, MD

Depression
Difficulty sleeping
Increased body fat, particularly in the midsection
Irritability
Less desire for physical activity
Less energy
Less erections or less strong erections
Less mental sharpness and quickness
Loss of armpit or genital hair
Loss of confidence
Loss of interest in regular activities
Loss of libido
Night sweats
Reduced muscle mass
Social withdrawal
Swollen breasts

Straight, No Chaser In the News – Testosterone Therapy Doubles the Risk of Heart Attacks

February 5, 2015Cardiology/Heart, Endocrine/Metabolic844-SMA-TALK, andropause, hypogonadism, Low testosterone, male menopause, Sterling Medical Advice, SterlingMedicalAdvice.com, Straight No ChaserJeffrey Sterling, MD

You should be aware of a study out of the University of California-Los Angeles, which notes two particularly disturbing findings about treatment of low testosterone:

The rate of developing a heart attack is nearly tripled in men less than 65 years old with a history of heart disease.
The rate of developing a heart attack doubled in men older than 65 years old with or without a history of heart disease.

Alternatively, if you have serious health concerns consistent with low testosterone or male menopause (andropause), please discuss your concerns with your physician. You certainly can discuss your concerns with your Sterling Medical Advice expert consultant at www.sterlingmedicaladvice.com or at 844-SMA-TALK. We’ll keep you informed of risks and benefits of medicines as well as how to appropriately address your medical concerns with and sometimes without medications. Your personal healthcare consultants are standing by.

Thanks for liking and following Straight, No Chaser! This public service provides a sample of what http://www.SterlingMedicalAdvice.com (SMA) offers. Please share our page with your friends on WordPress, Facebook @ SterlingMedicalAdvice.com and Twitter at @asksterlingmd.

Straight, No Chaser: Low Testosterone

February 2, 2015Endocrine/Metabolic, General Health and Wellness, Genital/Urinary844-SMA-TALK, andropause, Low testosterone, Menopause, Sterling Medical Advice, SterlingMedicalAdvice.com, Straight No ChaserJeffrey Sterling, MD

Changes of puberty, including deepening of your voice
Production of pubic, facial and body hair
Production of sperm
Facilitation of sex drive
Maintenance of bone health, which assists growth

African-American men
Men over 40 years of age who have close relatives with prostate cancer
All men over 50 years of age

So what should you do with this information?

Understand that certain age-related changes occur naturally and don’t represent disease.
Understand that the premature presence of these symptoms could represent disease and need to be evaluated.
Understand that a desire to avoid the symptoms associated with low testosterone is best done with routine health measures (diet and exercise) that help the body function and maintain healthy levels of testosterone naturally.
Understand that a decision to seek treatment for these symptoms isn’t as simple as getting a pill or a patch. Hormonal treatment has real and serious associated side effects and risks and should only be done with the consultation and consent of your physician and endocrinologist (hormone specialist).

Feel free to contact your SMA expert consultant for any questions you may have on this topic.
Thanks for liking and following Straight, No Chaser! This public service provides a sample of what 844-SMA-TALK and http://www.SterlingMedicalAdvice.com (SMA) offers. Please share our page with your friends on WordPress, Facebook @ SterlingMedicalAdvice.com and Twitter at @asksterlingmd.
Copyright © 2015 · Sterling Initiatives, LLC · Powered by WordPress

Straight, No Chaser: Male Menopause (aka Andropause)

January 30, 2015Endocrine/Metabolic, General Health and Wellness, Genital/Urinary844-SMA-TALK, andropause, Low testosterone, Menopause, Sterling Medical Advice, SterlingMedicalAdvice.com, Straight No ChaserJeffrey Sterling, MD

Manopause? Male Menopause? Yes, andropause is a thing (at least according to many medical authorities). Most of us are roughly familiar with menopause. You may or may not be surprised to discover that men suffer through similar age-related changes called andropause.
With both sexes, changes are related to diminishing sex hormones. In the example of women, it’s estrogen and progesterone. With men, it’s testosterone. One big difference between the male and female experiences is lower testosterone levels don’t prevent men from still being able to have kids. Men can have kids into their 90s.
So the logical question to ask would be is this just the same as low testosterone? Well, not exactly. It’s the confluence of several problems men face with aging, including low testosterone, obesity, diabetes and depression (in those with these conditions). In particular, obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes seem to be particular risk factors. The fortunate news is this complex doesn’t occur universally and can be delayed with certain actions.
So what are you to do? For starters, know the symptoms and know when to ask for help. Here are symptoms commonly associated with andropause.

Depression
Difficulty sleeping
Increased body fat, particularly in the midsection
Irritability
Less desire for physical activity
Less energy
Less erections or less strong erections
Less mental sharpness and quickness
Loss of armpit or genital hair
Loss of confidence
Loss of interest in regular activities
Loss of libido
Night sweats
Reduced muscle mass
Social withdrawal
Swollen breasts

It’s important to get evaluated for these issues because even if these aren’t attributable to andropause, other causes can be even more serious. Examples of conditions that can cause these same symptoms include depression, drug and alcohol abuse, infections, heart disease, poor nutrition, stress and thyroid disease.
When you begin to develop these symptoms, you may discover that diet, exercise and weight control are important in relieving symptoms and slowing the progression of symptoms. Your physician likely will advise the same. In many cases, treating low testosterone is another important component of management. The next few Straight, No Chaser posts will discuss these additional considerations.
Feel free to ask your SMA expert consultant any questions you have on this topic.
Thanks for liking and following Straight, No Chaser! This public service provides a sample of what 844-SMA-TALK and http://www.SterlingMedicalAdvice.com (SMA) offers. Please share our page with your friends on WordPress. We are also on Facebook at SterlingMedicalAdvice.com and Twitter at @asksterlingmd.

Straight, No Chaser: In the News – Testosterone Therapy Doubles the Risk of Heart Attacks

January 30, 2014Cardiology/Heart, Endocrine/Metabolic, Medical Treatment844-SMA-TALK, andropause, hypogonadism, Low testosterone, male menopause, Sterling Medical Advice, SterlingMedicalAdvice.com, Straight No ChaserJeffrey Sterling, MD

If you’re a regular reader of Straight, No Chaser, you’ll recall recent discussions of low testosterone and male menopause (which often includes low testosterone levels as a component of the syndrome). More importantly, you may recall our Straight, No Chaser post that discussed managing low testosterone without receiving testosterone therapy. Well as it seems, you may want to read that post again if you’re suffering from low testosterone (hypogonadism).

In the news is a new study out of the University of California-Los Angeles, which notes two particularly disturbing findings about treatment of low testosterone:

The rate of developing a heart attack is nearly tripled in men less than 65 years old with a history of heart disease.
The rate of developing a heart attack doubled in men older than 65 years old with or without a history of heart disease.

The study, which was published in the journal PLOS One (Public Library of Science), followed a study with similar findings published in November 2013 in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
If you’re one of those individuals that view medicines as “magic in a bottle,” or if you’re someone so impressed by those commercials that you take testosterone just for an “extra boost,” this serves as another reminder that health has no shortcuts. Medications have risks, and health has benefits.
Alternatively, if you have serious health concerns consistent with low testosterone or male menopause (andropause), please discuss your concerns with your physician. You certainly can discuss your concerns with your Sterling Medical Advice expert consultant at www.sterlingmedicaladvice.com or at 844-SMA-TALK. We’ll keep you informed of risks and benefits of medicines as well as how to appropriately address your medical concerns with and sometimes without medications. Your personal healthcare consultants are standing by.
Thanks for liking and following Straight, No Chaser! This public service provides a sample of what http://www.SterlingMedicalAdvice.com (SMA) offers. Please share our page with your friends on WordPress, Facebook @ SterlingMedicalAdvice.com and Twitter at @asksterlingmd.
Copyright © 2014 · Sterling Initiatives, LLC · Powered by WordPress

Straight, No Chaser: Male Menopause (aka Andropause)

January 26, 2014Genital/Urinary844-SMA-TALK, andropause, Low testosterone, Menopause, Sterling Medical Advice, SterlingMedicalAdvice.com, Straight No ChaserJeffrey Sterling, MD

Manopause? Male Menopause? Yes, andropause is a thing (at least according to many medical authorities).
In a previous post, we discussed menopause. You may or may not be surprised to discover that men suffer through similar age-related changes called andropause.
With both sexes, changes are related to diminishing sex hormones. In the example of women, it’s estrogen and progesterone. With men, it’s testosterone. One big difference between the male and female experiences is lower testosterone levels don’t prevent men from still being able to have kids. Men can have kids into their 90s.
So the logical question to ask would be is this just the same as low testosterone? Well, not exactly. It’s the confluence of several problems men face with aging, including low testosterone, obesity, diabetes and depression (in those with these conditions). In particular, obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes seem to be particular risk factors. The fortunate news is this complex doesn’t occur universally and can be delayed with certain actions.
So what are you to do? For starters, know the symptoms and know when to ask for help. Here are symptoms commonly associated with andropause.

Depression
Difficulty sleeping
Increased body fat, particularly in the midsection
Irritability
Less desire for physical activity
Less energy
Less erections or less strong erections
Less mental sharpness and quickness
Loss of armpit or genital hair
Loss of confidence
Loss of interest in regular activities
Loss of libido
Night sweats
Reduced muscle mass
Social withdrawal
Swollen breasts

It’s important to get evaluated for these issues because even if these aren’t attributable to andropause, other causes can be serious. Examples of conditions that can cause these same symptoms include depression, drug and alcohol abuse, infections, heart disease, poor nutrition, stress and thyroid disease.
When you begin to develop these symptoms, you may discover that diet, exercise and weight control are important in relieving symptoms and slowing the progression of symptoms. Your physician likely will advise the same. In many cases, treating low testosterone is another important component of management.
Feel free to ask your SMA expert consultant any questions you have on this topic.
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