With constant exposure to new discoveries regarding COVID-19 and the influx of news surrounding the coronavirus, it’s creating an increased level of stress and anxiety in men and women.

While testosterone is responsible for sex drive and sperm production, it also plays a vital role in other aspects of men’s health, including red-blood-cell production, muscle strength, fat distribution, and more.

Though most people are familiar with Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) in regard to women receiving treatment for hot flashes, memory loss, sleeping problems, and other menopause-related symptoms, many don’t realize that HRT is also available to men experiencing hypogonadism (or low testosterone). 

According to a recent study, low testosterone effects roughly 1 in 4 men over the age of 30, but only 1 in 20 men will experience clinical symptoms linked to low T, and testosterone replacement should only be considered in the presence of symptoms.

Living a healthy, proactive lifestyle may seem achievable in your 20s. But as men age, certain lifestyle changes (e.g. career and financial obligations, family responsibilities, etc.) combined with excessive behaviors—drinking, eating, or smoking—can affect your physical and mental wellness, leading to low energy and clinical health issues later in life.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder caused by relaxation of the throat muscles that block the airway. It affects men twice as often as women. Sleep apnea leads to disrupted sleep patterns and negative side effects yet, interestingly, many people with OSA think they sleep well.

The pace of life may feel like it’s accelerating. Professional responsibilities coupled with commitments in your personal life—from your romantic relationship to your family—may cause you to experience increased stress levels, which can be taxing mentally, emotionally, and physically.

In a previous blog post, we focused on “Food as Medicine.” This month, we’d like to discuss the importance of ensuring good gastrointestinal health as an essential element to overall men’s health. It is not uncommon that poor gastrointestinal function may act as a significant limitation to health, providing unpleasant symptoms and limiting proper absorption of macronutrients, essential vitamins, and minerals. If there is an underlying gastrointestinal issue, it will result in a diminishing effect of nutritional intake. 

As another year draws to a close, this is the season to reflect on your experiences from the past and imagine what you hope to achieve in the next year. At EveresT Men’s Health, our mission is to help every man realize his best health potential, which is why we hope you prioritize your health in 2019.