Men's Health Issues

     All men as they age will eventually develop decreased levels of testosterone and growth hormone.  In fact, levels drop significantly for every decade from age 30 on forward.  The decrease in serum testosterone and growth hormone is characterized by a a constellation of signs and symptoms that may include decreased libido, weakness, decreased bone density, decreased lean muscle mass, increased body fat, fatigue, anemia, erectile dysfunction and decreased volume of ejaculate.

     A well documented phenomenon called Andropause or male menopause has been attributed as the cause of the traditional "mid-life" crisis where a man loses his aggressive nature at work, loses his libido, lacks energy to play with his kids, and feels generally depressed. The decreased testosterone levels to pathological levels is called hypogonadism.  The recent HIM study which included over 2500 men concluded that 38.7% of men aged >45 had hypogonadism.

     Instead of offering therapy and anti-depressants to these patients we should be restoring their failing testosterone levels to healthy ideal levels; most of these men respond incredibly well.  A well trained specialist will know how to properly evaluate a patient, including obtaining the proper blood tests.

     There are about 20-30 million men in the United State's that are affected with primary erectile dysfunction (ED), impotence that is not related to anxiety performance or failing testosterone levels.  In men older than 40 the prevalence is as high as 52% with 9.6% reporting complete impotence or dysfunction; that means that 1 out of every two men is unhappy or unsatisfied with the quality of his erections/sex life.

     The unfortunate truth is that nearly 90-95% of these men need not have this problem.  ED can be successfully treated in most men with safe and effective treatments.  There are several steps to success:

• Thorough evaluation (Consultation with history and physical exam)
• Laboratory testing
• Ultrasound/other tests
• Treatment Modalities

     Approximately 50% of men by age 40 and 80% of men by age 50 have experienced some male pattern baldness.  This is unfortunate since most men can usually keep most of their hair if intervention is early and aggressive.  With the proper evaluation and treatment hair loss can be completely stopped, or at least significantly slowed.  If the hair loss is of less than 10-20 years duration and the patient is younger than 40 there can even be some significant regrowth of lost hair.

     All of these issues and some others are particular to men.  A specialist that understands the physiological basis for these problems and has the experience and expertise necessary to address these issues can usually help to resolve or improve all of them.

     We have a 90-95% success rate with many of these male related health problems including:

• Hair loss
• Erectile Dysfunction
• Premature Ejaculation
• Hypogonadism
• Weight Gain
• Decreased energy levels
• Unwanted hair growth (i.e. ears, back, shoulders, etc)
• Decreased libido