June is National Men’s Health Month, a time to focus on preventable health issues and early disease detection in men. This year, we’re shining a spotlight on a pressing issue: hormone health, specifically the alarming trend of low testosterone in men.
Male hormone balance is a foundational pillar of overall health, profoundly influencing multiple facets of a man’s life. From physical strength and vitality to emotional wellness and cognitive function, the impact of hormones is far-reaching. Imbalances can lead to a cascade of health issues, undermining quality of life and even increasing the risk of chronic diseases and premature mortality.
The Growing Prevalence and Impact of Low Testosterone
One of the most common and insidious men’s health issues is low testosterone, or “low T.” In recent years, studies have shown that testosterone levels in men have been steadily declining, leading to a wide range of health issues affecting their overall wellbeing. According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, average male testosterone levels significantly decreased from 1987 to 2004, affecting men of all ages.
Consider these alarming statistics:
• Approximately 20% of US men over 60, 30% over 70, and 50% over 80 have low T (defined as levels below 300 ng/dL).
• Starting in their mid-30s, men experience a gradual decline in testosterone at an average rate of 1.6% per year.
• The symptoms of low T can significantly impact a man’s life, manifesting as low energy, reduced sex drive, mood swings, increased body fat, difficulty building muscle, and more.
Despite the high prevalence, data suggests that over 3 million men in the US suffer from testosterone deficiency, and shockingly, only 32% will seek treatment. This highlights the urgent need for early detection and treatment. Untreated low T can lead to long-term health problems, including osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and cognitive decline. By taking action early, men can significantly improve their health outcomes and quality of life.
The Testosterone-Mortality Link: A Silent Killer
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 11 studies involving over 24,000 subjects found that low baseline testosterone levels in men are associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality.
Very low testosterone concentrations (below 153 ng/dL) were linked to an even higher risk of cardiovascular death. Men with the lowest testosterone levels had nearly a 60% higher risk compared to men with high-normal levels.
These findings challenge the long-held belief that testosterone increases the risk of heart disease and early death in men. Instead, it appears that having testosterone levels in the normal range (300-1000 ng/dL) is protective, while deficiencies can silently erode health and shorten lifespan.
The Complex Web of Male Hormones
Beyond just testosterone, other sex hormones like luteinizing hormone (LH), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), estrogen, and sex hormone–binding globulin (SHBG) play complex roles in men’s overall health and mortality risk:
• High SHBG levels were linked to elevated all-cause and cardiovascular mortality risk.
• Both very low and very high DHT levels were associated with higher all-cause and cardiovascular mortality.
• Very high LH and very low estrogen concentrations increased the risk of all-cause mortality.
These findings show that maintaining a delicate hormonal balance is crucial for optimal men’s health. Testosterone does not act in isolation but rather as part of an intricate endocrine symphony. Extensive testing and targeted treatment strategies are needed to address imbalances and deficiencies.
Lifestyle Habits and Low T
Diet and lifestyle habits can have a major impact, both positive and negative, on men’s testosterone levels:
• The Western diet, which is high in processed foods, sugar, and fat, may lower T levels.
• Polyunsaturated fatty acids in certain vegetable oils and phytoestrogens in soy products can affect testosterone.
• Excessive alcohol intake is associated with decreased testosterone production.
• On the other hand, regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and eating a balanced diet support normal testosterone levels.
Men’s lifestyle choices can either support or sabotage their hormone health. Healthcare professionals play a vital role in educating patients about the impact of diet and lifestyle on testosterone and guiding them toward health-promoting habits.
Innovative Solutions: Telehealth Testosterone Treatment
Traditional testosterone treatment methods, including in-person consultations and injections, can be time-consuming, inconvenient, and costly for patients. Moreover, the stigma associated with low T may prevent some men from seeking medical help altogether.
Recognizing the urgent need to make male hormone health care more accessible, innovative companies such as RISE Men’s Health and Posterity Health are leveraging telehealth technology to revolutionize testosterone therapy:
• Telehealth testosterone treatment (eTRT) allows men to access care through virtual consultations and online assessments, making treatment more convenient, affordable, and private.
• eTRT eliminates geographical limitations, helping men in remote locations access quality care.
• Through eTRT, men can receive personalized treatment plans, including lifestyle and nutrition interventions, with ongoing virtual monitoring for safety and efficacy.
While these and other well-known telehealth companies, such as Hims and Roman, have widened access to treatment, they do not deliver the 360-degree care that integrative and functional medicine providers with endocrinology expertise can.
Clinicians with specialized training in hormone health and aging are uniquely equipped to provide the in-depth assessment, personalized treatment plans, and ongoing monitoring needed to optimize testosterone levels and overall male health. Through an integrative approach that addresses lifestyle factors, nutritional status, and the complex interplay of hormones, these practitioners can help men not just manage but improve their health. By achieving sustainable resilience and reducing their risk of chronic diseases, men can look forward to a healthier, more fulfilling life.
An Integrative Approach to Male Hormone Health
As the field of men’s health continues to evolve, it is becoming increasingly clear that a fragmented, symptom-based approach is insufficient. The complexity of men’s hormone health calls for a comprehensive, full-spectrum strategy that addresses the root causes of imbalances and deficiencies.
Healthcare professionals with advanced training in hormone therapeutics and functional medicine are at the forefront of this paradigm shift. Combining cutting-edge diagnostic testing, personalized treatment plans, and a whole-patient focus on lifestyle optimization can help men reclaim vitality and reduce the risk of age-related diseases.
This integrative model recognizes that hormones do not operate in isolation but rather as part of a complex, interconnected network that influences every aspect of male health.
A whole-patient perspective allows healthcare providers to identify and address the unique factors contributing to each man’s hormonal landscape, including:
• Nutritional status and dietary habits
• Physical activity levels and exercise routines
• Stress management and emotional wellbeing
• Sleep quality and circadian rhythms
• Environmental exposures and toxin load
• Genetics and family history
Targeted interventions developed through this comprehensive lens not only restore hormonal balance but also promote overall health and resilience. These may include:
• Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT)
• Targeted supplements and nutraceuticals
• Personalized nutrition and meal planning
• Exercise and physical performance coaching
• Stress reduction and mindfulness techniques
• Sleep optimization strategies
Addressing the full spectrum of factors influencing male hormone health is necessary to achieve and maintain endocrine equilibrium. Clinicians can empower their patients to unlock a higher quality of life by educating them on the critical role of hormones in overall health and arming them with the tools and resources they need to take proactive control of their wellness.
Hormonal harmony is the foundation of robust male health, and it deserves our full attention and dedication this month and always. By embracing a holistic, integrative approach to male hormone health, we can empower men to live longer, stronger, and more fulfilling lives.
You can lead the future of men’s health with advanced hormone education.
As the men’s health landscape continues to evolve, it is imperative that healthcare professionals stay at the forefront of hormone research and insights for clinical practice. Continuing education and specialization in hormone therapeutics are essential for providing the highest level of care to male (and female) patients.
Your next opportunity is coming up: September 19-21, 2024, in Los Angeles, CA!
The Endocrine Balance and Bio-Identical Hormone Restoration Symposium offers an invaluable platform for clinicians looking to deepen their expertise and stay current with the latest developments in hormone health.
This best-selling bi-annual meeting unites endocrine experts with decades of expertise to deliver best-in-class education focused on:
• A thorough understanding of the endocrine system and its multifaceted role in functional medicine and patient health
• Practical clinical skills and protocols that can be immediately implemented into practice
• The latest research, innovations, and treatment strategies
• A robust inventory of knowledge and tools to effectively diagnose, treat, and manage hormone dysfunction and support optimal hormone balance
By investing in their education and professional development, forward-thinking healthcare providers like you can become powerful advocates for men’s health. Click here to learn more about this practice-changing event and secure your spot.