5 Men’s Health Issues That Aren’t Just For Older Guys

5 Men's Health Issues That Aren't Just For Older Guys
Depressed man at night feeling alone and useless

Guys, you only get one body. So why aren’t you taking better care of it? Is it because you think you’re ‘too young’ to experience a health concern? News Flash! Many common health issues in men don’t care about age.

It’s time to put aside the common misconception that all health issues are age-related. Young or old, these five health conditions can strike at any time.

Mental illness

Over 30% of men suffer from depression at some stage in their life. While there’s a global effort to eliminate the stigma associated with mental illness, it remains a significant deterrent in seeking professional help. Many men end up at a crisis point.

Mental illness is becoming a major concern in Gen Z men, with rates skyrocketing in recent years. Without the right help, this can result in life-long mental health issues.

Putting on a brave face is not your only option. If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, it’s time to talk to someone:

  • A feeling of hopelessness and being burdensome to others
  • Fear of leaving the house and facing the day
  • Sleeping too much or too little
  • Withdrawing from social activity
  • Substance abuse
  • A feeling of sadness that won’t pass
  • Irritability and anger

What can you do?

If you’re suffering from depression, no matter how mild, it’s important to act fast.

  • Call 988 to speak to a crisis management professional
  • Talk to a close family member or friend
  • Avoid being alone for extended periods
  • Exercise regularly and eat well
  • Avoid alcohol

Low testosterone

Low testosterone only occurs in older men, right?

Not quite.

While low testosterone is a symptom of ageing, younger men are not immune to the health concern. Low testosterone occurs in younger men as a secondary issue to health conditions such as obesity, testicular injury, infection, pituitary gland disorders, medications, alcohol and drugs, and hormone imbalance.

Low testosterone can cause a range of frustrating and embarrassing physical symptoms, including:

  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Lack of libido
  • Insomnia
  • Low energy
  • Depression
  • Mood swings
  • Reduced muscle mass
  • Increased body fat
  • Hair loss

What can you do?

You don’t have to suffer from symptoms of testosterone. There are many ways to boost your testosterone naturally and medicinally.

Exercise

Get more exercise, particularly weight training. This will increase muscle, boost testosterone production, and improve your overall wellbeing.

Diet adjustments

Remove refined sugars and processed carbohydrates from your diet and focus on a diet of whole foods with high nutritional value.

Supplements

Take zinc, vitamin D3 and selenium supplements daily. These vitamins and minerals are known for their testosterone-boosting qualities.

Stress reduction

Reduce your stress levels to avoid dangerously high cortisol levels. Cortisol is a major testosterone destroyer.

Testosterone replacement therapy

When natural alternatives don’t cut it, ask your healthcare provider about testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). TRT comes in many forms, including skin patches, gels, mouth patches, injections, and implants.

High blood pressure

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, affects men of all ages. As poor lifestyle choices lead to increased blood pressure, an increasing number of young men are experiencing hypertension. These causes include:

  • A diet high in sodium
  • Obesity
  • Alcohol
  • Smoking
  • Stress
  • Lack of exercise

Elevated blood pressure can lead to a raft of critical health issues such as kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, coronary and periphery artery disease, lung disease, heart failure and stroke.

With results this critical, wouldn’t you want to keep your blood pressure in check?

What can you do?

Any elevation in your blood pressure should be taken seriously. The treatment is almost always a change in lifestyle choices, the most important being stress reduction and weight loss.

To get on top of your hypertension fast, adopt the DASH diet (Diet Approaches to Stop Hypertension). This diet substitutes foods high in sodium, saturated fats, and sugars with foods high in magnesium, calcium, protein, and potassium.

Erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a symptom of many underlying health issues, meaning it can affect large numbers of younger men. A recent study showed that 26% of men under 40 experience ED, with over half suffering from severe symptoms. ED can be a result of physical or psychological issues, such as:

  • Cardiovascular issues
  • Depression and anxiety
  • Medications
  • Stress
  • Diabetes
  • Low testosterone
  • Smoking
  • Obesity

So, what can you do?

There is a wide range of treatments for ED, from natural therapies to prescription medicines.

Diet and lifestyle changes

A healthy diet and regular exercise go a long way in combatting multiple health issues, especially erectile dysfunction. Studies show that a diet rich in flavonoid foods can combat ED, while alcohol, sugar and soy can exacerbate the issue.

As muscles are essential in achieving and maintaining an erection, regular strength-building exercises of the pelvic floor can also help reverse the signs of ED.

Counseling

Stress, depression, and anxiety can wreak havoc on your sexual function. If you experience ED during times of stress or when you’re feeling low, it’s important to talk to a mental health professional as soon as possible. ED is a common symptom of mental illness and stress, and there is no shame in seeking help to rectify the root cause.

Natural supplements

Quality supplements treat the underlying cause of ED and provide a natural alternative to prescription ED pills. The most effective supplements help to balance hormones, improve blood flow, and support neurological function. These include Zinc, Fenugreek Seed, Korean Ginseng, Selenium, Vitamin D3 and Horny Goat Weed. The easiest way to get these herbal extracts and minerals into your system is through a supplement that blends these effective ingredients into one tablet.

Prescription medications

Oral medications effectively combat the symptoms of ED but don’t treat the underlying cause. Your doctor may prescribe one of four PDE5 inhibitors (Viagra, Stendra, Cialis, Staxyn) that help to open the blood vessels and produce enough blood flow to achieve an erection. Oral medications may have side effects, so it’s important to talk with your doctor before going down this route.

Liver disease

Over 90% of liver disease is preventable, and an increasing number of young men are susceptible to the health concern. In this high proportion, the most common causes include:

  • Viral infection – Hepatitis A, B, or C
  • Alcohol abuse
  • Obesity
  • Type 2 diabetes

What can you do?

Your liver is an essential digestive organ that helps to rid your body of toxins. Taking good care of your liver is vital for health and longevity. While some liver issues are inherited, the vast proportion is caused by lifestyle choices that damage the liver and lead to scarring. Liver scarring can be life-threatening, so it’s important to seek early treatment and work on healing the vital organ.

  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Minimize alcohol intake
  • Keep your food and water safe
  • Get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B
  • Practise safe sex
  • Take care around toxic chemicals

Take Care Of Yourself

Men of all ages struggle with mental and physical health concerns, but many neglects to seek professional help until the problem spirals out of control. With an awareness of common health concerns and regular check-ups, you can prevent minor issues from becoming major health conditions.

Enjoy your youth but take care of your body in the process. You’re going to need it.

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I'm NOT a doctor! I'm just passionate about health and healthy leaving. The information on this website, such as graphics, images, text and all other materials, is provided for reference and educational purposes only and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professional. The content is not intended to be complete or exhaustive or to apply to any specific individual's medical condition.