Men's Health

Men cope with many of the same health concerns everyone else does, like high blood pressure, obesity, liver disease, and depression. But male patients also need unique medical services, such as prostate cancer screening, testosterone level monitoring, and bio-identical hormone replacement therapy. At Bloom La Vie Health in Kansas City, MO, we understand men’s health needs and stand ready to help our male clients achieve their best health.

What Is Men’s Health?

Fortunately, many of the primary threats to men’s health, like heart disease and cancer, can often be prevented. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, which includes regular exercise and a conscientious diet, helps. Regular checkups and screenings are also important because they can catch developing conditions in the early stages. This is important to remember because men are more likely than women to put off regular checkups and screenings.

Men’s health concerns evolve as they age. Perhaps low testosterone levels have left you fatigued, diminished your sex drive, or caused you to have difficulty concentrating. And maybe your performance in the bedroom isn’t as reliable as it once was. For some men, a beer belly may be elevating their risk of conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or fatty liver disease. Our team can help you navigate these and other common men’s health concerns.

Testosterone Levels

Testosterone is a hormone found in both men and women. It supports a healthy sex drive and sperm production, plays a role in muscle development, and even determines levels of energy, competitiveness, and aggression. Testosterone levels peak around the age of 18 or 19 and decline over an adult male’s life. If a male patient’s testosterone level dips below 300 nanograms per deciliter, he is diagnosed with low testosterone. These are signs of low testosterone:

• Sparse beard growth
• Muscle mass loss
• Obesity
• Depression
• Loss of body hair
• Declining erectile function
• Irritability
• Diminished sex drive

If you’re concerned about your testosterone level, it may be time to schedule a checkup. We’ll perform a physical and conduct a simple blood test. If we find that your testosterone levels are too low, we may recommend testosterone replacement therapy, which can take many forms. Injections, skin patches, gels applied to the skin and even pellets implanted beneath the skin are ways of bolstering your testosterone level. These treatments usually offer great results.

Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction, defined as the inability to get and maintain an erection that is firm enough for sex, can be a frustrating and embarrassing condition. It’s a fairly common condition that becomes more prevalent with age, and it has the potential to impact a patient’s self-confidence and relationships. Some men suffer from erectile dysfunction in silence because they’re hesitant to broach the subject with their doctor. But there are good reasons to seek medical help.

Although erection difficulties are not always a reason for concern, they can sometimes be s sign of a deeper health condition. That’s why it’s important to get this checked out. Treating any underlying conditions sometimes resolves erectile dysfunction. In other cases, we may recommend medication or one of a variety of treatments depending on the underly cause of your dysfunction. For some men, assistive devices or pumps can offer an effective remedy.

PSA Levels (Prostate Cancer Screening)

Every man is at risk of developing prostate cancer. It is one of the most common forms of cancer in men, and the risk increases with age. However, most men diagnosed with this form of cancer don’t die from it. That’s why it’s important to keep up with your regular check-ups and screenings. The PSA test, a blood test, is a common way to screen for prostate cancer. These symptoms are a sign that you should call your doctor:

• Difficulty urinating
• Weak urine flow
• Frequent trips to the bathroom, particularly at night
• Discomfort while urinating
• Trouble fully emptying the bladder when urinating
• The presence of blood in urine or semen
• Back, pelvic, or hip pain that never goes away
• Pain during ejaculation

If the test finds high levels of prostate-specific antigen or PSA, that could be a sign of prostate cancer. However other conditions, such as an enlarged or inflamed prostate, can also result in a high PSA level. That’s why this test must be performed in conjunction with a check-up. Treatment for prostate cancer can vary. Some slow-growing types simply need to be monitored over time. In other cases, radiation, surgery, or chemotherapy may be recommended.

BRHT (Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy)

Well-balanced hormones ensure that your body is functioning at its best. That’s because hormones like testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone play an important role in male and female bodies. They help regulate everything from your appetite and immune system to your digestion and libido. Even a slight imbalance in your hormones can take a toll on your general health and wellbeing. Hormone imbalances can also lead to a variety of side effects, including:

• Sudden and unexplained weight loss
• Headaches
• Trouble sleeping
• Skin rashes
• Dry skin
• Fluctuations in blood pressure or heart rate
• Depression, anxiety, and mood swings
• Frequent urination
• Heavy sweating
• Brittle bones
• Ongoing fatigue that can’t be explained

But there are treatments, including bio-identical hormone replacement therapy or BRHT, that can balance your hormones. Bioidentical hormones are manmade, but they are created with plant estrogens that are exactly like the ones our bodies naturally produce. Bioidentical hormones are available in pill, patch, cream, and gel form. If you’re not feeling your best and your hormones are to blame, we can provide the testing and treatment to restore your health.

Put Your Care in Our Hands

Whether you’re simply trying to maintain your best health or you have a specific concern on your mind, we can help. We work with men of all ages and with all types of conditions. From general health conditions like high blood pressure and respiratory disease to medical concerns specific to men, we’re here for you. Think of our practice as your partner in men’s health. Our goal is to help you live your best and healthiest life.