The men's health crisis is a complex and multifaceted issue that encompasses various challenges affecting the well-being of men globally.
One prominent aspect is the disparity in healthcare utilization, with men often being less proactive in seeking medical attention compared to women. In 2018, CDC data showed that the physician visit rate in 2018 among females was almost 40 percent higher—3.08 visits per woman vs. 2.24 per man.
This reluctance can lead to delayed diagnoses and interventions for conditions ranging from cardiovascular diseases to mental health issues. There is a growing longevity gap between men and women. According to the CDC, life expectancy in 2021 was 79.1 years for women and 73.2 years for men, the widest gap in a quarter-century.
We can't forget to mention the societal expectations and traditional gender norms that may contribute to unhealthy behaviors, such as a tendency to downplay symptoms or avoid discussing emotional well-being.
According to Mental Health America—a leading national nonprofit, over 6 million men suffer from depression each year, reporting symptoms of fatigue, irritability, and loss of interest in work or hobbies.
Low Testosterone and Men's Health
A significant contributing factor impacting mental and physical health for many men is testosterone deficiency. Low testosterone, also referred to as Low T or male hypogonadism, commonly presents with symptoms such as diminished libido, depression, poor cognition, trouble sleeping, and fatigue. Natural testosterone levels peak by early adulthood and drop as you age—about 1% to 2% a year beginning in the 40s.
Testosterone plays a crucial role in functions such as sperm production, muscle mass maintenance, regulation of red blood cell levels, preservation of bone density, and overall sense of well-being, so that insufficient levels can contribute to a range of health issues. Men who believe they may be suffering from Low T should speak with their doctor and get their levels checked.
Effective Lifestyle Changes
There are also smaller, day-to-day lifestyle changes men can do to improve their daily and long-term health:
- Eat a healthy diet: Opt for natural foods over processed options. Packaged and processed foods often contain excessive amounts of sugar, salt, unhealthy fats, artificial additives, and calories. Minimize intake of these artificial ingredients and focus on consuming a diverse range of fresh fruits and vegetables, fiber-rich foods like beans and leafy greens, whole grains, fish, and leaner cuts of meat and poultry.
- Physical activity: Remaining physically active and maintaining a healthy weight can significantly lower the likelihood of developing heart disease, stroke, and other health complications. Moreover, it can have positive effects on your mental wellness.
- Get enough sleep: Quality sleep promotes heart health, restores the body, and improves energy levels and mood, thus relieving anxiety, depression, and other mental health strains.
- Find stress-relieving hobbies: Go hiking, journal, read, or meditate, for example.
- Socialize: According to the Surgeon General, poor or insufficient connection causes a 29% increased risk of heart disease, a 32% increased risk of stroke, and a 50% increased risk of developing dementia for older adults. Lacking social connection increases the risk of premature death by more than 60%.
Physical health and emotional health are deeply interconnected.
To confront the men's health crisis requires a multifaceted approach involving healthcare awareness campaigns, destigmatization of mental health discussions, and encouraging men to prioritize overall well-being through regular check-ups and healthy lifestyle choices.
