Understanding the Risk Factors for Prostate Cancer

According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer in America. One in seven men will be diagnosed with the disease at some point in their lives. In 2017, it is estimated that there will be over 161,000 new cases of prostate cancer and nearly 28,000 deaths from it. Understanding this disease is an important first step in helping find reliable treatment plans as well as a long-term cure.

 

Contributing Factors

There are many contributing factors that present a greater likelihood of being diagnosed with prostate cancer. Some of the most common include:

 

• Age - Age is a predominate factor in determining who is at a greater risk of contracting the disease, with 6 in 10 cases diagnosed in males over age 65. The average age prostate cancer is detected in is 66.
• Genetics - A family history of prostate cancer also plays a part in who is likely to develop the disease. Men with two or more family members who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer are four times more likely to contract the disease. Additionally, there is an even greater risk if family members were diagnosed before age 65.
• Race – African American men are 73 percent more likely to develop prostate cancer than Caucasians, and are over two times more likely to succumb from the illness.
• Environment – Factors such as diet and lifestyle can play an important part in who will develop the disease. Obesity can also impact the outcome of the illness.

Prostate cancer myths

While there are many known factors that increase the risk of being diagnosed with prostate cancer, there are also some myths regarding who is more likely to get the disease.

• Testosterone Therapy - Some believe taking testosterone or undergoing testosterone therapy can create a higher risk of prostate cancer. In fact, findings based on a 9 year study confirmed that those undergoing hormone therapy actually had a lower risk of developing cancer. 
• Sexual activity – A robust sex life or frequent ejaculation does not increase the risk of prostate cancer. In fact, some studies suggest that more frequent sexual activity might actual lower the risk.
• Vasectomy – While a vasectomy was once thought to increase the risk of developing this type of cancer, it has since been disproven.
• Alcohol – Consuming alcohol does not increase the risk of prostate cancer, although it is still an excellent idea to consume in moderation for other health reasons.

 

Are you concerned about prostate cancer or other men’s health issues? Contact the team at Invigorate Men’s Health and Wellness to learn more about your risk factors.   

Eat Your Way to Stronger Muscles

Did you know that March is National Nutrition Month? What a great time to consider the food you are using to fuel your body and build muscle.  Most men know that protein is an important building block of any nutrition program aimed and creating mass. But do you know which are the best for your muscle gain goals?

 

• Quinoa – This protein packed whole grain is a delicious alternative to meat. It contains nine essential amino acids and is also gluten free. It can be eaten as part of a delicious salad, as a side dish with another meat, or as a main dish flavored with chicken or vegetable broth.
• Almonds – Almonds are a perfect food to snack on throughout the day.  Just a ¼ cup of this delicious tree nut has over close to 8 grams of protein. It also contains heart-healthy monounsaturated fat and magnesium which can help with energy metabolism as well as protein synthesis.
• Cottage Cheese – This delicious dairy product is one of the top muscle building foods of professional bodybuilders. There are 14 grams of protein and only 80 calories in ½ cup of the low-fat or no-fat varieties and less than 2 grams of fat.
• Chocolate milk – Milk is an excellent source of protein and essential amino acids with very little fat. And, chocolate milk is just plain delicious. There are also strawberry and vanilla varieties in addition to standard white milk.
• Ground beef – Lean ground beef and other red meats offer an exceptional source of protein. 100 grams of lean ground beef can pack up to 27 grams of protein; however, it can also be higher in fat than other protein sources. Beef is also packed with vitamin and minerals, including B12, zinc and iron—all of which are beneficial for muscle growth and development.
• Eggs – Low in calories and high in protein, eggs are delicious and can be prepared in a variety of ways. Additionally, the protein found in eggs is used most efficiently for muscle growth.
• Chicken – A staple of muscle-building diets, chicken offers an excellent protein-to-fat ratio and its versatility makes it a superstar in a wide variety of meals.

 

Are you struggling to build muscle mass? It might be the sign of other medical conditions. Contact the experts at Invigorate Men’s Health & Wellness Center to discuss your options. 

The Impact of Low Testosterone

Low testosterone impacts more areas of life than we commonly think, and affects nearly 40% of men over the age of 45. Often assumed to be a normal, if inconvenient, part of aging, low testosterone can cause a wide range of imbalances in a man’s life, including mood swings, fatigue, poor sexual function, muscle loss, weight gain, and more. Fortunately, low testosterone, or “low-T,” as it is often referred to, can be treated.

The Importance of Balanced Testosterone for Mental and Physical Health

Research shows that a man’s testosterone levels begin slowly falling when he reaches his mid-20’s. Because T-levels fall slowly but steadily, at 1-2% per year, most men don’t notice changes at first. But by roughly 40 years of age, testosterone levels in most men are depleted as much as 50%.

As testosterone levels decline, men may notice symptoms that they often confuse with “getting old” or natural aging. These include:

• Hair loss
• Fatigue
• Mood swings and depression
• Increased body fat, especially in the abdominal area
• Decreased libido

Unfortunately, low testosterone causes a hormonal imbalance that is linked to further disorders, such as:

• Osteoporosis and thinning of bones
• Heart and coronary artery disease
• Diabetes

Treating low-T can reduce your risks of heart and coronary artery disease by:

• Making it easier to lose weight
• Increasing healthy lipids
• Decreasing harmful cholesterol levels
• Improving the function of blood vessels and the heart’s testosterone receptors

You don’t have to live with low testosterone or accept it as “just another part of aging.” Identifying and treating low testosterone can improve your wellbeing, as well as reduce your risk of developing more serious diseases.  

Identifying and Treating Low Testosterone

If you suspect you may be experiencing low testosterone, you are not alone. It occurs in roughly 39% of men over aged 45. A simple blood test measures hormone levels within as little as 15 minutes. Testosterone replacement therapy can boost your levels back into a more comfortable range, resulting in a better mood, enhanced sex life, higher energy levels, weight loss, and reduced risk for heart disease.

Invigorate is a men’s health and wellness clinic located in Wichita Falls, Texas. If you’re ready to balance your testosterone today for a healthy mind, body, and sex life, Invigorate offers free blood tests and welcomes walk-ins. Call (940) 386-9334 today, or visit us on Facebook to learn more about clinic events and our latest news!

What You Need to Know about Testosterone and Weight Loss

The new year is upon us. With that in mind, It’s time to start working on your resolutions. Weight loss is often at the top of the post-holiday resolution wish list. Did you know that your testosterone levels can have a huge impact on your weight-loss journey? 

Testosterone is a hormone that is most commonly associated with the development of male secondary sexual characteristics. While it is associated with men, it is also found in smaller amounts in women. In addition to this primary role, testosterone has also been shown to play a role in weight loss and gain.

Metabolic Benefits

Because testosterone helps to build muscle mass, it also increases insulin sensitivity which helps to maintain metabolism. Because of this important function, if you suffer from lower levels of testosterone, you are also at risk of becoming obese. It also can contribute to insulin resistance which makes it difficult to properly metabolize carbohydrates, turning them instead, into fat. 

Dieting and Testosterone

While a balanced diet is an important part of weight loss, some diet plans can actually reduce the production of testosterone thereby making it nearly impossible to lose weight. One key reason for this is that many diets restrict fat intake and increase fiber. While reducing bad fats can be beneficial, removing all fat from the diet can sabotage reaching your weight loss goals. Instead, choose a diet that is healthy mix of saturated and monounsaturated fats.  

Muscle Mass and Testosterone

One of the key ways to lose weight is to consume less calories than you burn. While this will help to reduce a few pounds, it also will result in an energy deficit which can lower your testosterone levels. This is because if you are simply trying to lose weight, and are not working to gain muscle, your body will take from both fat and muscle reserves to create the energy that is depleted due to the lack of caloric intake. In order to keep your testosterone levels up, it is crucial to do some sort of resistance or strength training that will continue to build muscle. In addition, it is important to consume protein to help maintain muscles. 

Can testosterone replacement therapy help you with your weight loss resolution? Contact the team at Invigorate Men’s Health to learn more.  

Invigorate Men's Health & Wellness Low Testosterone Treatments

Are you a guy who is feeling fatigued or irritable? Do you find yourself having a hard time concentrating, or having mood swings? Many men think that all of these traits are simply a sign of aging or a side effect of stress. At Invigorate Men's Health & Wellness, we know that these can be signs of Hypogonadism or Low-testosterone (low T). Low T affects around 39% of men over  the age 45. The chances of developing low T increase with one’s age. A free blood test at Invigorate Men's Health & Wellness  can read your testosterone levels in less than 15 minutes! No appointment necessary!

It is important to understand what your testosterone reading means. The average adult male has a testosterone level between 270-1,070. Once a man reaches the age of 30, testosterone levels will reduce by about 1% each year. Testosterone levels can lower as a normal part of aging or it can indicate certain disorders.

Invigorate Men's Health & Wellness offers testosterone hormone therapy guaranteed to increase energy, memory, and sex drive. Say goodbye to frequent mood swings and lack of motivation.  Testosterone replacement will decrease your abdominal fat and help increase muscle mass. Testosterone replacement is safe,effective, discrete, and medically supervised at Invigorate Men's Health & Wellness. It is also covered by all major insurance companies besides medicare and medicaid

Invigorate Men's Health & Wellness is currently offering free testosterone and Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing for men 35 and older. No appointment is needed, stop in today! We are located at 4001 Cedar Elm Lane, Suite B in Wichita Falls, Texas. We are open from 8-5:30 Monday through Friday (closed from 1-2 for lunch). To find out more about our services or to view testimonials visit our website at http://www.invigoratewithtestosterone.com/ or give us a call at (940) 386-9334.