It is a well known fact that most of us have heard of women's health and well women clinics, which today has become a commonly talked about topic among the general public. However just as much as women age and experience hormonal related changes at some point of their lives, men too age and undergo similar changes, which is termed as andropause.
This term is most often used to describe a medical phenomenon in middle aged men popularly referred to as 'mid life crisis'. It is believed that this medical condition represents the effects of a reduction of the production of the hormones testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone and the consequences of their reduction, which is associated with the decrease in leydig cells. It must also be emphasized that this particular type of condition is not completely equivalent to menopause which is a complete and permanent physiological shutting down of the reproductive system in women. The Sunday Times spoke to Dr. Hemantha Wickramatillake at Asiri Hospitals to find out more about the common diseases and medical services and treatments offered for men through the hospital.
Andropause a threat to your happiness
"Apart from the changes that may occur due to hormonal level changes men too, like women undergo various physiological changes in addition to certain work related, environmental and life style exposures that have adverse effects on their health" says Dr Wickramatillake. Unlike in women, men do not have a clear cut signpost to detect andropause. This condition presents certain bodily changes in men which may also be accompanied by changes in attitudes and moods, fatigue, a loss of energy, sex drive and physical agility some of which are mentioned below.
- Loss of libido
- Hair loss
- Joint pain
- Weight gain
- Fatigue
- Mood swings
- Memory loss
Unlike menopause which is experienced much later in life and in most cases is after the age of 45 years, andropause and other changes can affect men from as early as 35 years. It is therefore advisable for men to get themselves checked once in two years from the age of 35 years onwards. Andropause can be treated with hormone replacement therapy in order to achieve positive results. The danger with andropause and other common health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and cancers is the fact that most of these illnesses develop silently and without any indication", says Dr. Wickramatillake.
Early screening of cancers
As in females there are certain types of cancers which can also be detected in their early stages also in men, which can lead to a successful cure rate. Asiri offers certain screening tests which can be conducted for the early detection of cancers.
These tests include certain blood tests that can accurately detect certain types of cancers; colonoscopy which can detect polyps in the colon which is a precursor of bowel cancer, radiological investigations which can detect many problems in the lung etc.
Treatments for all types of lifestyle diseases
A majority of men who work may also be exposed to certain hazardous work environments related to there jobs which could include being exposed to certain types of chemicals, dust particles and even noise pollution etc. These types of work environments could lead to many kinds of health problems such as respiratory problems, hearing complications etc. Smoking and alcohol addiction can also lead to medical complications such as cirrhosis, liver cancers etc., for which the hospital provides early detection screening tests. Sexually transmitted diseases are also increasing including risk of HIV and AIDS. Tests for the early detection of such diseases are also offered at Asiri. Early detection of HIV can offer a person the ability to live a normal life with medication. Stress is also another cause of concern for most of today's busy executives and other types of professionals, high stress levels have been the number one cause of heart disease and high blood pressure. Allergies are common and most often mistaken for heart attacks due to the fact that patients experience blackouts, the hospital therefore offers tests which are available to detect allergies.
Male Health Checks at Asiri Hospital
Asiri Hospital now offers patients' men's health checks for the earliy detection of the above mentioned life style related medical complications and other problems of aging; this also includes counseling for the patient and his family. Testing early will therefore definitely provide longevity. The Male Health Check conducted by the hospital includes comprehensive evaluations designed to screen and detect the most prevalent diseases that affect men. These check ups can be tailor made to suit individuals and can be offered as carefully designed health check packages where assessments utilize latest screening technologies. Some of the advance tests available at the hospital include the heart scan, colon scan, aorta ultrasound, testes ultrasound, exercise ECG and total body scans etc.
Asiri Hospital for cutting edge medical technologies
"Today Asiri has become a unique hospital which provides exceptional medical facilities and cures for any type of medical related complication. Confidentiality will also be maintained at all times with regards to all inquiries as well as the medical tests conducted by the hospital. Early detection means a better and more successful cure rate for which all facilities and services are available within the hospitals premises itself.
Asiri Hospital has cutting edge technologies as it constantly keep in line with the developments in the medical field. Male or Female, Asiri has the technology to predict the types of diseases and other forms of abnormalities individuals may be most likely to fall prey due to genetic issues.
The hospital also provides patients with genetic consultations. As in females early detection of illnesses is also vital for males which will result in a better and more effective method of cure and no doubt make a big difference in their lifestyle", concluded Dr. Wickramatillake.
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