Staying Healthy as a Male in 2023 and Beyond
Our collective experience of stress these last few years has impacted all of us and left us a little more tired and tattered. As a clinician for over 30 years, I have not seen so much fatigue, difficulty sleeping, anxiety, digestive issues, and recurrent illness.
We are all familiar with the term PMS (Premenstrual syndrome), but few have heard of the term IMS (Irritable Male Syndrome). As it sounds, one of the primary symptoms of IMS is irritability, yet fatigue, depression, low self-esteem, decreased muscle strength and endurance, sleep difficulties, and lack of sexual drive can be presentations for those susceptible.
Males and females produce hormones from the gonads (testicles or ovaries); yet another important buffering source of sex hormones is the adrenal glands. For those of us just getting through life with marginally balanced hormones, the stress of modern living and post-pandemic existence can further dampen our adrenal gland buffering capacity.
IMS and Daily Life
Male hormones naturally fluctuate every 24 hours, and during youth, higher testosterone levels are generally present earlier in the day and begin to wane by late afternoon into the evening.
At the same time, it is normal for adrenal gland function to decrease throughout the day. When one combines the natural drop of male hormone throughout the day with decreases in cortisol production, the additive effect can deflate male wellness and performance.
Over my years of clinical practice, my approach to supporting my male patients is to ensure the following:
- Cortisol, DHEA, Total and Free Testosterone levels are tested routinely and optimized
- Focus on quality sleep and rule out sleep apnea
- Eat the rainbow of foods with good fruits and veggies, and minimize processed “human tampered” foodstuffs
- Achieve great hydration with clean, pristine water
- Practice mindfulness and an attitude of gratitude to help mitigate modern-day stresses
- Digest your food well, chew “fletcherize,” and focus on achieving at least 2 good bowel movements daily
- Routine prostate exams and PSA blood testing
- Skin checks by your dermatologist
My favorite botanicals for my male patients include:
- For Adrenal Support: Maca, Ginseng, Rhodiola
- For Prostate Support: Saw palmetto, Pygeum, zinc, lycopene
- For Immune Support: Astragalus, Reishi, Echinacea/Goldenseal
We are all hormonal creatures contributing to who and how we are as unique individuals. Taking care of the endocrine (hormone), immune, and digestive systems are paramount to help ensure we mitigate the ravages of stress that arise from our modern existence. I genuinely believe healthy humans are happier humans. May we all create, enjoy and embrace the concept of HumaneHumans4Humanity.
Peace and abundant blessings,
Dr. Chris Meletis, N.D.
About Dr. Meletis, N.D.
Chris Meletis, N.D., has more than 25 years of experience practicing natural medicine. Based in Portland, Oregon, he shares his vast knowledge with fellow healthcare providers and his patients, and generously give to those in need. A lecturer and author, Dr. Meletis as written over a dozen books and hundreds of national articles. He was named Naturopathic Physician of the Year in 2003 by the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians and was inducted into the National University of Natural Medicine Hall of Fame in 2018.
