A Dedicated & Proactive Approach to Men's Health Care

Call Us 360 984 5806
Archives

January 2017

Home 2017 January

Gynecomastia or Man-boobs (‘Moobs’) is a real concern for many men.  How should one investigate this possibility?

A common misconception is the belief that we are only low in testosterone – not necessarily true!  A common reason this condition develops is usually due to an abundance of either or both estradiol (a form of estrogen) or prolactin (a pituitary hormone).  These hormones can stimulate breast tissue in men and also cause weight gain, fluid retention, and bloating.

  • Estradiol develops due to the abundance of an enzyme called aromatase.  In men, this enzyme is stored in fatty tissue and converts testosterone to estradiol.  Weight loss and a diet rich in zinc can help reduce this enzyme thereby reducing estradiol and preserving testosterone levels.
  • Prolactin is produced by the pituitary gland, and in some men can be produced at abnormally high levels.  This could be the results of a mass in the pituitary gland called a prolactinoma or microadenoma.  Another cause could simply be the overproduction of prolactin from the pituitary gland.

Another condition not well known is Klinefelters syndrome – a random genetic error leading to an extra X chromosome in males also known as XXY.  This can also contribute to enhanced breast tissue in males, as a result of decreased testosterone and increased estradiol and/or prolactin.  This genetic abnormality can occur in 1:500 males.

At Man Alive we evaluate our patients for these possible abnormalities.  Please contact us for an appointment as we look forward to being your partners in health.

Man Alive Team

How’s your winter health?  As virus’ and bacteria rage war on the human species primarily in the northern hemisphere, consider the following tips when managing yourself through these frigid months:

  1. STAY HYDRATED (water 80-120 oz./day) – Helps support a strong immune response and reduces episodes of bloody noses, hemorrhoids, and fissures (anal cracking/drying).
  2. FIND TIME TO EXERCISE – Don’t let these months keep you home-bound.  30 min. of productive exercise at least 3 times a week.
  3. EAT HEALTHY – Avoid an overindulgence of those comfort foods.  Eat your fruits and veggies.  Have a smoothie.
  4. VITAMIN/MINERAL SUPPLEMENTATION – Calcium/magnesium/zinc with vitamin C/D and a B complex supplement will help boost your immune system.
  5. GOOD NIGHTS REST – 7-8 hrs.  We are more susceptible to infection at this time of the year, and a good nights rest helps recharge our hormones improving our immune response.
  6. KEEP WARM – Plan ahead and dress appropriately for the conditions.
  7. NASAL SALINE (simply saline or ocean) – What and why?  Dust/allergen exposure and drying of our nasal passages can lead to possible upper respiratory symptoms.  Rinsing and moisturizing these passages can help prevent secondary infections.
  8. LIGHT THERAPY – Can be very beneficial depending on your location and sun exposure.

Please call, drop us a line or come by for a visit any time.

We hope you all have a happy and productive 2017.

Remember Health leads to Happiness.

Man Alive Team

Book your appointment

It's Fast and Easy!

Book Now
Call Us 360 984 5806

© 2015 Man Alive, LLC. All rights reserved. The material on this site may not be reproduced or distributed without prior written permission from Man Alive, LLC. The information on this website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care professional with questions you may have regarding any medical condition. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking care because of something you may have seen or read on this website.