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As males reach their 40s and 50s, they may start to experience erectile dysfunction and declines in their sex drive, all while they produce less and less testosterone. These changes may sound akin to those that arise during perimenopause and menopause, the time windows that lead up to and then follow a female's last menstrual period.

Given these similarities, could this mean there's a "male menopause"?

Not really, an expert told Live Science although the changes that aging males experience can still affect their quality of life.

Although middle-aged males describe symptoms similar to those that females experience during menopause, including hot flashes, calling these experiences "male menopause" would not be accurate.

Related: Why do women tend to outlive men?

The hormone-making functions of a male's testes and a female's ovaries decline with age, but in the case of females, this happens abruptly over the course of a couple of years. In males, this age-related decline is more gradual, taking several decades. The key hormone made by the testes is testosterone, the primary male sex hormone that's responsible for supporting sexual development and function.

"Andropause" is a nonmedical term that's often used to describe the declining testosterone levels seen in aging men, Dr. Jesse Mills, director of the Men's Clinic at UCLA Health, told Live Science in an email.

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"But it's not the same as menopause," Mills said, since men can maintain testosterone levels in the "normal" range into their 80s and beyond.

In comparison, females usually enter perimenopause, or the transition toward menopause, around the ages of 45 to 55. During this time, the ovaries make much less estradiol, the main form of estrogen in the body before menopause. At its peak, estradiol can reach levels up to 400 picograms per milliliter (pg/mL) of blood, and these levels can fall to less than 0.3 pg/mL after menopause.

The body continues making another, weaker form of estrogen called estrone but it can't make up for the lost estradiol. This leads to the loss of periods, changes in vulvar tissue, hot flashes and diminished vaginal lubrication associated with menopause.

While males do see declining testosterone levels as they age, according to Mills, their symptoms are not nearly as dramatic as what females go through. Testosterone levels fall at an average of 1.6% a year in males, starting around age 30. The testes would only completely stop making testosterone in the event a person lost testicular function due to disease, an accident or castration, which might be used to treat prostate cancer, for instance.

Related: Move over, Viagra this spider's boner-inducing venom could treat people let down by the blue pill

The exact reason for age-related declines in testosterone is not fully understood. Some evidence suggests that the cells that make testosterone grow less responsive and decline in number with age. Signals from the brain would normally direct these cells, and that signaling also changes with age.

"Low testosterone is associated with many things that get worse as we age," Mills noted. "Diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, poor sleep and lower activity are common examples." There's a known link between low T and these conditions, but at this point, it's not clear if one leads to the other, or vice versa.

Mills recommends adopting healthy lifestyle practices to help maintain testosterone levels into old age, as there's some evidence that such interventions can help. For instance, he recommends intensive exercising 20 minutes a day, getting at least seven hours of deep sleep each night, staying hydrated and consuming a diet rich in lean proteins and green vegetables.

When asked whether aging men should take testosterone supplements, Mills said that individuals should do so only if they need it.

International guidelines suggest men with testosterone levels lower than 350 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) of blood who are experiencing symptoms may benefit from such supplements, he said. In particular, older men with levels under 200 ng/dL are at higher risk for brittle bones, heart disease and weight gain, as well as sexual symptoms such as erectile dysfunction and low libido, Mills said.

Many direct-to-consumer companies make supplements available to people with normal testosterone levels, Mills noted. The supplements don't necessarily pose a danger, but they may not be very beneficial to those without a testosterone deficiency, he said.

It's important to emphasize that the effects of testosterone on health and life span aren't yet fully understood, so future studies may provide better guidance.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not meant to offer medical advice.

Ever wonder why some people build muscle more easily than others or why freckles come out in the sun? Send us your questions about how the human body works to community@livescience.com with the subject line "Health Desk Q," and you may see your question answered on the website!

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Is there a 'male menopause'? - Livescience.com

Baseline characteristics of the study population are presented in Table 1. The mean age was 61.6years. The majority of participants where non-Hispanic White (42%), followed by Hispanic/Latino (27%), African American (17%) and Chinese American (14%). On average, men were overweight with a mean BMI of 27.6kg/m2. The participants reported an average of 12h a week of physical activity. Moreover, 42% of participants were hypertensive, 13% stated active cigarette smoking, 15% had diabetes mellitus, and 24% were taking a cholesterol-lowering medication. The mean total testosterone level was 15nmol/L.

Total testosterone was significantly associated with total abdominal muscle area in the first model (B=1.39, 95% CI 0.02.8, p=0.05), which was accentuated with further adjustment (Model 2: 1.81, 0.23.5, p=0.03; Model 3: 1.74, 0.13.3 p=0.01) (Table 2). No significant associations were found between total testosterone and abdominal stabilizing muscle area (Table 3), while the associations were significant in all models for abdominal locomotor muscle area (Table 4).

Levels of estradiol were significantly associated with total abdominal muscle area in all three models: Model 1 (2.14, 0.83.6, p<0.01), Model 2 (1.97, 0.63.4, p<0.01), Model 3 (1.84, 0.43.3, p=0.01) with similar results for abdominal locomotor and abdominal stabilizing muscle area (Tables 3 and 4).

No significant associations were found between levels of free testosterone and total abdominal muscle areas (Table 2), as well as stabilizing. However, significant associations were presented between free testosterone and locomotor area in model 1 & model 2(0.38, 0.00.7, p=0.04, 0.37, 0.00.7, p=0.04) with borderline significance in model 3 (0.34, 0.0, 0.7, p=0.05), respectively (Tables 2, 3, 4). Positive, although non-significant associations were found for SHBG with abdominal muscle areas (Tables 2, 3, 4).

Total testosterone was significantly associated with total abdominal muscle radiodensity in Models 2 and 3, but not in Model 1 (Model 1: 0.04, 0.2 to 0.3, p=0.79; Model 2; 0.32, 0.10.7, p=0.04; Model 3: 0.34, 0.00.6, p=0.04) (Table 2). Similar results were found for radiodensity of stabilizing muscles (Table 3), but not for locomotor muscle (Table 4).

No significant associations were found between free testosterone and abdominal muscle radiodensities in fully adjusted models (Tables 2, 3, 4).

No significant associations were found between levels of estradiol and total abdominal and stabilizing muscle radiodensity (Tables 2, 3), but there was a borderline significant association between estradiol and abdominal locomotor muscle radiodensity ((Model 1: 0.27, 0.0 to 0.6, p=0.09: Model 2: 0.28, 0.0 to 0.6, p=0.07; Model 3: 0.26, 0.0 to 0.6, p=0.09) (Table 4).

Higher SHBG levels were associated with a lower radiodensity of abdominal muscle in all models (Model 1: 0.35, 0.6 to 0.1, p=0.02: Model 2: 0.35, 0.6 to 0.1, p=0.02; Model 3: 0.34, 0.6 to 0.1, p=0.02) (Table 2). The results were similar for abdominal stabilizing and locomotor muscles (Table 3).

A significant association was found in all models for total testosterone and TAMAi (Model 1: B=0.10, 0.00.2, p<0.01, Model 2: 0.11, 0.10.2, p<0.01, Model 3: 0.10, 0.10.2, p<0.01) (Table 2). That is, in fully adjusted models, one SD increase in testosterone levels resulted with an increase of 0.10 cm2/(weight/height2) in abdominal muscle area index. Similar relationships were observed between total testosterone and abdominal locomotor and stabilizing muscle area indices (Tables 3, 4).

Estradiol was found to be significantly associated with total abdominal muscle index (TAMAi) in model 1 (B=0.10, 0.00.1, p=0.03), which was borderline significant in Models 2 and 3 (Model 2: 0.05, 0.0 to 0.1, p=0.06, Model 3: 0.05, 0.0 to 0.1, p=0.06). Significant associations were found for estradiol and abdominal locomotor muscle area index in all three models but not for abdominal stabilizing muscle area index (Tables 3 and 4).

Significant associations were shown for free testosterone with total, stabilizing and abdominal muscle area index in fully adjusted models (0.08, 0.0, 0.1, p=0.008, 0.05, 0.00.1, p=0.03, 0.02, 0.00.04, p=0.02), respectively. Non-significant associations were found between levels of SHBG and abdominal muscle area indexes in both models 2 and 3 (Tables 2, 3, 4).

Significant negative correlations were presented between visceral fat and total testosterone (r=0.22, p<0.001), and total abdominal muscle radiodensity (r=0.40, p<0.001), and SHBG (0.18, p<0.001), while a positive association was found for total abdominal muscle area (r=0.11, p<0.001) and estradiol (0.02, p=0.6). Furthermore, the association between visceral fat and abdominal muscle area and radiodensity, significant associations were found (B=0.03 p=0.011, B=0.03 p<0.001, respectively) even after adjustment for sex hormones.

More here:
Levels of Sex Hormones and Abdominal Muscle Composition in Men from The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis - Nature.com

Sleep is one of the most important things we can do for our health. In fact, studies have found links between sleep deprivation and a wide range of disorders such as obesity, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and impaired immune function, among other issues.

Whats more, is that sleep deprivation can have a detrimental effect on mens health, leading to erectile dysfunction, infertility, reduced hair growth, and even decreased muscle mass.

The reason for this? Sleep deprivation can reduce a mans testosterone levels, with one 2011 study finding that men who sleep for less than five hours per night see significantly lower levels of the hormone than those who have a full nights sleep.

Testosterone is critical for building strength, muscle mass and bone density, Dr Alexis Missick, from online pharmaceutical company, UK Meds, says. Skipping sleep can see men reduce their testosterone to levels of men who are 10 to 15 years older.

The results [from the 2011 study] showed that testosterone levels decreased by 10%-15% after the week of sleep loss compared with their rested states. This decrease in testosterone levels was also associated with a loss of vigour among the participants. These men reported their mood and level of vigour during the study. The result was a declining sense of well-being as their testosterone levels dropped, which continued to decline through the end of the study.

If you are worried about how sleep may be impacting your testosterone levels, Dr Missick says some key symptoms to look out for include:

Erectile dysfunction

Infertility

Breast tissue development (gynecomastia)

Reduced hair growth

Decreased muscle mass

Loss of bone density (osteoporosis)

Reduced beard and body hair growth

If you feel as though you are suffering from the above symptoms and believe the culprit could be low testosterone, consult with your doctor and consider getting your blood tested to determine if your amount of testosterone is deficient, she advises.

If you think sleep deprivation could be behind your low testosterone symptoms, Dr Missick says addressing this is your first port of call.

You must get at least seven hours of sleep per evening. If you find it hard to fall asleep regularly, you may be suffering from insomnia, she says. If you struggle to fall asleep at night, taking melatonin tablets can help relax the body and prepare you for sleep better.

Melatonin is a hormone produced by the body naturally, it helps to regulate sleep and wake cycles. It signals to the body that it is time to sleep and therefore taking melatonin tablets can be helpful for those who struggle to fall asleep naturally. Unlike sleeping tablets, melatonin is not habit-forming and does not become less effective the more you use them so it is a good long-term option.

Additionally, Dr Missick says some lifestyle changes including lifting weights, eating a healthy diet, weight loss, and minimising stress, can also boost testosterone levels naturally.

See the article here:
How sleep deprivation in men can lead to erectile dysfunction and infertility - Yahoo Lifestyle UK

My morning routine looked the same for most of my adult life: As long as the sun was up, I was working out. I picked up triathlon training at 35 years old and it stuck: For the next 15 years, I dedicated most of my free time to training five days a week. On Mondays and Fridays, I swam. On Tuesdays, I biked and ran. On Wednesdays, I biked and on Thursdays, I ran. On top of that, I would do a resistance training program daily. I felt unstoppable and competed in multiple events each year.

But when I turned 50, my years of progress seemed to backpedal. I spent 27 weeks preparing for the Chattanooga Ironman, sticking to the same grueling routine that had always helped me zip past my competitors. But something was different with this training cycle. My energy levels dipped just a few weeks into training. I felt my endurance slipping, and I woke up exhausted every morning.

At first, I chalked it up to jet lag. As an executive at an international firm, I was always taking long-haul flights. But weeks went by and my lethargy didnt improve.

On race day, the familiar rush of adrenaline didnt kick in at the start line. When the race began, I immediately felt out of breath. My muscles screamed for a break. I used to savor every second of my triathlons, but I couldnt wait for this race to be over.

I was shocked by my performance: I finished at the back of my age group. Just one year earlier I had posted one of the best times of my life at the Augusta Ironman. I felt defeated and assumed my lack of energy was the cruel reality of getting older. I decided the Chattanooga Ironman would be my last race.

For the next three years, I tried to push through the fatigue that persisted even after I quit racing. I hit the gym when I felt up to it, but I didnt push myself anymore. Some days I skipped my workout altogether.

With my newfound time, I poured myself into my career. Soon I was asked to guest lecture at my alma mater. While my performance went well, a photo of me at the event quashed my confidence. The man in the picture wasnt the shredded, confident athlete I still pictured myself as. When I got home, I stepped on the scale. Since retiring from triathlons, I had gained 25 pounds.

I confided in one of my close friends, a concierge doctor, to see if he had any suggestions. He told me that guys our age (I was 53 at the time) frequently struggle with low testosterone and that I should get my levels checked. I put it off, opting instead for a testosterone-boosting supplement, but it didnt improve my energy at all.

A few months later, I saw an ad for Hone and decided to order an at-home hormone assessment. I sent in my blood sample and wasnt surprised when my results showed I had low testosterone: My total testosterone was 497 ng/dL.

Editors Note: Normal testosterone falls between 300 and 1,200 ng/dL, depending on symptoms, age, and other health factors. However, some men may experience symptoms of low testosterone within this range.

My Hone doctor prescribed daily testosterone cream. Within 30 days I felt my energy coming back. Most importantly, I started to recognize myself again.

I began to set my alarm earlier to work out again. I challenged myself to move my body daily. After six months of treatment, I dropped the 25 pounds I had put on and regained the muscle I had lost. I wake up full of energy and power through my workouts. I feel and look better than I have in years.

At 54, I even feel the itch to compete again.

Read the rest here:
The Secret to Regaining My Athletic Edge: Balancing My Hormones - The Edge

Robbie Bent used to structure his days around a rigorous routine. He took 10 different supplements, and worked out five times a week. He weighed his ground beef before cooking it, to track protein intake. Used red light bulbs in the evenings to improve sleep. And he spent still spends thousands of dollars regularly for elective medical tests, including MRIs, to screen for potential future health issues.

To outsiders, his approach might seem extreme. But in the world of longevity, where health and fitness enthusiasts go to intense and often expensive lengths to try to extend human life, Mr. Bents approach is downright relaxed. Search online for longevity and youll find tens of thousands of videos and podcasts dedicated to pushing the boundaries of technology, fitness and health in the pursuit of long life.

The goal for many is to lengthen healthspan (the period of life where were healthy), and yes, also lifespan to live to 140, 160, even 180 years old.

At the most extreme end are the Silicon Valley billionaires. This includes entrepreneur David Asprey, who receives regular stem cell treatments and intravenous infusions in his quest to live until 180, and the tech exec Bryan Johnson, who takes 100 daily supplements and spends $2-million each year toward his goal, which is, simply: Dont Die.

Dr. Peter Attia, a Toronto-born physician, podcaster and author, is one of the most dominant voices in the longevity influencer space.Sipa USA/Reuters

But in the world of longevity influencers, two figures have emerged as the dominant voices: Peter Attia, a Toronto-born, U.S.-based physician and podcaster whose book, Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity has sold over a million copies; and Andrew Huberman, the Stanford University neuroscientist and host of Huberman Labs, which has over 5.5 million subscribers on YouTube.

People around the world have adopted Mr. Huberman and Dr. Attias protocols longevity-speak for routine. They take supplements recommended by Mr. Huberman and Dr. Attia. Exercise exactly as recommended by Mr. Huberman and Dr. Attia. Eat (or fast) as recommended by Mr. Huberman and Dr. Attia. Use fitness trackers, medical tests, cold plunges as recommended by Mr. Huberman and Dr. Attia.

Many of them are men. The leaders of the movement are, with only a few exceptions, men. Many fixate, frequently, on the subject of masculinity. Increasing testosterone, for instance, is a common preoccupation. What these longevity influencers offer is a blueprint, a guide to living in a world thats stressful, and fast-changing a solution to vulnerability. They offer the feeling or at least, illusion of control.

My life is stressful. I think life is more stressful now for everyone, says Mr. Bent, a 40-year-old former investment banker and tech CEO.

He became fixated on longevity about a decade ago, at a particularly painful moment in his life. The startup hed built in Toronto went bankrupt. He was drinking too much, and addicted to cocaine.

But then Mr. Bent discovered Vipassana meditation, which led to Ayahuasca retreats, which led to life-hacking podcasters such as Tim Ferriss, and ultimately, Mr. Huberman.

He was depressed, and found himself immediately drawn to the idea the promise that his brain, and body, could be fixed. That, through hard work and discipline, his mind and body could be conquered. Made stronger.

It felt like playing a video game, where I could be a better person by being optimal, he says.

It felt like, If I can have a good routine, Im going to be happier. Not just happier, but better. Superhuman.

As long as humans have lived weve searched for the key to immortality. The Epic of Gilgamesh, an ancient Mesopotamian poem recorded on clay tablets around 2100 BC, is believed to be the oldest written story in human civilization. Its about the quest for eternal life.

Our history since is filled with stories about men and women trying, and failing, to find solutions for death a fountain of youth that might turn back the clock of time. Pope Innocent VIII injected himself with the blood of children. Diane de Poitiers, a 16th-century mistress of King Henry II, drank gold.

Thanks to the huge advancements in science and medicine over the past century, humans are indeed now living longer. From 1921 to 2021, the average lifespan in Canada skyrocketed from 57 to 81 years.

What we see instead now is a rapidly aging population. Already, nearly one in five Canadians is over the age of 65. Canadians today are living a longer life. And, they hope, a healthier one too.

Before there was a longevity industry, there was wellness. Before Mr. Bent had ever heard of Andrew Huberman, Gwyneth Paltrow had built a $250-million empire called Goop that targeted (mostly womens) anxieties and fears around health and aging, and sold her unique brand of aspiration and hope for a fix an illusion of control.

Longevity might be considered Wellness 2.0. But here, the figures have traded softness and self-care for the language of science, tech and finance. These arent habits but investments. Not routines but protocols. Not habits but biohacking, and optimization.

In this world, lifestyle messages are packaged to fit traditionally masculine norms. Theres the thickly-muscled Dr. Attia, and Mr. Huberman, with his beard, fitted black T-shirts, and intense gaze. Here, its not only about feeling strong, but looking strong performing strength by lifting heavy weights and running with rocks strapped to their back.

In this world, men who, at least traditionally, have been shown to eschew weakness, and avoid asking for help instead overcome vulnerability with work and restraint.

For instance, men are, on average, much less likely to visit doctors or schedule regular health screenings. A 2019 survey by the Cleveland Clinic found that 72 per cent of men in the U.S. would rather clean the bathroom than visit a doctor. Among the reasons cited for their avoidance? Embarrassment about asking for help, and a desire to appear tough.

Joel Wardinger, a 45-year-old corporate lawyer in Toronto goes for a run through Viewmount Park in North York as part of his daily workout routine.

Around the time of the pandemic, Mr. Wardinger was introduced to Dr. Attias podcast. He now does heavyweight workouts four times a week and uses a wearable sleep tracker, both recommended by Dr. Attia.

Both Mr. Huberman and Dr. Attia appeal to this quest for male self-sufficiency. Their pitch is for prevention action.

Using what I call Medicine 3.0, we can prevent, or at least significantly delay the chronic diseases like heart disease, cancer, dementia, and diabetes that kill most people today, Dr. Attia wrote in an e-mail to The Globe.

This, he emphasized, means being pro-active: screening much earlier in life for risk factors for heart disease and treating them, even if short-term risk is very low.

Around the time Joel Wardinger, a 45-year-old corporate lawyer in Toronto, turned 40, he started to notice his body changing. He was getting, he says, a dad bod.

When Mr. Wardinger turned 40, he started to notice his body changing into a a dad bod." It's one of the reasons he began to do health research and make lifestyle changes.

This coincided with the start of the pandemic. He was caught up in the anxiety of the time: washing his groceries, trying to balance four kids at home as a working parent, trying to research and wade through the oftentimes conflicting medical and lifestyle advice, trying to make the best decisions to keep his family healthy and safe.

Somewhere in the midst of all of this, his confidence in our health care system was shaken. Its incredibly confusing, all the stuff out there, he says.

What he means is this: Our system is stressed. More than six million Canadians dont have access to a regular family doctor. A recent survey by researchers at Torontos St. Michaels Hospital found that even those who have family doctors have a hard time getting access. Only about 35 per cent are able to get same or next-day appointments on urgent matters.

Family doctors simply dont have the time or even, the expertise to offer the kind of individualized advice that a longevity podcaster might: What, exactly, to do, and when.

Its a common sentiment among longevity enthusiasts. Many express a general distrust or disappointment in doctors, or in the public health care system. Members of one Attia Facebook fan group regularly complain about their doctors and of outdated methods. Others take that sentiment further, expressing a general distrust of governments, of mainstream media or even Big Pharma. This despite putting their full faith sometimes, unquestioningly behind their longevity gurus.

Mr. Wardinger was introduced, around the time of the pandemic, to Dr. Attias podcast.

Theres a Jewish religious dictum, he says. It says Make for yourself a rabbi.

So Mr. Wardinger, who is Jewish, chose Dr. Attia. He calls him, simply, Peter.

He does heavyweight workouts four times a week, as recommended by Peter. He uses a wearable sleep tracker that was once endorsed by Peter. Hes even having a sauna built in his home, to the tune of $13,000, because of Peter.

This is all in blind subservience to Peters research, which I sometimes question, he says. But he doesnt have the time to do it himself. If he did, hed eat better, exercise more. He recognizes the irony, even as he says it: I just dont have the time.

Sachin Patel, too, found himself gradually disillusioned with the mainstream medical system.

In August of 2010, Mr. Patel and his pregnant wife rushed to hospital in Mississauga. Her water had broken. But at the hospital, there were complications. Doctors did an emergency C-section, but couldnt stop the bleeding. They did an emergency hysterectomy. And then another surgery.

What should have been the most joyous time of Mr. Patels life was instead spent in frozen horror. He together with his wife had to mourn the sudden reality that their first child would also be their last. And theyd never even had a choice in the matter.

Fast-forward to today. Mr. Patel follows a strict longevity routine. He believes in the methods so strongly that he now runs a private health coaching business.

Every morning, he wakes up and drinks water with sea salt. He stands outside, barefoot, in the sun. He does weight training and wears a band around his chest to regulate his breath. He uses a squatty potty to lessen the strain in the restroom. He only uses linen bedding, to accelerate wound healing. Only wears natural fibres in his underwear, because, he says, polyester lowers testosterone.

Theres not a lot of external factors in life that we can control, he says. But I feel empowered when I can decide whats going into my body.

Some of the basic principles prescribed by longevity figures such as Mr. Huberman and Dr. Attia are not entirely new, says Samir Sinha, director of geriatrics at Sinai Health. At the core of their routines are foundational philosophies that youll hear in any doctors office. Exercise. Watch what you eat. Get a good nights sleep.

But when it comes to some of the more specific claims the so-called biohacking advice around supplements, cold plunges, or wearable health trackers, for instance, Dr. Sinha said the evidence sometimes comes up short.

Whats more, he said, the advice for frequent elective medical testing can do more harm than good. Routine screenings sometimes find medically insignificant tumours or nodules, and all of a sudden, he said, it sends people down this rabbit hole of unnecessary investigations and therapies. (Dr. Attia, in response, said New ways of thinking often garner debate.)

Timothy Caulfield researches the wellness and health industries, with a specific focus on how science is often exploited or misinterpreted to sell consumer products.Timothy Caulfield

Timothy Caulfield, Canada Research Chair in Health Law and Policy at the University of Alberta, calls biohacking something else: scienceploitation. He researches the wellness and health industries, with a specific focus on how science is often exploited or misinterpreted to sell consumer products. When it comes to popular longevity figures, he said, the evidence behind their claims is often thin.

For example, Mr. Huberman is very good at explaining the science, putting in appropriate caveats, said Prof. Caulfield. But you dont come away thinking, The evidence is really preliminary, the effect size is pretty small, I gotta be careful about the science, he said.

The take-away, the gestalt of the episode is, You should be doing this!

What follows are Prof. Caulfields assessments of Mr. Hubermans protocols for longevity: 11 minutes of cold plunge each week in 10-15 degree Celsius water (very little good, long-term clinical data); 10 minutes of sunlight exposure each morning (scientifically absurd); red light therapy (no evidence to support), and 5 to 20 minutes of sauna three times a week (very little data).

Prof. Caulfield is careful to say that the advice isnt necessarily wrong just that the evidence provided isnt strong. And almost invariably, he added, theyre trying to sell something.

With Mr. Huberman, its the various brands he endorses. Mr. Hubermans sponsors, for instance, include AG1, a supplement brand; Plunge, which sells $12,000-cold plunge kits; and LMNT, an electrolyte drink mix. Mr. Huberman did not respond to interview requests from The Globe.

And then theres the other elephant in the room. A longevity lifestyle like the ones many of these figures prescribe does not come cheap.

Dr. Attia argues that the lifestyle he recommends exercise, correct nutrition, adequate sleep, and healthy management of emotional health does not have to be expensive. The biggest cost, he wrote in an e-mail, is time, because these interventions cant be put into a pill.

Still, the recommendations he and Mr. Huberman give come with a hefty price tag: $3,200, for example, for a whole-body MRI scan. $400 for a sleep-tracking ring. The cost to subscribe to Dr. Attias personalized online program which includes individualized advice, but not actual one-on-one medical treatment is US$2,500.

In a country where more than 10 per cent of people are considered low income where more than 20 per cent of the population doesnt have regular access to healthy, nutritious food such costs are, of course, prohibitive. And in a country that prides itself on universal health care as a foundational, fundamental principle, it can feel antithetical to our values to our national identity, even to pursue health of the individual so obsessively, or a better health available only to the very few.

Ultimately, Prof. Caulfield said, theres very little control each of us has over our own longevity beyond whats already well-known.

Exercise. Dont smoke. Eat a healthy diet. Sleep. Surround yourself with people you love, he says.

Everything else is luck.

Robbie Bent regulates his breathing inside an ice bath. Mr. Bent became fixated on cold plunging while he was in addiction recovery about eight years ago.

Down the escalator of a Bloor Street condo building next to an F45 studio, the Australian fitness studio part-owned by Mark Wahlberg, and on the other side of Jaybird, a yoga-contemporary movement studio where classes are conducted in pitch-dark is Othership. Its the business Mr. Bent has built out of his interest in longevity.

About eight years ago, as he was climbing out of addiction, Mr. Bent became fixated on cold plunging. So in 2022, along with a group of other wellness industry investors, he built the first location of Othership, in Torontos Entertainment District. The Yorkville location opened a year later.

Its easier to explain what Othership isnt. Its not a nightclub, although between the pulsing music and amber lighting, it feels like one. Its not a spa, despite the robes and the incense Otherships signature scent of four cedars. And its definitely not a gym.

What Othership calls itself is a space for transformation. Its a studio devoted to sauna and cold-plunging a staple of Mr. Hubermans longevity routine. When Mr. Huberman visited Toronto last year, the team tried, without success, to have him visit.

Its a Thursday morning, and Otherships 9 a.m. free flow is about to begin, but Mr. Bent is running late.

A young woman who calls herself Arkaya (Sanskrit for light, though she later tells me her real name is Elly) comes over to offer some sound medicine. Sound baths are about receiving frequency, she said. Sound medicine is about you being the frequency.

He finally rushes in, apologizing. Hed mixed up the dates of our meeting. Its been a stressful morning. He has a shaggy beard and wavy, shoulder-length hair. On his head is a little felt sauna hat embroidered with the Othership spaceship logo.

Its actually been a stressful few months, he says, as he guides us through the sauna circuit about 20 minutes in the heat before two minutes in the cold, as directed by Mr. Huberman.

He and his partners are on the verge of another aggressive expansion, opening their first U.S. location in Manhattan, he explains. So hes in the process of moving his family his wife and their 18-month-old son. Theyve also just learned that their nanny cant get a visa for the U.S. And, crucially, because of the expansion, hes running out of money. Hes considering having to put his house up for collateral.

But afterward after the sweat of the sauna and the bracing shock of the ice-cold bath he says he feels lighter.

In 2022, Mr. Bent and a group of other wellness industry investors built the first location of Othership, in Torontos Entertainment District.

In the Othership lounge, he explains how hes moved away from his formerly rigid routine. In the years after he became sober about eight years ago he was deeply, deeply into longevity, he said. He listened to the podcasts, and joined a groupchat of longevity enthusiasts.

Peter Attia and Andrew Huberman are like their gods, he says.

But he doesnt have the time for that any more. And hes already moving on to what hes convinced is the next thing. Hes convinced that social connection humans being around other humans might be the real solution.

And there hes landed on an aspect of longevity where the science is overwhelming. Social connection maintaining strong friendships and bonds has been demonstrated many times over to increase our chances of living a long, healthy life.

Its an aspect of health that, traditionally, women have done much better than men. Its also one thats often neglected by the longevity enthusiasts and their oftentimes-solitary protocols.

Maybe, says Mr. Bent, the need is actually human connection.

Another guest, a young man in his 20s with an earnest but goofy Cousin-Greg quality, approaches. Hes wearing a sauna hat too. Hed been looking to make some changes in his life recently, he tells Mr. Bent, and found Othership. He feels inspired.

A red circular light overhead casts a halo around Mr. Bent. The terracotta linens around him float gently, as though from a breeze. Mr. Bent is sitting a few steps higher, and the younger man gazes up, star-struck. As they speak, Mr. Bent rubs his beard and pushes his long hair behind his ears. He looks every part the prophet. Superhuman.

You look healthy, Mr. Bent says to the young man. Theyre both smiling now. Just fantastic.

Improving our odds at living a long, healthy life doesnt have to mean following a strict routine, experts say. It also doesnt have to be expensive.

Heres what experts agree on when it comes to increasing our chances of healthy aging.

We know that physical activity and exercise is very good for your health, says Manuel Montero-Odasso, a geriatrician at St. Josephs Health Care in London, Ont., and president of the Canadian Geriatrics Society.

In terms of a specific routine, Dr. Montero-Odasso says it doesnt have to be complicated: Physical activity for 30 to 45 minutes each day ideally some kind of combination of aerobic and strength training has been shown to be beneficial in improving everything from muscle mass (critical, given how quickly we lose muscle mass as we age) and balance, to cognitive ability.

Cardiovascular disease is still a leading cause of death in Canada, second only to cancer.

So managing your vascular risk factors monitoring your blood pressure, going for an annual physical to check your cholesterol, and watching for diabetes is imperative.

Lifestyle factors can also influence heart health, which is why doctors recommend avoiding smoking and high-sodium diets.

Some of these steps also help with managing a healthy weight, which is good for overall health, too and longevity.

We do know that keeping your mind active and challenging your mind by doing new activities will delay or even prevent cognitive decline, Dr. Montero-Odasso says.

Think of it like exercise for the brain, he says: Every time we learn something new, we challenge the brain. Challenges can come in many forms: anything from learning a new language, to learning how to dance, to playing an instrument.

Staying social and maintaining active social connections, too, is important, Dr. Montero-Odasso says. When youre social, and happy, and have a good network, that increases your longevity too.

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Inside the testosterone-fuelled, regimented and expensive world of longevity influencers - The Globe and Mail

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Possession of heroin, methamphetamine, testosterone, but not a license plate, deputies say - WTOV Steubenville

Mens testosterone levels have been declining over the last few decades, and no one knows exactly why. But South Florida doctors and researchers offer new ways to combat the problem.

When a mans level falls below normal, his sex drive, energy levels, body hair, and muscle size are affected. Low testosterone also can be a trigger for depression.

A simple blood test at home or in a lab can reveal whether testosterone levels are low.

South Florida doctors say they now have many options to raise testosterone levels: shots, gels, patches, and more recently, pills.

Pembroke Pines urologist Maury A. Jayson says he treats many patients for low testosterone. Its a huge health issue, he said. Jayson advises against patches (they tear up the skin) and topical gels (they run off as men sweat in hot South Florida).

I use mostly injections or self-injections, he said. There have been new formulas.

Another newer option is pellets. I insert testosterone pellets under the skin twice a year, he said. Jayson said with the pellets the dosage is customizable, and the effects are long-lasting. Its convenient for men who are busy, and the levels stay elevated consistently over four to six months,

Treatments for low testosterone typically have side effects: One side effect can be infertility. For older men, this may be less of a concern than for younger men who are still planning to have children.

At the University of Miami, researchers studied a nasal testosterone gel in a clinical trial.The results proved promising for younger men looking for a method to raise their testosterone levels without infertility.

The nasal gel is short-acting and doesnt cause the body to maintain high testosterone levels throughout the day. Because its short-acting, it preserves the production of hormones from the pituitary gland responsible for sperm production.

We did a trial to see whether nasal gel would maintain sperm production, and it did, said Dr. Thomas Masterson, assistant professor of clinical urology at UM. There was still some sperm production decline, but the overwhelming majority maintained sperm count while on that drug.

In the last few years, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved oral medications to boost testosterone Jatenzo, Kyzatrex and Tlando. However, they have side effects that include an increase in blood pressure, and possible liver injury. Because they are so new, our experience with these drugs is still somewhat limited, Jayson said.

I dont prescribe those as much because of insurance issues, Masterson said.

Doctors say supplements such as vitamin D, zinc and magnesium may also help to boost testosterone.

When there is a sea of options, we want to tailor these medications to the patient, Masterson said. I pick and choose what may work better for each patient.

Urologists advise looking at your health as a whole, rather than rushing to take testosterone boosters. Low levels can be caused by other factors, including medication side effects, obstructive sleep apnea, thyroid problems or diabetes, Masterson said.

Extract from orange peels may be a key to heart health, a new study from the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences has found.

Researchers at UF looked at how the orange peel can inhibit the production of harmful chemicals in the human body. Their findings showed that orange peel extracts rich in beneficial phytochemicals worked to inhibit the enzyme responsible for trimethylamine, a gut bacteria that increases blood pressure.

About 95% of Floridas oranges are used to make juice. Their peels are usually tossed as waste, the researchers learned. The Food and Drug Administration considers natural orange peel extracts safe for human consumption. So, UF research Yu Wang, a faculty member at the UF/IFAS Citrus Research and Education Center, wants to put the peels to better use.

These findings suggest that orange peels, often discarded as waste in the citrus industry, can be repurposed into valuable health-promoting ingredients, such as diet supplements or food ingredients, Wang said.

Adam Nadler, co-founder of Coral Springs-based CompliantRx noticed that seniors were waiting a long time for their medical equipment ordered by a doctor. The patients wanted their wheelchairs, hospital beds, CPAP machines or walkers right away but the hold-up seemed to be the supplier getting Medicare or Medicare Advantage Plan approval.

Nadler discovered about 20% of claims are denied, and that Medicare coverage criteria changes often.

So Nadler created an artificial intelligence platform that analyzes medical records to ensure claims meet coverage criteria and patients can get medical supplies faster.

Medicare could require as many as 25 different pieces of information to approve a wheelchair, or other equipment, he explained.

For the supplier, it can be burdensome to review medical records, and that can cause patients not to get the product, he said.

CompliantRxs AI-assisted technology uses a digitized checklist with green check marks that makes it easy to see when a required piece of information is missing. The company can customize the checklist for each supplier.

Because it identifies quickly whats missing, the supplier can go back to doctor and say you left out what type of insulin this patient is on,' Nadler said.

CompliantRx debuted its product at a trade show in March and already has customers across the U.S. Nadler also operates a Coral Springs company, Quest Health Solutions, that sells contiuous glucose-monitors and insulin pumps. In operating that company, he discovered the need for the techology sold by CompliantRx to speed up the delivery of medical supplies to patients.

ABA Centers of Florida, which provides applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy services to children with autism spectrum disorder, is opening centers across the state. Earlier this month, ABA Centers opened a location in Jensen Beach. The original regional location for ABA Centers of Florida opened in Port St. Lucie in 2022, and a Boca Raton location opened in fall of 2023. We have three centers planned later this year in Orlando, Tampa and West Palm Beach, said Katie Murphy of ABA Centers, who said families tend to wait many months to get a diagnosis. We are able to get them a diagnois within 47 days.

Murphy said the professionals who diagnose and determine a treatment plan are board-certified behavior analysts. Those who implement the plan are registered behavior technicians who use a play-based approach that is rooted in positive reinforcement.

We treat adults as well, but our primary audience is children, she said. The demand is crazy. In addition to what we offer in the clinics, we also offer in-home, in-community and in-school therapy where allowed.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 36 children in the United States has autism.

Five percent of children are diagnosed with autism here in Florida. That is higher than the national average, and that is only representative of those that have been diagnosed, said Quatiba Davis, chief clinical officer for ABA Centers. Our organization aims to remove children off wait lists and get them that diagnosis and then treatment.

Headquarted in Fort Lauderdale, ABA Centers of Florida plans to add centers in Broward County in 2025.

HCA Florida University Hospital in Davie has opened a new electrophysiology (EP) lab to perform advanced procedures for patients with abnormal heartbeats and other heart-related conditions. HCA says this lab is the first in the country to adopt new electrophysiology technology, which uses precise and predictable motion through its laser-guided positioning.

The hospitals new EP lab also has a catheterization lab and an interventional radiology lab. The hospital said its first procedure in the new EP lab was done on May 23 by cardiac electrophysiologist Dr. Awais Humayun and the hospitals electrophysiology team.

Patients also can get procedures such as the implantation of pacemakers and defibrillators, as well as cardiac ablation treatments to reduce arrhythmia episodes.

The opening of our EP Lab marks a significant milestone in the expansion of our cardiology services, said Dr. Veronica McCloskey, chief medical officer at HCA Florida University Hospital. In this new lab, our cardiologists will be able to perform a variety of diagnostic tests and procedures to treat heart conditions caused by abnormal heart rhythms. This is an exciting time for HCA Florida University Hospital, as our patients can now receive advanced cardiac electrophysiology care close to home and will not have to travel far to get these services.

Holy Cross Health in Fort Lauderdale has just unveiled the newly renovated Harry T. Mangurian Jr. Foundation Surgical Suites.

A $5 million gift from the Harry T. Mangurian Jr. Foundation funded the renovation of seven operating rooms, a storage room and a portion of the area where instruments get sterilized.

The operating rooms on the third floor of the hospital have been outfitted with state-of-the-art equipment including new monitors and booms.

Renovations began in 2021; five rooms were renovated and two rooms were added. All operating rooms are open and being used for surgeries.

Holy Cross, is a member of Trinity Health and is a not-for-profit, Catholic teaching hospital. It opened in Fort Lauderdale in 1955.

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Your Health: A look at the newest trends in Florida healthcare - South Florida Sun Sentinel

Testosterone is the key hormone responsible for developing male sex characteristics, such as facial hair and a deeper voice, and it plays a pivotal role in muscle mass and sexual function in both men and women.

Over the past few decades, research has shown a subtle yet steady decline in testosterone levels among men, a trend documented since the 1980s and highlighted by a 2021 study in the peer-reviewed journal European Urology Focus. This study, which analyzed testosterone levels in adolescent and young adult men from a U.S. national database, revealed a consistent drop in average total testosterone over the past 20 yearsa decline that correlates with rising body mass index. Despite this trend, testosterone levels have not yet dipped to clinically low ranges across the population, but they are inching closer to that point each year.

So, whats driving this downward trend? While some factors are beyond individual control, lifestyle choices significantly contribute. Conditions like diabetes and obesity are closely linked to lower testosterone levels. Data show that another increasingly common concern seems to be whether sexual activities like masturbation and ejaculation decrease testosterone levels and lead to hormonal imbalances in males. In short, research in this area does not support the idea that these activities impact testosterone levels over the longterm.

Keep reading for more, as researchers and experts Lawrence Hawkim, MD, a board-certified urologist at the Cleveland Clinic, Kevin Pantalone, DO, a board-certified endocrinologist at the Cleveland Clinic, and Jessica Shepherd, MD, MBA, FACOG, board-certified OB/GYN and thought leader on menopause, speak to the science between masturbation and testosterone levels.

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While masturbation does influence testosterone, it does not decrease these levels, according to Cleveland Clinic urologist Dr. Hawkim. He says masturbation neither triggers hypogonadism (low testosterone or low T) nor impacts long-term testosterone levels. However, Dr. Hawkim says, its short-term effects are still under investigation.

Researchers in Germany, focusing on molecular and cellular sports medicine and cardiovascular research, also investigated this subject. Their 2021 study, published in the peer-reviewed journal Basic and Clinical Andrology, suggests that masturbating before strength training could actually lead to a temporary boost in testosterone levels, aiding in muscle growth. Further studies are necessary to solidify these findings.

Testosterone is also essential for females, particularly postmenopausal women. Dr. Shepherd explains that reductions in testosterone, along with decreases in estrogen and progesterone during menopause, impact the physical response as well as the psychological response surrounding sexual activity. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and considering hormone supplementation can be important for women during this transition.

An article published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine in 2021 found that higher testosterone levels in women are associated with increased libido and more frequent masturbation or sexual activity, and, like in men, the long-term effects of masturbation on testosterone levels appear negligible.

Although further research is necessary to fully understand the specific effects of various sexual activities like masturbation on testosterone levels, current scientific evidence and expert consensus indicate that masturbation does not cause a long-term decrease in testosterone levels.

According to the American Urology Association (AUA), low blood testosterone is defined as levels below 300 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL). Dr. Hakim notes that anything that negatively affects overall health can diminish testosterone levels.

Here are several factors that commonly lead to decreased testosterone:

Low T can present through various symptoms. Here are some typical signs to be aware of:

Boosting your testosterone is largely about embracing a healthier lifestyle.

Dr. Pantalone explains, Its normal for a person to experience a drop in testosterone as they age, but were seeing that process accelerated in more recent times because of poor overall health.

Here are some effective strategies to enhance your hormonal health:

Exercise more: Regular physical activity, especially strength training and high-intensity interval training, can boost testosterone levels.

Eat healthy: Focus on a balanced diet rich in proteins, healthy fats, and whole grains. Foods like eggs, leafy greens, and fatty fish are particularly beneficial. Avoid excess alcohol, smoking, and substance use.

Get quality sleep and manage stress: Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night and explore stress reduction techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises.

If youre concerned about your testosterone levels or are experiencing symptoms such as fatigue or low libido, consult your healthcare provider. They can perform tests to determine the cause, which may be linked to low testosterone or another health issue. They can also discuss if you need testosterone replacement therapy if levels are significantly low due to medical conditions.

For more wellness updates, subscribe to The Healthy by Readers Digest newsletter and follow The Healthy on Facebook and Instagram. Keep reading:

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Does Masturbation Decrease Testosterone? Here's What Sexual Health Experts Say - The Healthy

(WXYZ) Scientists report promising results for an innovative form of birth control for men.

This hormonal gel has been shown to effectively reduce sperm production in clinical trials.

This potential birth control for men contains testosterone and Nestorone. Nestorone is a synthetic progestin, a type of hormone used in contraceptive methods. The results from the phase-two trial showed that the gel successfully decreased sperm production in men.

Now, a total of 222 men took part in this study all between the ages of 18 and 50. Every day, they applied about a teaspoon of the gel to each shoulder blade.

Researchers monitored their sperm production every four weeks. By the 12th week, 86% of the men experienced a decrease in sperm count, making pregnancy unlikely.

On average, effective contraception was achieved within eight weeks, which was faster than previous methods tested.

Also, participants maintained testosterone levels that did not affect their sex drive, and no adverse side effects were reported. The second phase of the study is still in progress, with researchers monitoring the effectiveness of the gel in preventing pregnancy.

A phase-3 trial for this potential male contraception gel is still needed. On average, it costs $1 billion to $2 billion to get a drug to market. For this product, funding from a partner like a major pharmaceutical company is essential. But so far, none have stepped up.

As for non-hormonal options, a San Francisco-based biopharmaceutical company called YourChoice Therapeutics found its non-hormonal pill safe in a small UK trial with 16 men. The pill works by blocking a vitamin A receptor thats needed for male fertility. The company is now planning a much larger study.

Also, a Virginia medical device company called Contraline is testing its non-hormonal male birth control method. It involves a 15-minute procedure where a gel is injected into the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles. An early trial in Australia showed a 99.8% to 100% reduction in motile sperm within 30 days for 25 participants. Contraline aims to start trials in the U.S. in 2025.

I support male contraception because it would give men greater control over their reproductive health and help them share the responsibility of preventing pregnancies. It would also provide more birth control options, especially for women who arent able to use hormonal methods due to side effects or medical reasons.

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Trial finds male birth control gel safe and effective - WXYZ 7 Action News Detroit

A novel male contraceptive gel combining two hormones, segesterone acetate (named Nestorone) and testosterone, suppresses sperm production faster than similar experimental hormone-based methods for male birth control, according to a new study.

Results from an ongoing multicenter phase 2b clinical trial will be presented Sunday at ENDO 2024, the Endocrine Society's annual meeting in Boston.

The development of a safe, highly effective and reliably reversible contraceptive method for men is an unmet need. While studies have shown that some hormonal agents may be effective for male contraception, the slow onset of spermatogenic suppression is a limitation."

Diana Blithe, Ph.D., senior researcher, chief of the Contraceptive Development Program at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, Md.

NIH'sEunice Kennedy ShriverNational Institute of Child Health and Human Development is funding the study, which included 222 men who completed at least 3 weeks of daily treatment with the contraceptive gel. The gel contained 8 milligrams (mg) of segesterone acetate and 74 mg of testosterone. Segesterone acetate is an ingredient of the Annovera vaginal birth control ring. Men applied the gel once daily to each shoulder blade.

Early in the study, the researchers measured for suppression of sperm production by obtaining sperm count tests at 4-week intervals. The threshold deemed effective for contraception was 1 million or fewer sperm per milliliter of semen, Blithe noted.

Most study participants (86%) reached this sperm count by week 15, the researchers reported. Among those men, sperm production was suppressed at a median, or midpoint, time of less than 8 weeks of segesterone-testosterone treatment. Blithe said prior studies of male hormonal contraceptives given by injections showed a median time between 9 and 15 weeks for sperm output to become suppressed.

"A more rapid time to suppression may increase the attractiveness and acceptability of this drug to potential users," Blithe said.

Testosterone treatment alone decreases sperm production, with a median time of 15 weeks but the addition of segesterone acetate speeds the time and lowers the dose of testosterone needed to suppress sperm production over testosterone alone, she said. In the daily segesterone-testosterone gel regimen, blood levels of testosterone are kept in the physiologic range to maintain normal sexual function and other androgen-dependent activities.

The sperm suppression stage of the international phase 2b trial of segesterone-testosterone gel is complete. The study continues to test the contraceptive's effectiveness, safety, acceptability and reversibility of contraception after treatment stops.

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Novel male contraceptive gel suppresses sperm production faster than similar birth control methods - News-Medical.Net

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