June is Men’s Health Month—an important reminder to check in on the physical and mental health of the men we care about. Whether it’s your partner, brother, father, or friend, there’s likely a man in your life who could use a reminder: his health matters.

And if you’re a man reading this, here’s something I’ve seen over and over in practice: you’re not alone if you’ve delayed your annual physical or ignored persistent symptoms. But waiting rarely helps. Most serious health problems that men face are preventable and manageable, especially when caught early. Let’s take proactive steps that can truly change lives.

Hormonal Health: Is It Low Testosterone?

Testosterone plays a key role in men’s vitality. It affects energy, mood, sexual health, strength, bone density, and even motivation. Yet many men experience a gradual decline after age 30. It’s typically around one percent per year.

For some, this decline is subtle. For others, it feels like something has shifted overnight. Signs of low testosterone can include:

  • Low sex drive or changes in performance
  • Chronic fatigue, even after sleep
  • Difficulty focusing or “brain fog”
  • Mood changes, especially irritability or low motivation
  • Loss of muscle mass and increased belly fat

If these symptoms sound familiar, it may be time to check your testosterone levels. A blood test can provide clarity. When testosterone is clinically low, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can offer real benefits. Delivered through gels, injections, or implanted pellets, TRT has been shown to restore energy, improve mood, and support lean body mass. 

However, not every man is a candidate for TRT and not every case of low testosterone needs medication. In many cases, levels improve with targeted changes:

  • Resistance training and interval workouts
  • Improving sleep quality (at least 7–8 hours per night)
  • Reducing alcohol and managing stress levels
  • Losing visceral fat through dietary shifts
  • Replenishing vitamin D, magnesium, and zinc

Men who are trying to preserve fertility should also know that TRT can reduce sperm production. In these cases, medications such as clomiphene citrate or HCG may be used instead to stimulate natural testosterone while supporting fertility.

Screening Matters: Detecting Problems Before They Grow

One of the most powerful tools in medicine is early detection. Unfortunately, men are significantly less likely than women to engage in preventive screening despite facing some of the same life-threatening diseases.

Here’s what every man should be discussing with his physician:

  • Prostate cancer screening: A PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test is typically recommended around age 50, or earlier if there’s a family history.
  • Colon cancer: Colonoscopy should begin at age 45. For those with polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, or a family history, earlier screening may be warranted.
  • Testicular cancer: It’s the most common cancer in young men aged 15 to 35. Monthly self-exams and annual physicals remain important.

Some men are also choosing to incorporate more advanced screening tools into their health plans. Two that are gaining popularity:

  • Galleri®: A multi-cancer early detection blood test that screens for 50+ cancers using DNA methylation patterns. While not a replacement for standard screenings, it’s a promising tool, especially for those with complex family histories.
  • Full-body MRI scans from providers like Ezra or Prenuvo, which can screen for tumors, aneurysms, and structural changes before symptoms appear. While not yet covered by insurance, many patients find peace of mind in the insight these scans provide.

Heart Health: Going Beyond “Normal” Cholesterol

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death for men and yet many still rely on outdated cholesterol panels as their only benchmark.

Today, we have better markers for identifying cardiovascular risk early and more accurately.

Ask your doctor about:

  • Lipoprotein(a): A genetically inherited particle that increases heart attack and stroke risk. It’s rarely included in standard labs, but elevated levels are associated with early cardiac events and can’t be modified by diet or exercise alone.
  • Apolipoprotein B (ApoB): This measures the total number of atherogenic (plaque-forming) particles, offering a more precise view than just LDL cholesterol.
  • High-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP): A marker of inflammation that can predict vascular damage long before symptoms arise.

If any of these markers are concerning, a CT coronary angiogram may be recommended. This non-invasive scan creates a 3D image of the coronary arteries and identifies soft plaque buildup that may not be visible on other tests.

When paired with preventive care—like lipid-lowering therapy, lifestyle changes, and advanced nutrition—early data can be life-saving.

Mental Health: Strong Doesn’t Mean Silent

Men experience depression and anxiety at rates similar to women, but they’re far less likely to seek support. This can be due to cultural expectations, internalized stigma, or simply lack of time and awareness.

Symptoms of mental health strain can appear differently in men. Some signs include:

  • Irritability or persistent frustration
  • Emotional detachment or withdrawal from relationships
  • Loss of motivation or purpose
  • Poor sleep and low energy
  • Substance use to manage stress

Mental health is not a side issue. It’s inseparable from physical health, and plays a direct role in hormonal balance, cardiovascular health, immune function, and even sexual performance.

Treatment can include therapy, lifestyle support, medication, or, in some cases, hormone optimization. What matters most is starting the conversation.

Hair Thinning: More Than a Cosmetic Concern

Hair loss can have a deep emotional impact, especially when it begins in a man’s 20s or 30s. Often dismissed as a cosmetic issue, it can be one of the earliest signs of hormonal change or inflammation. The most common cause, androgenic alopecia, is driven by sensitivity to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a testosterone byproduct that affects hair follicles.

Fortunately, early intervention works. Treatment options include:

  • Topical minoxidil (Rogaine) to enhance blood flow to follicles
  • Finasteride (Propecia), a DHT-blocking oral medication
  • Nutrafol, a clinically supported supplement combining saw palmetto, ashwagandha, marine collagen, and other botanicals
  • Red light therapy caps, which use low-level laser stimulation to support hair density

Results are often better when treatment starts before hair follicles go dormant. If you’ve noticed more hair on the pillow or in the shower drain, now is the time to act.

Putting It Into Practice

Men’s Health Month is more than a calendar event. It’s a meaningful opportunity to reset priorities. With today’s diagnostics and preventive tools, there’s no reason to wait for a crisis to take your health seriously.

When men feel strong, focused, and supported, it affects every part of life from energy levels and mental clarity to relationships and longevity. And the steps toward that kind of health don’t have to be overwhelming. Often, they begin with a single choice: scheduling a physical, ordering lab work, asking a better question at your next appointment.

If you are ready to move forward, whether it’s evaluating hormone levels, assessing cardiovascular risk, or creating a personalized prevention plan, I’m here to help you take that next step with clarity and support.