- Blog
Men's Physicals & Hormone Levels
Posted on 10-16-2024 in Primary Care Sports Medicine, sports medicine physicals, low testosterone & hormone levels by Dr. Joshua Hackel
As we recognize Men’s Health Month in June, annual physical exams are an essential topic of discussion. After all, these yearly visits are considered a preventative measure to get in front of issues before they develop into conditions or diseases. However, unlike a routine annual physical, a sports medicine physical evaluates your current health status and medical history to ensure you are healthy enough to participate in physical activity.
While most associate sports physicals with high school or college student-athletes, these exams are helpful to anyone who participates in athletics at any level. Your sports medicine physician will review any preexisting injuries and assess your current fitness level to determine that there is no risk associated with your chosen activities. Sports medicine physicals typically include an evaluation of a patient’s height, weight, vision, hearing, heart health and blood pressure. These visits also include an analysis of muscle and bone health, flexibility, and strength.
Additionally, sports medicine physicals are ideal for men to evaluate hormone levels and other metabolic indicators. This allows for greater insight into athletic performance and overall health. In fact, low testosterone can often be correlated to symptoms in male patients such as loss of muscle mass and bone density, weight gain and decreased energy levels, among others.
Testosterone levels typically peak during adolescence and begin to decline about 1% per year after age 30 or 40. As these levels decrease, it is essential to determine if it results from aging or a condition known as hypogonadism, which leaves the body unable to produce normal amounts of testosterone.
While testosterone replacement is not the “fountain of youth,” it can be an option for some patients to increase strength and bone density, which helps prevent osteoporosis. There is also evidence that testosterone treatments can benefit heart health, with lower levels contributing to heart issues. Keeping testosterone levels appropriate may also contribute to preventing cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, further research is needed to evaluate the complex relationship between testosterone and CVD.
To schedule a preventative sports medicine physical or discuss issues related to hormone levels with Dr. Josh Hackel, complete our online appointment request or call 850-916-8783 to schedule a visit. As a board-certified and fellowship-trained sports medicine physician, Dr. Hackel specializes in providing general primary sports medicine care and treating musculoskeletal and orthopaedic injuries. His primary aim is to maximize healing and minimize recovery time, allowing for a rapid return to sport, work and daily activities.
Check out some of our related posts:
Physician Assistant Week 2024
According to the American Academy of Physician Associates, over 178,000 Physician Assistants (PAs) practice across various specialties and settings throughout the United States. Each year, from October 6-12, we take the opportunity to recognize these outstanding professionals by celebrating National Physician Assistants Week. Our North Florida Bone & Joint Specialists Physician Assistants (PA) have dedicated themselves to delivering exceptional care to our patients, communities and the entire profession.
Treating Pain with Peripheral Nerve Stimulation
Chronic pain management continues to be a challenge for those looking for an effective non-opioid analgesia option. At North Florida Bone and Joint Specialists, Dr. Erik Nilssen and Dr. Josh Hackel provide patients with several alternatives, including Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS). Performed under local anesthesia on an outpatient basis, PNS is an extremely safe procedure that is noted to be effective in most individuals selected for treatment. PNS involves two steps. During the initial testing phase, the electrode is connected to an external device. If the trial is successful with pain relief, then a small lead or wire is implanted into the patient’s body under the skin.
Fireworks Injury Prevention
While fireworks can be the highlight of your Fourth of July celebration, they pose significant risks, particularly to the hands and arms. In fact, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission 2022 Fireworks Report, the hands and fingers account for 29% of the body parts injured, the highest percentage of any body part. The same report also indicated that 73% of all fireworks-related injuries occurred in the weeks leading up to and after the July 4th holiday. Understanding these dangers and taking preventive measures can help ensure your Independence Day remains fun and injury-free.