Reviewed by Andrew Eliszewski, DC of Forum Health Madison
As men age, preventive healthcare and health screenings become increasingly essential to maintain long-term health and well-being. Especially over 50, routine screenings can help detect potential health risks early, preventing serious illness and promoting longevity.
Dr. Drew Eliszewski shares that, “the earlier you get tested and can have a base line with your labs like testosterone, PSA, fasting glucose, hemoglobin A1C, fasting insulin, c-peptide, for example, the earlier you can start to intervene from a preventative standpoint.”
According to research, “men have increased health risks due to biological and social factors… a decreased quality of life [is] impending unless proper maneuvers are taken to slow the development and progression of morbidity through the use of preventive strategies.”
Men’s top health concerns like prostate health and colon cancer, cardiovascular risk, metabolic health, and genetics can all be tested and a personalized plan developed to optimize your health as you age. And functional medicine ensures that preventive health screenings are tailored to your individual needs.
Why Is Preventive Care for Men Over 45 So Important?
Men’s decline in health can often seem like it just came out of nowhere. There is less emphasis socially on men investing in “self-care” generally, and the signs and symptoms are more subtle than in women’s health.
One study suggests that unlike women, men do not experience a definite period of drastic hormonal change and their decline is more gradual, men’s health deteriorates without much notice.
Loss of testosterone symptoms begin to creep in, presenting as:
- Diminished sexual desire and erectile quality
- Changes in mood with decreased intellectual activity and spatial orientation
- Fatigue, depression and anger
- Decrease in lean body mass, muscle volume and strength
- Decrease in body hair and skin alterations
- Decreased bone mineral density resulting in osteoporosis
Investing in preventive care as you age helps catch health issues before they become serious and may lower your risk for conditions such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and metabolic disorders increases.
According to the CDC, heart disease and cancer are the leading causes of death in men, with prostate cancer ranking as the second most common cancer. Routine screenings, alongside healthy lifestyle changes, can reduce the risk of developing these life-threatening conditions.
The 5 Essential Health Screenings Every Man Over 45 Needs
Preventive health screenings are a critical step in maintaining long-term health for men over 45. By prioritizing regular check-ups and working with your Forum Health functional medicine provider, you can reduce your risk for chronic diseases and enjoy a higher quality of life as you age.
And maybe you’ve felt the changes but have been told by your doctor that your numbers all look “normal.” This is why it is important to look at optimal reference ranges and not standard lab ranges that tend to be wide, which is not helpful when you are looking to optimize your health.
Here are the top male screenings and tests that our providers recommend you get based on the latest research into men’s health.
- Prostate Cancer Screening
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting men, especially after the age of 45. Routine prostate cancer screenings, including a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test and a digital rectal exam (DRE), are crucial for early detection.
Your functional medicine provider may also look at genetic predispositions as there is a higher risk, and lifestyle factors that could contribute to prostate cancer risk factors. Combining traditional PSA testing with genetic testing for risk factors can provide a more comprehensive picture of prostate health.
When to get screened: Men over 50 should start screening, but those with a family history or genetic predisposition may need to begin earlier. It’s essential to consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice.
Go Further With Cancer Screening. Learn About Galleri Cancer Screening.
- Colon Cancer Screening
Colorectal cancer risk increases with age, and screenings such as colonoscopies are highly effective in detecting precancerous polyps. Colonoscopies, typically recommended every 10 years starting at age 50 (or earlier with risk factors), allow doctors to detect cancer in its early stages or prevent it altogether by removing polyps before they become malignant.
Stool-based tests are also used to detect hidden blood in the stool, an early warning sign of colon cancer. These tests are less invasive but may need to be repeated more frequently.
When to get screened: Routine screenings should start at 45 or earlier based on personal colon cancer risk factors, such as family history or genetic predisposition.
- Cardiovascular Risk Assessments
As mentioned earlier, heart disease is the leading cause of death in men. As you age, your risk for cardiovascular issues, including hypertension, high cholesterol, and coronary artery disease, increases.
Cardiovascular risk assessments involve several tests, including:
- Blood Pressure Screening: High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Blood pressure should be monitored regularly.
- Cholesterol Testing: A lipid panel measures your total cholesterol, HDL (good) cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol, and triglycerides. High LDL cholesterol and low HDL cholesterol are associated with an increased risk of heart disease.
- Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) Scan: This scan measures calcium deposits in the arteries, indicating the presence of atherosclerosis, a major contributor to heart attacks.
Functional medicine adds another layer to cardiovascular care, looking at inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and advanced lipid panels to assess heart disease risk more thoroughly and prevent risk of cardiovascular disease among elderly men.
When to get screened: Blood pressure and cholesterol should be checked annually. If you have risk factors like a family history of heart disease, obesity, or diabetes, your provider may recommend more frequent or advanced testing.
Take The Next Step Towards Cardiovascular Health. Get in touch.
- Metabolic Testing
Metabolic syndrome, which includes a cluster of conditions that increase the risk factors of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, becomes more common in men over 45 for both men and women. Metabolic health testing evaluates markers such as blood glucose, insulin levels, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference to assess risk for diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Key Tests for Metabolic Syndrome:
- Fasting Blood Glucose: Measures your blood sugar levels after fasting.
- Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c): This test provides an average of your blood sugar levels over the past two to three months, indicating whether you’re at risk for diabetes or prediabetes.
- Insulin Sensitivity Testing: This test measures how efficiently your body uses insulin to regulate blood sugar.
Our functional medicine practitioners often recommend these tests in combination with hormone imbalance tests, such as testosterone and thyroid function, to get a complete picture of your metabolic health. Lifestyle interventions, including nutrition and exercise, can significantly impact metabolic health, and a functional medicine approach focuses on addressing these root causes.
When to get screened: At least annually, especially if you have risk factors for diabetes or cardiovascular disease.
Metabolic Testing at Select Forum Health Clinics
- Genetic Testing for Risk Factors
Genetic testing at Forum Health can provide insight into your risk for various diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic disorders. While genetics isn’t destiny, our functional medicine practitioners use genetic testing to understand how your genes may predispose you to specific health conditions.
This allows for personalized prevention strategies, including dietary and lifestyle changes, supplementation, and targeted treatments.
When to get screened: Discuss with your healthcare provider if you have a family history of chronic conditions or are concerned about genetic risk factors.
The Role of Functional Medicine in Men’s Preventive Care
With each of these tests it is important to include your functional medicine provider, as many do not serve as primary care providers, in recommendations and interpretation of results. Collaboration between your medical providers is essential so your personal health team can support you towards optimal health as you age!
Our providers offer a personalized, preventive approach to men’s health. By focusing on the root causes of disease and utilizing advanced testing methods, functional medicine practitioners can detect issues early and develop tailored care plans to optimize health.
At Forum Health, we offer a comprehensive Functional Medicine Health Assessment that evaluates metabolic health, cardiovascular risk, hormone balance, and more. Our approach includes a thorough review of your medical history, lifestyle, and genetic factors to develop a preventive plan that fits your unique needs.
To schedule a comprehensive health assessment with a Forum Health provider, find a clinic near you. Stay proactive and make preventive care a priority in your wellness journey!
