Men are suffering from a silent health crisis in modern society. Women tend to live longer than men, and almost every chronic illness affects men more often than women.  For starters, many men are suffering from low testosterone. It has been estimated that close to 40% of men over 45 have low levels of the male hormone testosterone. Low testosterone can lead to a loss of muscle tone, weight gain, a loss of drive and motivation that results in depression, hair loss and thinning, and low libido. It can also contribute to memory loss, weaker bones, and an increased risk of heart disease.

A large percentage of men also have prostate problems. About half of all men between 51 and 60 have benign prostate hyperplasia or BPH, a disorder that involves an enlargement of the prostate gland, causing problems with urination. By the age of eighty, more than 80% of all men will have this condition.

Excessive exposure to estrogens, primarily through xenoestrogens (chemicals which mimic estrogen) is also taking its toll on men’s health. Although men naturally produce some of estrogen, just like women produce some testosterone, too much estrogen results in prostate problems, loss of sex drive, and the development of male breasts. It also increases the risk of prostate cancer.

Men are also more prone to mental health problems, but less likely to seek treatment for them. For instance, many men suffer from untreated depression, which may be why they have a suicide rate about five times higher than women of similar ages. Men also account for  80-95% of homeless adults and job-related deaths.

The articles in this month's Sunshine Sharing provide information about products and remedies that can support men's health.