article by Stephanie Hobby

As the years go by, prioritizing your health becomes increasingly important. While genetics and environment certainly play their roles, there’s a lot that individuals can do to actively maintain their well-being as they age. Physicians agree that everyone should aim to get enough sleep, eat nutritious foods, stay active, manage stress, and avoid smoking and excessive alcohol. Beyond that, men and women face unique health needs as they navigate aging.

MEN’S HEALTH: UNDERSTANDING THE RISKS

Several bodily systems are most vulnerable to aging in men: cardiovascular, brain, prostate, skin, and bone, and functions regulated by hormones, such as sleep and metabolism, can also be impacted. Regular checkups with a primary care physician can help you know what tests you need and your personal risks. Screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes are important, and your doctor can direct you toward things like colonoscopies and bone density scans at the appropriate times.

SPOTLIGHT: TESTOSTERONE AND AGING

There has been an explosion of menopause awareness in recent years, and women are more empowered than ever to find ways to prepare for and manage symptoms. One of the less talked-about transitions for men is andropause, which marks a decrease in testosterone levels as early as age 30. Men also experience hormonal changes affecting their mood, stamina, muscle mass, and bone health. Symptoms of low testosterone include fatigue, weight gain, reduced sex drive, and even depression.

EARLY PREVENTION: A KEY TO AGING GRACEFULLY

Wellness clinics and medispas offer additional support for men looking to feel their best. Michelle Trudell, founder and chief clinician for Esprit Health Clinic and MediSpa, says most men start to notice signs of slowing down around age 30, as testosterone production diminishes.

"That’s such a key foundational hormone," she says, explaining that testosterone impacts energy, muscle mass, and overall well-being. The ideal time to start wellness checkups and establish regular care is before issues start.

Trudell, double-board-certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and the International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine, says while Esprit does offer primary care services and treat common illnesses, she is most passionate about prevention. “We can accomplish so much with nutrition, activity, rest, and stress management, so coming back to those basics is very, very important,” she said. Her goal is to reduce the need for prescription medications by addressing the root causes of health issues with a more natural and holistic approach.

THE IMPORTANCE OF LIFESTYLE CHANGES

If you notice changes to energy levels, increase in fatigue, weight gain or difficulty losing weight, poor results at the gym, or decreases in sex drive, mental clarity, and focus, Trudell urges men to consider that low testosterone could be to blame, and she and her team can help with that. “I like to help people before they get too discouraged, because if you’re working really hard with your nutrition and activity, and just still struggling with weight management or poor sleep, those are all telltale signs that, ‘Hey, testosterone could be a major player in this.’ It’s such an important thing to look at,” she said.

Janine Griffin is the owner of Central Wellness, which is celebrating its 13th year, making it one of the longest-running medical spas in Billings. Griffin agrees that testosterone is a vital component to aging well. She says most men who come in are there because they want to increase their energy and improve how they feel, but they don’t realize how detrimental belly fat is to their health. “Belly fat diminishes testosterone. If you have it, it is an indication that you will have disease, whether that’s cancer or heart disease,” Griffin explains.

Cutting sugar, including alcohol, bread, pasta, and other carbs, can make a world of difference.

By running tests, nurses can evaluate a patient’s thyroid, determine whether vitamin D and DHA levels are within a normal range, and adjust supplements accordingly. They often advise patients to take magnesium and fish oil, and advise that testosterone helps keep the cardiovascular system thriving and protects against cognitive decline.

“With men, I stress that, if they’re in here, it’s because they’re a little overweight, and they’re sedentary. They’re sedentary because they’re tired, and they’re tired because their hormones have declined. It’s a vicious cycle, and it’s hard to get off that merry-go-round. So you’ve got to do one thing to help you get that jump start, so you have the energy to work out,” Griffin said. “Hormones are not the magic. The magic comes from eating well, working out, and hormones. If you start doing those three things together, you’ll improve.” Central Wellness and Esprit Health Clinic offer services that can help revitalize your health and increase your energy.

QUICK TIPS FOR MEN’S HEALTH

• Get Regular Checkups: Stay on top of important screenings like blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes.
• Prioritize Your Diet: Cut back on sugar, carbs, and alcohol to help balance hormones.
• Stay Active: Regular physical activity can offset the effects of low testosterone.
• Manage Stress: Stress can negatively impact your hormones, so find ways to unwind regularly.
• Consider Testosterone Therapy: If you're experiencing symptoms of low testosterone, speak to a professional.

Originally printed in the June 2025 issue of Simply Local Magazine

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