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Hormone deficiency

Every third man is affected


Monitoring, diagnosing and treating hormone deficiency in women has become routine. Yet when it comes to men, this is an area where we have some catching up to do!

One in three European men are affected by hormone deficiency. Hormonal imbalances in men can cause a range of complaints including diabetes, obesity, listlessness, reproductive problems and erectile dysfunction. As a leading medi-spa, Park Igls Mayr clinic’s medical expertise in this field covers the entire spectrum from diagnosis to therapeutic intervention. Park Igls works with Dr Germar-Michael Pinggera (LL.M., FECSM), one of the German-speaking region’s most distinguished urologists/andrologists.

The sex hormone testosterone

From childhood to old age, testosterone is men’s determinant hormone. Scientific studies indicate that higher testosterone levels are linked to men’s assertiveness levels.

Infertility

Hormonal disorders can cause infertility. These disorders usually respond well to treatment.

Signs of hormone deficiency

Fatigue, tiredness after eating and increased perspiration are some of the signs of hormone deficiency. Only a medical examination can generate certainty.

Establishing hormone levels

This is an entirely straightforward and easy examination that should be routine for all men.

Testosterone is key

‘Men’s lives, thoughts and actions are affected by hormonal development. In this regard, the male sex hormone testosterone is a key player and, depending on a man’s age, tends to set the agenda’, says Dr Germar-Michael Pinggera. From childhood until old age, sexual development, genital determination and penis growth are influenced by the sex hormone testosterone. Early teenage stubble growth is a tangible example. With increasing age, the role of testosterone becomes much more differentiated. It may not be visible, but its effect on the male organism is no less important. There are interesting correlations: a number of studies indicate that high levels of testosterone increase a man’s attractiveness and ability to be assertive. Likewise, successful business leaders across all industries present with higher testosterone levels than less successful businessmen’, says Pinggera. Another interesting detail about testosterone is that seeing attractive women causes men’s testosterone levels to spike – not a myth but scientific fact.

Infertility

Infertility is a major social issue. In Germany alone, there are around six million involuntarily childless people. ‘In Austria, every seventh couple is affected. For up to a third of cases, the cause may lie in both partners’, explains Dr Germar-Michael Pinggera. When the cause lies in the man, it is usually hormonal imbalances that are to blame.

Signs of hormone deficiency

Are my hormones balanced? What are the symptoms that might indicate hormonal imbalance? Signs of hormone deficiency include excessive sweating, frequent feelings of exhaustion, tiredness at the end of the day or after eating, excess weight, lethargy, hair loss and erectile dysfunction. Ultimately, only an examination by a specialist can bring certainty. Current studies show that the greater a man’s age, the higher his risk of hormone deficiency – or male hypogonadism, as it is also known. What is the medical cause? ‘Put simply, it’s a reduction in testosterone production – although sometimes it’s a decline in the sex hormone’s effectiveness. This is a result of increased blood concentrations of SHBG, the sex-hormone-binding globulin protein. At the same time, the concentration of bioavailable, free testosterone reduces’, says Dr Pinggera.

Determining hormone levels

How can we tell whether our hormone levels are within a healthy range? The physicians at Park Igls advise a preventive approach. This begins with an investigative examination and diagnosis. ‘Every man should have a hormone test, which is an entirely non-invasive procedure. If the diagnostic test shows up a need for action, we discuss the treatment options and then work on rebalancing the patient’s hormonal level. Nowadays, we have excellent therapies at our disposal that range from diets to hormone replacement therapies’, says Dr Peter Gartner, Medical Director at Park Igls. ‘A balanced diet, regular exercise and a healthy lifestyle could and should be positive things that everyone can do to improve their hormonal balance.’

Preventive care for men

Men’s Medical Check


The comprehensive diagnostics module also deals with anti-ageing and includes an andrological examination.

From €2,463 per person excl. the Basic Programme

Take preventive measures now: with the Men’s Medical Check

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Park Igls Mayr clinic, Tyrol

Park Igls Mayr clinic is one of Europe’s leading medi-spas. At the ‘house in the park’, guests are offered bespoke exercise, nutrition and regeneration programmes as well as state-of-the-art diagnostic services – all of which are based on Modern Mayr Medicine’s ground-breaking concepts. In addition to its own medical department and a contemporary destination spa, guests at Park Igls enjoy spacious relaxation rooms, fitness studios and a well-equipped gym. Modern Mayr cuisine is integral to the Mayr clinic’s pioneering services.

Six (not four) fundamental principles

Unique in the world: unlike other destinations, preventive medicine at Park Igls Mayr clinic is based on six not four principles. In addition to the common principles of cleansing, supplementing, self-discovery and exercise, the guests at Park Igls also benefit from ‘learning how to chew and eat’ and ‘resting the digestive tract’. This is one of the many reasons why Park Igls Mayr clinic was awarded the Condé Nast Traveller Most Effective Medi-Spa award.