Top 10 Health Issues Facing Men in Their 30s

By Genevieve Cunningham

Men are notorious for ignoring their health. This certainly doesn’t describe all men -- after all, many men spend hours and hours in the gym building muscle and strength. But heading to the doctor is another story.

The cliche didn’t appear out of thin air. Men and women are different, it’s true, but the Centers for Disease Control reports that women are 33 percent more likely to see a doctor than men.

As a young man, perhaps in your early 20s, seeing the doctor probably feels like a waste of time and money. As you get older, especially as you approach your 30s, seeing the doctor becomes more of a necessity. Why? Because men in their 30s are more likely to face health issues that need attention both now and long-term.

What Thirtysomethings Should Know About Their Health

What happens when the clock rolls over and we go from 29 to 30? Is it an immediate downhill slide? Do health problems suddenly smack us in the face? Of course not, but there are things we have to be aware of in our 30s that were a little less important than even five years ago. Once this decade hits, here are some of the things that you should begin to keep in mind.

• Balance is key - This pertains to work, family, friends, exercise, eating, and everything else. The more balance we can maintain, the easier it is to keep our health in check.
• You still have time - If you’re in your 30s, you’re still young. You’re not considered a young adult any longer, but you still have time to make some changes. Now is a good time to begin good habits even if you don’t see the results right away. In 5, 10, or 15 years, you’ll be glad that you started your journey today.
• Time is dwindling- Even though you’re still young, it’s important to remember that your youth is dwindling quickly. That doesn’t mean you should panic. It simply means you can’t put off your own health and well-being any longer. Make time for yourself.
• Health is more than physical - Physical health is important, but don’t forget that your mental and emotional health may need attention as well. For men, this is an important lesson, as men are far less likely to seek help for any health concerns outside of the physical.

Top Health Issues Facing Men in Their 30s

Although a few basic guidelines can certainly help men in their 30s, and everyone else as well, some health problems are more specific to men aged 30 to 39 years, and thus require specific care. If we know what problems may be on the horizon, we can make a plan to combat them. Where should men begin? With the most common issues -- in fact, the top 10 health issues – affecting this age range.

Heart Disease

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men in the United States. What is considered heart disease? It includes certain kinds of heart defects, whether they are known or unknown, coronary artery disease, and heart attacks. Sometimes there are symptoms associated with heart disease, and it’s possible to get a diagnosis and care for the condition. Other times, it strikes suddenly and without warning. Why are men vulnerable to this disease? Doctors believe it may be a combination of lifestyle choices and men’s responses to external stress.

Cancer

Statistically, men are more likely to suffer from cancer than women of a similar age. Cancer is still widely misunderstood. For men in their 30s, there are certain types of cancer that are more common than others: prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and colorectal cancer. For testicular cancer, the average age of diagnosis is 33 years. This type of cancer is highly treatable when discovered early, which means paying attention in your 30s is a top priority. Though most recommendations for colorectal cancer screenings begin in your next decade, more and more men are being diagnosed at a young age. It’s never too late to learn about the symptoms of various cancers from the American Cancer Society, and to take precautions to avoid cancer-causing agents and be proactive in seeking medical care when needed.

Hormonal Imbalances

We most often associate hormonal imbalances with women, but these types of imbalances happen in men as well. For most men, a decline in testosterone levels happens gradually beginning around the age of 30. Symptoms of low testosterone include fatigue, loss of body and facial hair, loss of muscle mass, weight gain, and feelings of depression. Low testosterone can be exacerbated by other conditions such as diabetes and obesity -- two other health conditions that plague men in their 30s.

High Cholesterol

High cholesterol is often noticed in your 30s and 40s. For men, high cholesterol in your 30s is linked to an increased risk of heart disease later in life. If your doctor has diagnosed you with high cholesterol, it’s really important to follow their advice for balancing your good and bad cholesterol levels. This might include cutting back on smoking and drinking, and will almost assuredly affect your diet. If you haven’t had your cholesterol – and lots of other things – checked, it might be time to book an appointment.

Weight Maintenance

Obesity is a growing problem in America. Among men, it’s a bigger problem than ever before, with approximately 40 percent of men in their 20s and 30s falling into the range of obesity. While most people look to lose weight for aesthetic reasons, there are more serious reasons to focus on weight management. Obesity increases the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and researchers believe even some cancers. In your 30s, you still have time to make changes that can help you lose weight and lower these risks. Regular exercise and diet changes can go a long way toward improving your appearance, your confidence, and your overall health.

Diabetes

According to the American Diabetes Association, 1.4 million people are diagnosed with diabetes every year. Though women are more often diagnosed, experts believe that men have undiagnosed diabetes at a higher rate, and it’s more likely to show up at a lower body weight. The average age of diagnosis is in your 40s, but prediabetes -- which is the point where it may still be reversed -- may be recognized years before. This is why it’s so important to begin screenings and health checks at the first sign of symptoms, or even before symptoms arise at all. What symptoms might suggest diabetes? Fatigue, weight gain, excessive thirst, dry skin, numbness or tingling, and more.

Sleep Disorders

Sleep is an issue for many American adults. It’s estimated that somewhere between 50 and 70 million people suffer from some sort of ongoing sleep disorder. Men are most commonly affected by sleep apnea, insomnia, and restless leg syndrome. In your 30s, work, family, and finances are top concerns, which means stress is higher than ever. This further contributes to sleeping issues. American men often look at a lack of sleep as a point of pride, as though sleeping less and working more makes them more masculine. But a lack of sleep can lead to obvious symptoms such as fatigue and irritability, as well as less obvious symptoms such as a slower reaction time, poor memory, and poor judgment.

Depression

We’ve already established that men are less likely to seek professional help, especially with mental or emotional health. Unfortunately, this is exactly what many men in their 30s need. Recent studies have concluded that the mid-30s is becoming prime time for mid-life crises. It’s also the time in a man’s life with the highest stress. Rates of mental illness, most notably depression, are on the rise. Depression may manifest with a wide range of symptoms: fatigue, insomnia, excessive sleeping, irritability, inability to focus, weight loss or gain, and more. It can be all too easy to write off these symptoms as part of the daily grind. Instead, take time out to see the doctor and get the help you need.

Stress

Stress is known as the silent killer. Although we’re well aware that we’re experiencing stress, we don’t understand the magnitude of it. We don’t understand that the side effects of stress are literally destroying our bodies from the inside out. Men are likely to experience stress due to societal expectations, family obligations, and financial strain. They’re more likely to experience high blood pressure and sleep problems. Although more women report experiencing stress, men are less likely to deal with it, which means they are more profoundly affected long-term. In order to turn this health issue around, stress management needs to be a part of men’s skillset.

The Prime of Life

Men in their 30s are truly in the prime of life. They have life experience behind them, but still have a lot to look forward to in the future. It’s the best time to refocus on health, make changes, and set yourself up for the future.

Men like to hit the gym to build strength and muscle, and that’s great. But don’t forget to build that health muscle by finding a doctor and healthcare routine that can help you navigate these health issues starting now and lasting a lifetime.

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