Turning 40 can be a significant and often stressful milestone in a man's life.

 

Stress at the workplace and your personal life can take a toll on your mind and body in myriad ways. Some of these symptoms are easier to spot than others. Men can, more often than not, miss the early warning signs of a few diseases that are unique to the male physiology.

Here are some problems that commonly go underdiagnosed in men over 40.

 

1. Melanoma
   
   

   
   Melanoma is a severe form of skin cancer that affects the cells (melanocytes) responsible for the colour of your skin. It can be caused due to factors like overexposure to sunlight (UV radiation). The risk of Melanoma increases as you get older. Men above the age of 40 are twice as likely to succumb to this form of skin cancer than their female counterparts. Make it a habit to regularly look out for any growths, spots and patches on your skin and always apply sunscreen on your skin whenever you step outside the house to protect your self from the sun.

2. Prostrate Gland Enlargement

   
   Prostrate cancer is however not the only prostrate related problem that can develop in your 40s. Men can also develop a more common prostate gland enlargement disorder called BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia). This can lead to painful prostrate swelling that makes urination a painful affair. Contact your urologist if you begin to have difficulties urinating as it could be an early symptom of BPH.

   Prostrate cancer screenings should be an essential component of any men's health checkup. Especially since studies indicate that risk of developing cancers of the prostrate go up by two percentage points when men turn 40.  

    

3. Low Testosterone Levels
   
   

   
   
   Men over the age of 40 can begin to experience symptoms like extreme tiredness, muscle loss and a drop in their sex drive. These symptoms can often be attributed to a drop in their testosterone levels, a common phenomenon in older men.
   
   You can easily get your testosterone levels tested with a blood test. Consult a trusted physician to explore treatments to supplant your flagging testosterone levels.

    

4. Scrotal Swelling or Hydrocele

   
   A common phenomenon among children, Hydrocele is popularly known as the “swollen scrotum” phenomenon. Older men can develop a scrotal swelling due to injuries that can change the shape and size of your scrotum. Consult a doctor if you find any of the above symptoms. Hydrocele, if undiagnosed,  can lead to infections as well as cause erectile dysfunction (E.D).

    

5. Liver Cirrhosis
   
   

   
   
   Cirrhosis is a liver disorder caused due to the growth of scar tissue on the liver. Cirrhosis is generally caused due to excessive consumption of alcohol and can greatly affect your liver function. Men over the age of 40 can also develop cirrhosis due to ailments like hepatitis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The disease is irreversible in advanced stages and can be diagnosed in its early stages by its telltale signs like yellowing of the eyes and skin, fatigue and edema (swelling) of the hands and feet.  

6. Osteoporosis

    

   Men begin to experience a loss of bone mass as they get older. This bone loss can lead to arthritic disorders like osteoporosis. This disorder can leave your bones fragile and weak. This is especially dangerous if you have a fall or fracture in your golden years. Add adequate amounts of protein and calcium into your daily diet after you turn 40 to avoid any osteoporosis-related stress on your bones.

A combination of a healthy diet and regular exercise will go a long way in keeping your body fit and healthy in the golden years of your life. Make it a point to get comprehensive screenings every year as you get older to detect any problems well before they turn into expensive and long drawn out complications.