Men’s health is a broad and often overlooked domain; an umbrella term that spans everything from cardiovascular health to sexual wellbeing. This page distills the many arms of men's health, to help you understand the scope of conditions affecting men.
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Erectile dysfunction (ED) is one of the most common and yet misunderstood conditions that affects men.1 While it’s often reduced to punchlines or ignored, ED is a medical issue that affects an estimated one in three men at some point in their lives.1 It’s not simply a byproduct of ageing or stress. It’s a complex interplay of physical, psychological, hormonal, and neurological factors, and in many cases, it signals deeper health issues that warrant medical attention.1
Because ED can sometimes be caused by a serious medical condition, it shouldn’t be dismissed as “just a bedroom issue.” It can significantly affect a man’s quality of life, leading to anxiety, avoidance, and strained relationships.
ED is frequently a vascular issue, meaning it’s linked to blood flow. Conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and heart disease are common culprits. In fact, ED can sometimes act as the body’s early warning sign for cardiovascular problems.2
Younger men aren’t immune either. In those under 40, ED is often linked to psychological causes such as anxiety, depression, or lifestyle factors like alcohol and drug use.2 Regardless of age, ED is rarely caused by a single issue, but often a combination of physical and emotional factors.1,2
Hence, it shouldn’t be dismissed as “just a bedroom issue.” It can significantly affect a man’s quality of life, leading to anxiety, avoidance, and strained relationships.
Modern medicine offers a wide range of effective and clinically-proven treatments for ED. Most commonly are PDE5 inhibitors such as sildenafil and tadalafil.3 However, for longer-term solutions, ED is best treated by addressing the root cause.1-3 At times, hormone therapy may be recommended, or in complex cases, specialist and more invasive treatment.3
STEP 1
Treat your symptom
STEP 2
Identify the root causes
STEP 3
Start your plan
Hormones are the body’s chemical messengers. They’re produced by glands in the endocrine system and travel through the bloodstream to organs and tissues, sending signals on what to do and when.4 These signals can be anything from regulating metabolism and sleep to influencing mood and fertility.
In men, hormones shape everything from puberty to old age, helping guide sexual development, energy levels, mental wellbeing, and reproductive health.4 And while the focus is often on testosterone, it’s just one part of a wider hormonal network.
Testosterone
Often referred to as the male sex hormone, testosterone plays a number of important roles in sex drive, muscle mass, fat distribution, sperm production, and more.⁵
Luteinising hormone (LH)
Produced by the pituitary gland, LH signals the testes to produce testosterone.6 Its function is vital to that of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis which acts as a feedback system that helps regulate male reproductive hormones.⁶
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
Like LH, FSH is also released from the pituitary gland but plays a role in sperm production. Together with LH, it helps maintain fertility and reproductive health in men.⁶
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
DHEA is the precursor to testosterone and other male sex hormones. DHEA levels peak in early adulthood while the male body is developing, and like testosterone, they gradually decline with age. DHEA has been linked to immune function, libido, and mood.⁷
Oestradiol
Despite being typically attributed to women, men also produce small amounts of oestradiol, which is a form of oestrogen. It’s made from testosterone through an enzyme called aromatase, and is essential for bone health, libido, and erectile function.⁸
Prolactin
This hormone is mainly known for its role in lactation in women. In men, however, elevated prolactin levels can interfere with testosterone production and contribute to symptoms associated with low testosterone.⁹
Cortisol
More widely known as the ‘stress’ hormone, cortisol is released by the adrenal glands and is essential for metabolism, immune response, and managing stress. However, chronically high levels of cortisol are often linked to poor sleep and anxiety, both of which can contribute to low testosterone.¹⁰
Growth hormone (GH)
Also produced by the pituitary gland, GH stimulates tissue growth, cell repair, and metabolism. It works by influencing how the body builds muscle and burns fat.
Testosterone plays a vital role in a wide range of bodily functions, from maintaining muscle and bone strength to supporting fat distribution, red blood cell production, mood, and libido.5 Levels are typically at their highest during adolescence and early adulthood, before gradually declining with age - around 1% per year after the age of 30.11 While this slow decline is a natural part of ageing, more substantial drops, known as hypogonadism, can lead to physical and emotional symptoms that may impact quality of life.5
Hypogonadism, or testosterone deficiency (TD), is a condition where the body produces insufficient testosterone, often accompanied by symptoms such as fatigue, low libido, erectile dysfunction, and reduced muscle mass.11
According to the British Society for Sexual Medicine (BSSM), testosterone deficiency (TD) is typically diagnosed when total testosterone (TT) levels are below 12 nmol/L. Levels under 8 nmol/L are considered clearly low, while those between 8 and 12 nmol/L are classed as borderline and may require further assessment, such as measuring free testosterone (FT).11,12
However, these values are not absolute. Diagnosis should always take into account both hormone levels and clinical symptoms. Even if your testosterone is within the ‘normal’ range but significantly lower than your usual baseline, you may still experience symptoms of low testosterone, and could benefit from appropriate management.
Primary hypogonadism
In primary hypogonadism, the problem lies in the testes themselves. This may result from genetic conditions like Klinefelter’s syndrome, physical injury, chemotherapy, or certain infections.12
Secondary hypogonadism
Secondary hypogonadism stems from the hypothalamus or pituitary gland failing to properly signal the testes to produce testosterone.12 This may be due to pituitary tumours, long-term illness, certain medications, or obesity.
Late-onset hypogonadism
Ageing can also lead to a gradual decline in testosterone levels, which is sometimes referred to as late-onset hypogonadism.12
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Low testosterone manifests through a variety of symptoms that can significantly affect a man’s quality of life. Sexual symptoms are often the most noticeable and may include reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, and fewer spontaneous erections.12
Beyond sexual health, testosterone deficiency can impact physical and psychological wellbeing. Men may experience fatigue, decreased energy, and reduced muscle mass and strength, contributing to a general sense of weakness.11,12 Mood disturbances such as depression, irritability, and difficulty concentrating are also common, potentially affecting work performance and personal relationships. Physical changes might include increased body fat, loss of body and facial hair, and decreased bone density, which raises the risk of osteoporosis.11,12
There are effective treatments available for men with low testosterone, depending on the underlying cause. Specialist therapies aim to either supplement the body with testosterone or stimulate the body to produce more of it naturally.12 The most suitable approach will depend on factors like age, symptoms, fertility goals, and overall health. If low testosterone is affecting your quality of life, you can opt for a venous blood test, which checks for many markers including your hormone levels.
Heart disease continues to be one of the biggest health challenges facing men today. It often develops silently over time, with many men unaware there’s a problem until a serious event like a heart attack occurs.13 While symptoms can vary, heart disease in men commonly presents with chest pain, breathlessness, or fatigue, but it can also be more subtle, with symptoms like erectile dysfunction being a hidden warning. Men are more likely to ignore early warning signs or delay seeking help, which can make outcomes worse.14
The causes of heart disease in men are rarely down to just one thing. It’s usually a mix of lifestyle habits, biological factors, and how we respond to stress.14 High blood pressure, raised cholesterol, smoking, and carrying excess weight all increase the risk, but so do things like chronic stress, poor sleep, and low levels of physical activity.13,14
Men are also more likely to turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms like excessive drinking or skipping check-ups, which can compound the problem.14 Then there’s family history: if heart problems run in your family, your risk goes up too.14 However, many of these risk factors are manageable once you know what to look for.
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Such is the case for almost all things medical, prevention is the best treatment. The signs of heart disease often creep in quietly, which makes early action all the more important. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, stress management, and avoiding smoking or excessive drinking are all proven ways to protect your heart.13,14
But because heart health is notoriously hard to gauge from the outside, regular heart health blood tests can offer comprehensive insights into what’s really going on inside your body. These can check markers like cholesterol, kidney function, and inflammation, giving you and your doctor the information needed to take action before symptoms even start.
Micronutrient deficiencies are often overlooked, but they can quietly undermine men’s health in profound ways. Globally, one in three people lacks key nutrients like iron, vitamin D, iodine, or zinc, yet many men remain unaware they’re affected.15 These deficiencies don’t always present dramatic symptoms. Instead, they chip away at energy, focus, immune resilience, and hormone balance.15
Iron deficiency, the most common globally, can lead to fatigue and low mood. Inadequate vitamin D can impair bone strength and immune function. Folate deficiencies are linked to cognitive decline and cardiovascular risk.16 Despite these risks, most deficiencies go undiagnosed, especially among men who may not routinely monitor their nutritional status.17 With diet quality falling and ultra-processed foods dominating Western plates, it’s never been more important to address the burden of nutrient deficiencies.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is produced in the skin through exposure to sunlight and plays a vital role in bone health, immune function, and hormone regulation.18 Yet with limited sun for much of the year, many men are at risk of falling short.19 Symptoms can be subtle but persistent: fatigue, low mood, muscle weakness, and frequent illness.18 Around 1 in 5 White men show signs of deficiency in winter, with far higher rates among men of Asian and Black African heritage.19
Vitamin B
Vitamin B12 is essential for energy, red blood cell production, and nerve health, but many men in the UK, particularly vegans and vegetarians, are falling short.20 Since B12 is only found naturally in animal products, those avoiding meat, fish, dairy, and eggs are at higher risk of deficiency. Symptoms can include fatigue, brain fog, numbness, and in severe cases, nerve damage.20
Iron
Iron deficiency is the most common cause of anaemia worldwide, affecting around one billion people.21 In the UK, an estimated 3% of men are iron deficient, and this deficiency is usually a sign of chronic blood loss (often gastrointestinal), poor dietary intake, or absorption issues.21 Symptoms include fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, and poor concentration. Diagnosis involves checking for low haemoglobin, ferritin, and transferrin saturation through a blood test, with ferritin levels below 30 ng/ml confirming iron deficiency.21
Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in your blood that your body needs to build cells and produce hormones. However, having too much of it, especially from a young age, can lead to serious health problems later in life.22 Research shows that higher cholesterol levels in young men, even those in their 20s, are strongly linked to a greater risk of heart disease and early death as they age.22
Obesity isn’t just about what you eat, nor is it about willpower. For millions of men, it’s the result of a complex mix of biology, environment, hormones, lifestyle, and even stress. But what often gets overlooked is just how deeply obesity can affect a man’s health. From higher risks of heart disease and type 2 diabetes to low testosterone and ED, excess weight can quietly chip away at your physical health, mental wellbeing, and quality of life.
Metabolic syndrome is a health condition defined by a combination of risk factors that raise the chance of developing heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and other chronic conditions.22 It’s not a disease itself, but rather a cluster of metabolic abnormalities that tend to occur together. To be diagnosed with metabolic syndrome, a man typically has three or more of the following: increased waist circumference (abdominal obesity), high blood pressure, elevated fasting blood sugar, high triglyceride levels, and low levels of HDL (“good”) cholesterol.22
Many men with metabolic syndrome may not experience obvious symptoms at first. However, signs to look out for include carrying excess weight around the stomach, feeling unusually tired after meals, needing to urinate more frequently, or having blurry vision due to elevated blood sugar.22
Obesity is managed best using a combination of medical, behavioural, and lifestyle support. Weight loss medications can help by targeting multiple mechanisms, making it easier to create and maintain a calorie deficit.23 But medication alone isn’t enough.
Long-term success relies on building healthy habits around food, movement, sleep, and stress. Health coaching provides expert, personalised guidance to help people make these changes stick, offering motivation, structure, and accountability along the way.24 By combining clinically proven treatments with tailored lifestyle support, people are more likely to see meaningful, sustainable results in both their weight and overall health.
Suicide is the leading cause of death among men under 50 in the UK, yet mental health remains one of the most overlooked aspects of men’s health.25 Despite rising awareness, many men still find it difficult to talk about how they feel, often bottling things up due to stigma, societal pressure, or the belief that they need to “man up” and cope alone.26 Conditions like depression, anxiety, and chronic stress are common among men but frequently go undiagnosed and untreated.26 Mental health struggles can also be compounded by biological factors, including hormonal imbalances, such as low testosterone.5
Anxiety in men often presents as persistent worry, irritability, restlessness, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating, and can lead to sleep problems that disrupt daily life.27 One of the lesser discussed effects of anxiety is its link to sexual health issues, particularly ED, which can reduce self-confidence and create a cycle of performance anxiety and further stress.
In many cases, this may be underpinned by low testosterone levels, which are known to affect mood, energy, and libido.28 Compounded by the fact that men may internalise their mental health struggles, often avoiding conversations about how they feel, they may delay seeking support.26
Depression in men is often overlooked, partly because its symptoms can present differently from those typically recognised in clinical settings. Rather than sadness or withdrawal, men are more likely to show signs like irritability, anger, substance use, or risky behaviours which are often dismissed or misattributed.26-28
Low testosterone may be an important biological factor behind these mood changes. Research suggests that testosterone plays a regulatory role in mood, motivation, and emotional wellbeing, and low levels have been linked to depressive symptoms in men, especially when accompanied by fatigue, low libido, and cognitive dulling.28 As a result, men struggling with low mood may not realise that their symptoms are related to both psychological and hormonal factors.
If you’re struggling with your mental health or feel overwhelmed, please know you’re not alone, and support is available. If you’re in crisis or need someone to talk to, you can contact the Samaritans anytime, 24/7, by calling 116 123 or visiting samaritans.org. They offer a safe, confidential space to talk without judgment.
Too often, men leave health concerns until it’s too late, ignoring symptoms, skipping check-ups, or suffering in silence until conditions have advanced. Whether due to stigma, a desire to appear “strong,” or a system that feels male-unfriendly, the result is the same: late diagnoses, reduced treatment options, and avoidable suffering.29 But it doesn’t have to be this way.
At Numan, we believe your health deserves attention before a crisis hits. We offer a stigma-free space where men can speak openly, access tailored support, and take control of their physical and mental health. From low testosterone and ED to hair loss and obesity, we’re here to make it easier for you to take the next step towards a healthier, happier, and longer life.
Importantly, we want to remind men to take a proactive and consistent approach to their health. It’s about staying ahead. Regular blood tests, tracking key biomarkers, and checking in with yourself both physically and mentally can make a huge difference. Don’t ignore the signs your body might be giving you, and don’t put off seeing your doctor if something feels off. Whether it’s hormone levels, cholesterol, or mental wellbeing, spotting changes early gives you the best chance to take action and stay in control.
Our experts bring a diverse range of expertise, contributing to exceptional research and development across various institutes in the UK and globally.
Their collaborative efforts have driven the creation and advancement of Numan's men's health services, leveraging evidence-backed treatment and technology to deliver effective and personalised strategies.
Dr Dimitris Schizas
Numan Doctor
MBBS MRCGP MSC BSSM
Dr Michael Lacey
Numan Doctor
MBChB BSc (Hons) MRCGP
Dr Alexandra Davidson
Numan Doctor
BSc (Hons) MBBS MRCGP AFHEA MA (Hons) AFMCP
Abby Watts
Senior Nurse Prescriber
BSc Adult Nursing, IP
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Nenezic N, Kostic S, Strac DS, Grunauer M, Nenezic D, Radosavljevic M, et al. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA): Pharmacological effects and potential therapeutic application. Mini reviews in medicinal chemistry. 2023;23(8): 941–952.
Schulster M, Bernie AM, Ramasamy R. The role of estradiol in male reproductive function. Asian journal of andrology. 2016;18(3): 435–440.
Bolyakov A, Paduch DA. Prolactin in men’s health and disease. Current opinion in urology. 2011;21(6): 527–534.
Sherman GD, Lerner JS, Josephs RA, Renshon J, Gross JJ. The interaction of testosterone and cortisol is associated with attained status in male executives. Journal of personality and social psychology. 2016;110(6): 921–929.
Hackett G, Kirby M, Rees RW, Jones TH, Muneer A, Livingston M, et al. The British society for sexual medicine guidelines on male adult testosterone deficiency, with statements for practice. The world journal of men’s health. 2023;41(3): 508–537.
Sizar O, Leslie SW, Schwartz J. Male hypogonadism. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025.
Glasser NJ, Jameson JC, Huang ES, Kronish IM, Lindau ST, Peek ME, et al. Male gender expressivity and diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease risks in men. JAMA network open. 2024;7(10): e2441281.
Al Hamid A, Beckett R, Wilson M, Jalal Z, Cheema E, Al-Jumeily Obe D, et al. Gender bias in diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of cardiovascular diseases: A systematic review. Cureus. 2024;16(2): e54264.
Espinosa-Salas S, Gonzalez-Arias M. Nutrition: Micronutrient intake, imbalances, and interventions. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025.
Bruins MJ, Van Dael P, Eggersdorfer M. The role of nutrients in reducing the risk for noncommunicable diseases during aging. Nutrients. 2019;11(1): 85.
Wrzosek M, Woźniak J, Włodarek D. The causes of adverse changes of testosterone levels in men. Expert review of endocrinology & metabolism. 2020;15(5): 355–362.
Chauhan K, Shahrokhi M, Huecker MR. Vitamin D. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025.
Lin LY, Smeeth L, Langan S, Warren-Gash C. Distribution of vitamin D status in the UK: a cross-sectional analysis of UK Biobank. BMJ open. 2021;11(1): e038503
Ankar A, Kumar A. Vitamin B12 deficiency. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025.
Prevalence. Org.uk. https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/anaemia-iron-deficiency/background-information/prevalence/ [Accessed 22nd April 2025].
Winter AG, Zhao F, Lee RK. Androgen deficiency and metabolic syndrome in men. Translational andrology and urology. 2014;3(1): 50–58.
Elmaleh-Sachs A, Schwartz JL, Bramante CT, Nicklas JM, Gudzune KA, Jay M. Obesity management in adults: A review. JAMA: the journal of the American Medical Association. 2023;330(20): 2000–2015.
Tchang BG, Saunders KH, Igel LI. Best practices in the management of overweight and obesity. The Medical clinics of North America. 2021;105(1): 149–174.
Department of Health, Social Care. Men urged to talk about mental health to prevent suicide. Gov.uk. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/men-urged-to-talk-about-mental-health-to-prevent-suicide [Accessed 22nd April 2025].
Seidler ZE, Rice SM, Kealy D, Oliffe JL, Ogrodniczuk JS. What gets in the way? Men’s perspectives of barriers to mental health services. The International journal of social psychiatry. 2020;66(2): 105–110. https://doi.org/10.1177/0020764019886336.
Munir S, Takov V. Generalized anxiety disorder. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025.
Rajkumar RP, Kumaran AK. Depression and anxiety in men with sexual dysfunction: a retrospective study. Comprehensive psychiatry. 2015;60: 114–118.
Bansal N, Karlsen S, Sashidharan SP, Cohen R, Chew-Graham CA, Malpass A. Understanding ethnic inequalities in mental healthcare in the UK: A meta-ethnography. PLoS medicine. 2022;19(12): e1004139.
Experiencing decreased libido, fatigue, or increased body fat? You might have low testosterone. Check if low-T is affecting you today.
Updated:
Dr Dimitris Schizas
Numan Doctor
MBBS MRCGP MSC BSSM
Dr Michael Lacey
Numan Doctor
MBChB BSc (Hons) MRCGP
Dr Alexandra Davidson
Numan Doctor
BSc (Hons) MBBS MRCGP AFHEA MA (Hons) AFMCP
Abby Watts
Senior Nurse Prescriber
BSc Adult Nursing, IP
