When it comes to health, most men don’t speak up until something starts interfering with their life, energy, mood, performance, or their ability to be present for the people they love.
But what if the little things, like being tired all the time, low sex drive, stress, or brain fog, weren’t just “normal”? What if they were signs your body was asking for support?
Whether you’re in your 20s or 60s, or you’re reading this with someone in mind, understanding men’s preventive health and how men’s health shifts over time can help you stay ahead of the curve.
Across every decade, many men experience:
It’s easy to ignore these signs, especially when life is busy with career, family, and responsibilities. But they’re often the early indicators of hormone shifts, metabolic issues, or cardiovascular changes that deserve attention.
Studies show men are less likely to seek preventive care or talk about health concerns, especially when it involves mood, sex, or stress. There is stigma around certain symptoms such as low libido and erectile dysfunction. However, these symptoms are becoming more and more common. (Galdas, Cheater, & Marshall, 2005; Noone & Stephens, 2008).
But ignoring your health doesn’t make it go away, it just delays solutions. The good news? Most of these concerns are manageable when caught early.
Whether you’re trying to keep up with kids, stay sharp in your career, or enjoy an active retirement, your health determines how you show up in every part of life.
Here’s how we can support men of all ages:
Getting consistent sleep, staying active, managing stress, and building healthy eating habits are foundational. Think of it like compounding interest: good habits started early have long-term payoffs for energy, hormones, and disease prevention.
Testosterone gradually declines, a process sometimes referred to as “andropause.” While not as abrupt as menopause, this decline can affect strength, mood, and energy. Lifestyle choices, sleep, and stress management all play a big role in how it shows up.
Hormone imbalances in men often present as fatigue, low libido, erectile dysfunction, mood swings, depression or anxiety, difficulty concentrating (brain fog), decreased muscle mass, weight gain (especially around the abdomen), and sleep disturbances. If you notice several of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to consult a healthcare provider for testing and personalized care.
Low testosterone, sometimes called “Low T,” can cause symptoms such as persistent tiredness, reduced sex drive, erectile difficulties, loss of muscle strength, increased body fat, irritability, depression, and trouble with memory or focus. Men may also experience decreased motivation and a general sense of feeling “off.” These symptoms can develop gradually, so it’s important to track changes and seek medical advice if they affect your quality of life.
Regular checkups can give you the peace of mind that your being proactive in your health and preventing diseases that are easily treatable. Additionally, it can help you address existing problems that may get worse if not taken care of. It also allows you to keep a doctor that knows you on your health team.
Your health doesn’t just affect you, it shapes your relationships, your resilience, and your ability to lead the life you want.
If you’re curious, concerned, or just tired of pushing through, we’re here to help.
Let’s make your health a priority, before it forces you to.
Commentary for “What All Men Should Know About Health at Every Age” provided by Iginio Stoppa, ND. For more about Dr. Stoppa visit his bio page by clicking here.
Galdas, P. M., Cheater, F., & Marshall, P. (2005). Men and health help‐seeking behaviour: literature review. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 49(6), 616–623.
Noone, J. H., & Stephens, C. (2008). Men, masculine identities, and health care utilisation. Sociology of Health & Illness, 30(5), 711–725. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9566.2008.01095.x