The 5 ‘women’s health woes’ that affect MEN too and vice versa – from breast cancer to heart attacks and gout
2. BREAST CANCER
ALTHOUGH statistics show breast cancer predominantly affects women, men can develop it too.
Men can carry the BRCA gene mutation, linked to an increased risk of breast cancer, according to Dr James Stevenson, associate clinical director for Bupa Health Clinics.
Regardless of sex, recognising changes is crucial.
Dr Stevenson says: “Men are often diagnosed with breast cancer at a more advanced stage because they don’t receive routine examinations like mammograms.”
Thankfully, it’s easy to self-check; feel for lumps or bumps, gently squeeze each nipple to check for discharge, and use flat fingers to press down in circular motions to identify anything unusual.
“Look out for discharge from your nipples, which may also contain blood; sores or ulcers on your chest; swelling or a lump in your chest area or armpit; and/or changes in how your nipples look, such as developing a rash or becoming inverted,” says Dr Stevenson.
3. OSTEOPOROSIS
MENOPAUSE-related hormone changes can lead to osteoporosis in women — a condition that weakens bones and makes them prone to fractures.
But Dr Stevenson says: “The cause isn’t fully understood, but there’s a link between testosterone and healthy bones.
“Men continue producing testosterone as they age but levels gradually decline and lower testosterone is associated with osteoporosis risk.”
Symptoms include height loss, posture changes, brittle bones, and back pain, but early signs are rare.
To help prevent osteoporosis, Dr Stevenson says: “Eat plenty of calcium-rich foods like salmon, sardines, tofu and dairy.
“Vitamin D also helps your body absorb calcium and supports bone health.”
The main source of vitamin D is sunlight, so supplements are recommended during winter.
Strength training exercises—such as squats, lunges, push-ups, pull-ups and deadlifts—can protect bone health.
“Strong muscles help safeguard your bones,” Dr Stevenson says.
4. UTIs
WOMEN are more susceptible to urinary tract infections (UTIs), typically caused by bacteria entering the urinary system, because their urethra is shorter.
“But men, especially over the age of 50, can also get them,” Dr Stevenson says.
Symptoms include frequent urges to urinate and a burning sensation during urination.
It may also cause stomach pain, changes in urine’s appearance or smell, back or side pain, fever, and nausea.
Antibiotics are the usual treatment, so it’s important to visit your GP promptly.
“You’ll likely be asked to do a urine test,” Dr Stevenson says.
“If your doctor suspects prostate issues, they may perform a prostate examination.”
5. ‘MENOPAUSE’
DO men really experience the ‘manopause’?
“Calling it ‘male menopause’ implies that there is a sudden drop in testosterone when in fact, it declines steadily at one per cent a year as men get older,” Dr Stevenson says.
Symptoms often emerge in the late 40s to early 50s and can include mood swings, reduced mobility and muscle mass, fatigue, poor memory, weight gain, erectile dysfunction, and low sex drive.
Stress, lack of sleep, poor diet, inactivity, smoking, and low self-esteem can also contribute to testosterone decline.
“Maintaining a healthy diet (primarily whole foods), exercising and limiting bad habits like smoking and drinking too much alcohol can help to keep those symptoms at bay,” Dr Stevenson says.
Men’s health problems that affect women
1. ALCOHOLISM
WHILE alcohol use disorders are more common in men, there is a growing problem among women.
Deaths in women caused by alcohol soared 37 per cent in five years (2016 – 2021), government figures show, compared with 29 per cent in men.
Helen Wells, clinical director at The Dawn Rehab Thailand, says: “When considering signs of alcohol dependence in yourself, it often begins with subtle changes, like frequently thinking about your next drink or drinking more than intended.”
This can progress to planning your day around drinking, hiding alcohol, mood swings when you’re unable to drink and a decline in work performance.
When looking at others, watch for signs like “drinking at unusual times, making jokes about needing alcohol or becoming defensive about their drinking,” Helen says.
“These may progress to withdrawal from activities they once enjoyed, personality changes and unreliability at work.”
Free NHS treatment includes counselling or prescription medications that manage cravings – see your GP.
What to do if you think are an alcoholic
IF you’re struggling with alcohol addiction, the most important thing is to recognise the problem and seek support – You don’t have to face it alone.
Seek Professional Help
- GP or Doctor – A medical professional can assess your situation and provide advice on treatment options.
- Therapists or Counsellors – Talking to an addiction specialist can help address underlying causes and develop coping strategies.
- Rehab or Detox Programmes – If physical dependence is severe, medically supervised detox may be necessary.
Consider Support Groups
- Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) – A well-known 12-step programme that provides peer support.
- SMART Recovery – A science-based alternative to AA, focusing on self-empowerment.
- Local Support Groups – Many communities have groups tailored to different needs.
2. HEART DISEASE
FOUR million men are living with a heart or circulatory disease in the UK – but so are 3.6 million women.
Dr Samantha Wild, women’s health clinical lead, at Bupa Health Clinics says: “Men tend to develop heart disease earlier in life than women do and at a greater rate, so the symptoms of heart disease in men tend to be more well-known.
“Getting diagnosed with heart disease sooner helps to ensure you can have better treatment and therefore, better outcomes.”
Symptoms of heart diseases that warrant a GP visit include heart palpitations or fluttering, fatigue, shortness of breath, swelling in the legs, ankles or feet and dizziness.
It is a myth that symptoms of a heart attack are different in women, the British Heart Foundation says.
But symptoms do differ between individuals.
The signs include feeling pain, discomfort or tightness in your chest, pain in your arm that may spread to the neck, jaw, back or stomach, nausea, sweating, shortness of breath and lightheadedness and an anxiety-like feeling.
Call 999 immediately.
3. STROKE
A STROKE occurs when blood stops flowing to a part of the brain.
According to Dr Wild, men have more stroke risk factors, such as a poor diet, smoking and heavy drinking.
But 49 per cent of strokes occur in women, according to the NHS drug regulator Nice.
The risk of a woman’s stroke increases due to menopause, as Dr Wild says that the hormone oestrogen – which starts declining from the 40s – has a protective effect.
Dr Wild adds: “Women are more likely to live longer than men and women may live independently for longer, meaning that if they experience a stroke, seeking medical intervention may be more difficult.”
Symptoms of a stroke include the face drooping on one side or weakness when trying to smile or open both eyes; weakness in the arms and struggling to raise both arms above your head and hold them there; and forgetting names of common objects or slurring your words.
“Anyone experiencing any of these should call 999 immediately,” says Dr Wild.
Women are more likely to report nausea, loss of consciousness or appear confused, according to the American Heart Association.
Treatment depends hugely on how fast the stroke was acted on, with death or long-term damage possible.
How to reduce your risk of heart attacks and stroke
You can reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke with many of the same methods.
Heart attacks and strokes, although affecting different organs of the body, are both what we call cardiovascular events.
Both arise from similar underlying conditions, such as atherosclerosis —a buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries.
According to the American Heart Association, the risk factors for heart attacks and strokes are largely the same: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, physical inactivity and diabetes.
Therefore, addressing these risk factors can simultaneously reduce the risk of both conditions.
Here are ways you can prevent the two:
Healthy diet
- More fruit and veg: The DASH, which emphasises fruit, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins, has been shown to reduce blood pressure and improve heart health.
- Less fats: Too much saturated and trans fats can raise cholesterol levels and increase the risk of atherosclerosis. Go for healthier fats like those found in olive oil, nuts, and avocados.
- Limit salt: High salt intake is linked to high blood pressure, a major risk factor for both heart attack and stroke. The NHS recommends no more than 6g of salt per day for adults.
- Fibre: Foods high in soluble fibre, such as oats and beans, can help lower cholesterol levels.
Exercise
Walking, running, cycling, swimming – whatever you like, do it!
Aerobic exercise can strengthen the heart and improve circulation.
The NHS advises at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity each week.
Strength training exercises can help control weight, improve cholesterol levels, and reduce blood pressure. It is recommended twice a week by the NHS.
Manage blood pressure
Healthy diet and exercise can help keep your blood pressure in check.
But it is worth monitoring it yourself after the age of 40, at least, when the NHS invites adults for a check-up every five years.
High blood pressure often has no symptoms but significantly increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Quit smoking
One of the best ways to quit smoking is to use resources provided by NHS Smokefree. Support groups, medications, and other tools to help quit smoking such as vapes could be what you need to kick the habit for good – and it’s free.
Limit booze
Excessive alcohol consumption can increase blood pressure and contribute to weight gain, which can snowball and become a heart health risk.
The NHS recommends not regularly drinking more than 14 units of alcohol per week.
4. HAIR LOSS
IT’S not just men who start to notice a thinning up top with age.
Female pattern baldness, also known as androgenetic alopecia, is thought to affect around half of women aged 70 years or over, the NHS says.
It’s a hereditary condition, meaning you’re more likely to have it if a family member appears to.
Dr Wild adds: “It’s also more common if you’re of white or Afro-Caribbean descent.
“For women, hormonal changes, such as when going through perimenopause and menopause, can impact women’s hair.”
If hair loss is making you feel anxious, speak to your GP about potential treatments such as finasteride and minoxidil medication, wigs, steroid injections and cream, light treatment and even hair transplants.
If menopause-related hormones are a factor, Dr Wild says that sometimes hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may be offered as a treatment.
5. GOUT
MEN have a four-times higher risk of gout, a type of arthritis, than women, studies suggest.
But Dr Wild says: “Once women go through the menopause and oestrogen levels naturally fall, the chance of developing gout notably increases.
“Oestrogen, a female hormone, has a protective role in kidney function, helping remove uric acid.”
Uric acid, a waste product from breaking down purines found in some foods, is usually excreted through urine.
Excess uric acid can form sharp crystals in joints, triggering gout.
A sudden, strong pain in one joint, particularly your big toe, is the most common symptom of gout, as well as swelling and heat in the area.
Dr Wild says: “If you think you have gout, speak to your doctor.
“If treatment is needed, it’s usually non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, such as ibuprofen.
“Steroids may be given if gout doesn’t respond to painkillers.”
Lifestyle changes can prevent gout attacks, including limiting sugary drinks, purine-rich foods, like red meat and alcohol.