The modern man has plenty to worry about. As well as fears over money, jobs and relationships, the male of the species is fretting over an array of health issues. Here are three common concerns among men today.

HAir loss

A full head of healthy locks is associated with youth and beauty, and so it’s no surprise that when a modern man starts to shed their tresses, alarm bells can ring. If you’re losing your hair, rest assured you’re not alone. In the UK alone, it’s thought that around 6.5 million men are affected by a type of hair loss known as male pattern baldness. The condition is triggered by a genetic disorder that causes testosterone to be converted into the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which has an adverse effect on hair follicles. As health experts Online Doctor Lloyds Pharmacy note, most men experience this type of hair loss to some degree by the time they reach their 60s, but some men start to see these effects as early as their 20s and 30s.
The good news is, treatments are available. The most effective of these is finasteride, which is more commonly known under the brand name Propecia. It works by blocking the effects of DHT, but bear in mind that it usually takes between three and six months before any effect is seen and hair will usually begin to fall out again if treatment is stopped.

Weight loss

While they might fear losing their locks, a modern man is often equally worried about gaining weight. According to the NHS, the proportion of men with a health body mass index (BMI) of between 18.5 and 25 was just 34 per cent in 2011. Meanwhile, 24 per cent of men were classified as obese in the same year. With summer now well and truly on the way, lots of people will be nervous about baring their bodies on the beach, but it’s not just vanity that’s causing men concern. Obesity is associated with an increased risk of a range of potentially serious health conditions, including heart disease and diabetes.
The best way to shed excess pounds is to eat a healthy, reduced-calorie diet and to exercise regularly. However, if you’re struggling to shift weight and lifestyle changes don’t seem to be having the desired effect, you might be able to access weight loss pills to help you along the way. The prescription weight loss treatment Xenical, which works by reducing the amount of fat absorbed by the body, is available for people with a BMI of 30 or over.

Erectile dysfunction

Another major concern for a modern man is erectile dysfunction (ED). Lots of people are too embarrassed to talk about this issue and think they’re unusual because they struggle to get and maintain an erection. In fact, it’s estimated that around half of all men between the ages of 40 and 70 have ED to some extent. It can be caused by either physical or psychological factors, or a combination of both. Physical triggers can include anything from high blood pressure to injury or surgery, while psychological causes can encompass anything from depression to relationship problems. To tackle ED effectively, it’s important to get to the root cause. In many cases, medicines like sildenafil (which is sold as Viagra) can help. In fact, these treatments can be used to manage ED in two-thirds of cases.