Men's Irritability: 5 Hidden Health Conditions According to a GP

Feeling permanently tired, short-tempered and fed up? Many men put it down to stress, poor sleep or simply having too much on but a London GP is warning a ‘brushing it off’ culture could be masking genuine physical and mental health conditions.

Dr Alex Vass (pictured), GP and men’s health specialist at H3 Health, says the tendency for men to carry on as usual, rather than seek help, is putting their long-term health at risk.

“Men can be very good at brushing changes such as this off and carrying on, often for longer than they should,” said Dr Vass.

“Feeling tired all the time, being less patient, more easily frustrated, shorter with people than you used to be – these are things we hear every day. Usually, they pass. But if they hang around, feel out of character or start affecting your relationships, work or enjoyment of life, it is worth taking seriously.”

Nick, 65, from High Wycombe, recognised some of these signs in himself after reading a magazine feature on men’s health and testosterone. Alongside a decline in energy and low mood, he had noticed a loss of libido, which was affecting his marriage of 40 years.

After a consultation and blood test at H3 Health, he was diagnosed with low testosterone and started TRT.

“The treatment has had a significantly positive effect on my life and my wellbeing. I have a much more positive outlook, a renewed zest and verve, and my wife and I now enjoy a renewed intimacy together,” said Nick, who also has type 2 diabetes, adding that he was also encouraged to learn TRT can also help with blood sugar management.

While stress and anxiety are the obvious suspects, Dr Vass warns a persistent change in mood and energy should never be dismissed as ‘just stress’ until physical causes have been ruled out.

A medical review, he says, would typically start with some of the most common, and overlooked, culprits:

·        Thyroid problems: An underactive thyroid slows the metabolism and can leave men feeling exhausted, low and irritable

·        Diabetes and blood sugar problems: Fluctuating blood sugar levels can cause fatigue, mood swings and a shortened temper

·        Sleep apnoea: A potentially dangerous condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, leaving sufferers perpetually exhausted regardless of how many hours they spend in bed

·        Medication side effects: Common prescriptions for blood pressure, cholesterol and even depression can have side effects that mimic mood disorders

·        Chronic pain and long-term illness: Both take a gradual toll on sleep, energy and patience

Testosterone is another factor which can be overlooked, says Dr Vass.

“If there has been a change in energy, motivation, mood or irritability, particularly if there are other symptoms such as reduced libido or poor concentration, testosterone is worth considering,” he said.

However, he cautions that symptoms overlap so heavily with stress, poor sleep, anxiety and depression that a proper assessment needs to look at the whole picture.

Rather than asking ‘why am I so grumpy’, Dr Vass recommends men ask themselves two questions – what has changed and what might be driving it.

The H3 Health team look at physical and emotional causes together, including dedicated mental health and coaching support, led by specialist psychotherapist Amy Peach.

“Amy uses different types of therapy depending on what is going on and what is likely to be most helpful,” said Dr Vass.

“That might mean understanding why you are reacting in a certain way, dealing with a strong inner critic, changing habits that have developed under pressure or finding a better way of responding when things go wrong.”

Dr Vass’s message to men is simple – do not simply learn to live with it.

“Tiredness, irritability or feeling less like yourself can easily get put down to work, getting older or simply having a lot going on – sometimes for much longer than is helpful,” he said.

“The important thing is to notice when something has changed and not simply learn to live with it. You do not need to know whether the cause is physical or emotional before asking for help – working that out is part of the process.”

Find out more about H3 Health or book a consultation.

If you are struggling with your mental health, the Samaritans offer free support 24 hours a day on 116 123.

When is it worth getting checked?

·        Ask yourself two questions: what has changed, and what might be driving it?

·        Take it seriously if it hangs around, feels out of character, or starts affecting your relationships, work or enjoyment of life.

·        You do not need to know whether the cause is physical or emotional before asking for help – working that out is part of the process.

·        Speak to a doctor – your NHS GP or a private clinic such as H3 Health

·        Never stop taking prescribed medication without speaking to your doctor first.