113: The Healthy Debate Show with Dr. Belynder Walia - Episode 113113: The Healthy Debate Show with Dr. Belynder Walia - Episode 113
UK Health Radio Podcast
Dr. Sharif Wakil talks with Dr. Belynder Walia about andropause, explaining how hormonal changes can affect men’s energy, mood, relationships and sense of self. The conversation highlights stigma, lifestyle factors and treatment options, stressing that ageing-related symptoms may be manageable rather than inevitable.
45:01•17 Jul 2026
Men, Hormones and Hidden Struggles: Dr. Sharif Wakil on Andropause and Wellbeing
Episode Overview
- Andropause is described as a gradual biological transition, not a disease, with wide-ranging effects beyond libido, including energy, mood and cognition.
- Lower testosterone can influence brain chemicals such as dopamine and serotonin, contributing to low mood, loss of drive and misdiagnosed depression.
- Cultural expectations that men must be strong and unemotional keep many suffering in silence instead of seeking help for hormonal and mental health issues.
- Sexual changes, including reduced libido and erectile difficulties, can damage relationships when partners misinterpret them, but open communication and joint support can improve outcomes.
- Comprehensive assessment, better sleep, healthier lifestyle choices and, where appropriate, hormone and regenerative treatments may significantly improve quality of life in later years.
“Please do not accept simply feeling old because you’re one year older.”
Curious about how others navigate their sobriety journey? This conversation on UK Health Radio’s Healthy Debate Show takes a different, but very relevant, route by focusing on men’s hormones, mental health and ageing – with plenty of crossover for anyone rethinking their relationship with alcohol or other coping habits. Host Belinda Walia chats with Dr. Sharif Wakil, a physician known for his work in regenerative medicine and hormone optimisation, about andropause – often called the male menopause. Dr.
Wakil is crystal clear that “andropause is not actually a disease. It’s a biological transition”, yet one that can trigger low energy, brain fog, loss of libido, weight gain, weaker erections and a sense of having “lost my mojo”. The pair talk frankly about how men are socialised to “never show weakness”, which means many quietly feel “like they’re working as a zombie” rather than asking for help. Dr.
Wakil stresses that the mental health impact of andropause is “incredibly high”, linking low testosterone with changes in dopamine and serotonin that can look a lot like depression. He also flags lifestyle factors such as chronic stress, poor sleep, obesity, smoking and alcohol as key accelerators of hormonal decline. Relationships get honest attention too. Dr.
Wakil explains how erectile difficulties and reduced desire can easily be misread by partners as rejection or loss of attraction, creating a painful cycle of avoidance and silence. He shares how couples who come for assessment together often see the best results, as blame is replaced with shared problem‑solving. There’s optimism throughout: thorough medical assessment, better sleep, improved nutrition, movement, and in some cases hormone or regenerative treatments can all help. As Dr.
Wakil puts it, “please do not accept simply feeling old because you’re one year older.” If you or someone you care about feels ‘not themselves’ as the years go by, what if that’s a health issue you can actually do something about?
Do you want to link to this podcast?
Get the buttons here!
More From This Show
The latest episodes from the same podcast.