DR AMAN CHUNGH

5 MINUTES WITH… DR AMAN CHUNGH

Men’s health specialist at Omniya Clinic Knightsbridge, Dr Aman Chungh discusses the importance of lifestyle factors and individualised treatment

WHAT FIRST DREW YOU TO MEN’S HEALTH?

“About nine years ago, I made the decision to leave a surgical training post. What initially drew me to surgery was the immediacy of its impact. Interestingly, I found a similar sense of impact in hormone treatments. Therapies such as hormone replacement or thyroid treatment can significantly improve someone’s quality of life in a short period. The immediacy and meaningful outcomes, really resonated with me.

“I recognised that men’s health, was underappreciated. That gap presented an opportunity to make a difference.

“Initially, my focus was largely on medications and hormone therapies.

“Now, my practice is rooted in lifestyle medicine. While hormones still play a role, they’ve become secondary to addressing lifestyle factors.”

WHAT PHILOSOPHY GUIDES PATIENT CARE?

“I’d describe my approach as holistic, individualised, and progressive, though I appreciate that those terms can sometimes feel like buzzwords.

“You must understand and address a patient’s lifestyle to achieve the best outcomes.

“Every patient is different, and their treatment should reflect that.

“There are many newer treatments, such as functional mushrooms, IV infusions, and infrared therapies, that don’t yet have decades of research behind them. However, if they are safe and potentially beneficial, I selectively incorporate them where appropriate. The key is to balance innovation with caution.”

WHAT SHIFTS ARE YOU SEEING IN YOUR PATIENT DEMOGRAPHICS?

“Younger men are seeking care and looking to optimise their health, alongside high-performing individuals. These patients are often aware that aspects of their health aren’t where they should be, and they’re looking for guidance. This manifests emotionally, physically, or cognitively.

“Other common concerns include difficulty losing weight, which is often linked to hormonal imbalances, and sexual health issues, low libido and erectile dysfunction.”

WHAT ARE COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT MALE HORMONES?

“One major misconception is the idea of andropause. Unlike menopause in women, which involves a clear and significant hormonal shift, men experience a gradual decline in testosterone, typically around 2% per year. It’s not a sudden drop, and framing it as such can be misleading.

“Another misconception is that starting testosterone replacement therapy means you can never stop. While it’s true that external testosterone suppresses natural production, there are ways to maintain or restart that function using other medications. Treatment can be managed flexibly depending on the patient’s goals.”

WHY IS FOCUSING ON LONG-TERM HEALTH MORE IMPORTANT THAN QUICK FIXES?

“Quick fixes can provide temporary improvements, but they rarely lead to sustainable results. For example, hormone therapy might improve symptoms, but without addressing underlying lifestyle factors, the benefits may be limited.

“Sleep is a perfect example. Testosterone production is closely linked to sleep quality, particularly the early stages of the sleep cycle. Without adequate rest, hormone levels, and overall health, will suffer. Similarly, factors like nutrition, alcohol consumption, and micronutrient levels all play a role.

“Long-term health requires a comprehensive approach that addresses these foundational elements.”

WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST REWARDING ASPECT OF WORKING IN MEN’S HEALTH?

“One of the most rewarding aspects is creating a space where men feel comfortable discussing issues they might otherwise avoid, particularly mental health.

“Often, these conversations reveal underlying factors that are central to a patient’s overall well-being. Seeing improvements in patients’ relationships, is incredibly fulfilling. These go beyond physical health and can be life-changing.”

WHERE DO YOU SEE THE FUTURE OF MEN’S HEALTH HEADING IN THE NEXT 5–10 YEARS?

“I believe the future will move toward greater individualisation. While there has been a recent trend toward more standardised approaches, I think the field will return to personalised care.

“At the same time, technology will play an increasingly important role. Wearables, data tracking, and artificial intelligence will provide deeper insights into health, allowing for more precise and proactive interventions.

“Ultimately, the integration of personalised care with advanced technology has the potential to transform men’s health in a very positive way.”