Reluctance among men to seek medical help is in the spotlight as most have put off speaking to a health professional.

A survey of 2000 men found more more than 75 per cent brushed off health concerns instead of raising them with their GP while 72 per cent felt embarrassed by a health condition.

Half of those surveyed by online health platform Mosh said they would only see a general practitioner if they really had to and more than four in five didn't tell their doctor about a health issue.

General practitioner Linda Heard works for the service and said some men purposefully booked appointments to discuss smaller issues while holding back bigger concerns for a variety of reasons, including social or cultural taboos.

"It's concerning but not surprising nearly half of all men surveyed admit they kept a health issue a secret from everyone including their family and doctor," Dr Heard said.

Concerns about seeking help also extend to mental health and substance abuse, with the Alcohol and Drug Foundation using Men's Health Week to encourage men to have tough conversations with themselves and their mates.

The foundation suggests men concerned about their own consumption to set sustainable goals for cutting down through simple measures like writing out the pros and cons of reducing intake, trying zero-alcohol beverages and reaching out for support.

Men also have a significant role to play in helping their mates who are struggling, with the foundation releasing strategies for support.

It emphasises the importance of remaining available to a friend even if they have a negative reaction or are uninterested in the conversation.

A previously released Monash University study found maintaining friendship groups and social networks was a significant factor in reducing and managing depression in men.

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