Ever wondered if testosterone makes you angry? You’re not alone. Many people believe that high levels of testosterone can lead to aggression. It is a common topic of discussion, especially when talking about men and their behavior. But is there any truth to this idea?
In this article, we’ll dive into what testosterone really does and whether it has any link to anger. So, let’s get started and uncover the facts about testosterone and its effects on mood and behavior.
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ToggleTestosterone is a sex hormone that plays an important role in the body. Hormones can influence numerous functions of the organism through the activation of specific cells or tissues. Thus, testosterone is involved in coordination and control of various functions in the body.
Testosterone is biosynthetically generated in the body in the testis or testicle which is the male sex gland and in the ovary which is the female sex gland. A comparatively smaller amount of testosterone is made in the adrenal glands as well. Testosterone synthesis is regulated by the hypothalamus and then by the pituitary gland.
The testicles, ovaries, or adrenal glands are then instructed to release testosterone. The main sex hormone in men, testosterone, is involved in the establishment and maturation of the male system throughout puberty as well as in the womb.
Testosterone is involved in the initiation of primary sexual organ development. Other major roles associated with testosterone include muscle building, voice changes, the development of facial and body hair, and the growth of bones and muscles during adolescent development. Testosterone also possesses another task, which is to stimulate erythropoiesis, the formation of red blood cells.
Testosterone can be significant in various aspects of wellbeing. It assists in the formation of sex organs during prenatal stages. It then plays a role in the maturation of secondary sexual characteristics, like deep voice or hair on the face and other parts of the body, during puberty.
However, other advantages can appear in the middle and at the old age after testosterone is produced by the organism. Testosterone level plays a significant role in determining a person’s libido. It can also help in proper fat deposition, muscular quantity and power also. In addition, it plays an important role in making red blood cells and has been associated with healthy bone mass.
It is also important to note that testosterone levels in men born genetically male may decrease throughout their lifetime. These levels can drop to lead to erectile dysfunction, low sex drive, and low sperm count or motility. The effects of low testosterone may also show:
That last item on the list might surprise you if you ever believed that testosterone would lead to anger. But when one has hormonal imbalance in the body, some of these feelings such as anger may tend to be amplified. Therefore, the general testosterone level whether high or low has the potential to affect one’s psychological wellbeing.
Our brain is a highly specialized organ. It has several sections related to different facets of our emotions and behaviors. Testosterone binds to androgen receptors in the brain to produce its effects. Several brain regions have these receptors, including the amygdala, prefrontal cortex, and hypothalamus.
Several studies have suggested that testosterone acts on neurotransmitter systems, especially serotonin and dopamine. Serotonin helps to regulate our moods, and any increase in serotonin makes our moods feel better, or more positive; dopamine is linked with the concept of reward, motivation and pleasure.
Thus, testosterone affects mood and behavior by regulating these neurotransmitter systems.
For a long time now, scientists have believed that aggression and anger can be accredited to testosterone, but there is no truth to this. It is however important to note that there may be other issues to do with genetics and the endocrine system, as well as cultural practices.
Being a hormone, testosterone is known to influence mood, but mood changes due to testosterone are not always easy to quantify. But to date, there has been no conclusive proof that having more testosterone makes you any angrier than having normal testosterone levels in your body.
Indeed, if you observe some difficulties connected with mood swings, you may have low testosterone levels rather than high ones. Low testosterone level people can benefit a lot if they undergo testosterone replacement therapy or opt for testosterone booster. Not only can it assist them in a physical way, but it often leads to the decrease in depression and anxiety levels.
In one scientific review, the authors indicated that both anxiety and depression reduced in AMAB with low T after treatment with Testosterone. Therefore, supplying testosterone may help regulate your mood when testosterone level has been low.
Maintaining healthy testosterone levels is crucial for overall well-being. Here are some natural ways to manage them:
A diet packed with vitamins and minerals such as lean meats, nuts and green vegetables are essential in the formation of testosterone.
Strength training particularly helps in increasing testosterone, and this can be achieved through regular exercise. Stress is another factor that affects testosterone levels, and exercise combats stress.
The recommended amount of sleep for adults is between 7 and 9 hours per night. Sleep helps control hormones to ensure that the right levels of testosterone are produced.
Chronic stress raises cortisol, a hormone known to suppress testosterone. Practice meditation, deep breathing, or other calming techniques to keep stress in check.
Alcohol and anabolic steroids can wreak havoc on your hormone balance. Avoiding them protects your testosterone levels and overall mood.
Understanding the effects of testosterone can help dispel myths. This will promote a more accurate view of this vital hormone. Maintaining balanced testosterone levels can support physical and mental well-being. Thus, leading to a more harmonious life.
Therefore, mood and behavior are more complex than testosterone, and it plays just a minor role in it. Its effects are conditioned by numerous variables, which is why instead of attributing anger to this hormone alone, one should take into consideration the big picture.