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Most times, when people talk about testosterone, they don’t give much thought to testosterone’s relationship with mental functions. According to research, testosterone plays a role in self-esteem, dominance, and aggression. Low testosterone might result in a lack of confidence and cause feelings of sadness and lack of motivation.
Moreover, more studies suggest that low testosterone can result in sleep issues, reduce the inability to concentrate, and cause a lack of energy. Our cognitive functions, which encompass memory, reasoning, understanding, and attention, might be affected by low estrone.
As the body’s functions change with age and levels of testosterone reduce with age, memory functions also decline. Some schools of thought believe that declining hormone levels might be a part of the problems and negatively affect concentration, mood, and weight. Though the data isn’t conclusive, studies have shown that a higher level of testosterone in older men can cause better results in cognitive tests.
In this blog, we will explore the relationship between testosterone and mental health so individuals can properly understand the role testosterone plays in self-esteem, confidence, and mental health.
For many men, their confidence is usually tied to their sexuality, energy, and strength. When there is a sign of these confidence factors waning, then it could result in depression, reduced self-esteem, or self-worth, which is also a sign of low testosterone. When men have such problems, they usually don’t talk about them and continue their lives as though nothing is wrong. Men’s reluctance to communicate these issues has resulted in a high degree of underdiagnosed patients. Many don’t seek help and might not be aware that it is actually a case of low testosterone levels causing their symptoms.
In addition to the difficulty, until recently, low levels of testosterone have only been associated with reduced sex drive. Low testosterone levels also cause emotional side effects. Erectile dysfunction or loss of libido can result in issues with self-esteem and relations. Another issue can be found in men feeling depressed. Usually, men start treatment for clinical depression when the cause of their depressed mood is, in actual cases, low testosterone levels.
In a 2013 review, the researcher conducted seven clinical trials on 355 people to study the effect of low testosterone on mood. The result shows that men are more likely to feel irritable, anxious, and depressed due to low testosterone. They also found out that low testosterone can be the underlying cause of inexplicable depression. The review also showed that testosterone therapy can overcome feelings related to depression.
Testosterone is widely associated with male sexual virility and physical strength, but it also has an impact on mental health. This hormone affects the brain in various ways crucial to mental health, such as stress response, cognition, memory, and mood. When testosterone is low, a condition in men who experience “andropause” or in men and women with some endocrine disorder, it usually causes several adverse mental effects.
On the other hand, maintaining testosterone within the right psychological range promotes control over stress and mental clarity. Evidence proposes that testosterone can shield the impact of stress on mental health and increase emotional stability and resilience.
Low testosterone affects mental health, and it isn’t limited to older men. Though testosterone declines with age, several factors can cause it to drop below the normal range in younger men. Sometimes, this can be due to medications, chronic illnesses or some medication, lifestyle factors such as excessive alcohol usage or obesity, and genetic predisposition.
Testosterone plays a role in several functions in the body that keep you focused and active. Therefore, when your testosterone levels drop, it could significantly affect your mental well-being. Below, we will explore how testosterone might influence mental health.
Low testosterone’s impact on mental health can vary based on the individual. Some people might experience severe symptoms, while others might have lesser effects.
When we look at the symptoms of low testosterone in men, it isn’t surprising that there is a tendency for the development of a lack of self-confidence. Self-esteem can be severely affected by some of the symptoms of low testosterone levels, such as low libido, depression, weight gain, and insomnia. And with the fact that low testosterone drains your energy and usually reduces your sex drive, it would be an incredible feat if a person who has low testosterone isn’t feeling a lack of self-confidence.
If you are looking to learn more about testosterone and mental health, Testosterone and self-confidence, hormones and self-esteem, this website has answers to your questions.
Research suggests that there is a relationship between low testosterone levels and a high risk of depression. Men who have low testosterone usually report feelings of hopelessness, lack of interest in activities they did enjoy before, and sadness.
Many people often think a high testosterone level implies extra strength, excess muscles, or a higher sex drive. However, this isn’t the case. Though a high level of testosterone might result in an increased muscle mass, it can also bring other side effects such as weight gain, stunted growth, acne, etc.
Endorphin. As the level of endorphins increases, anxiety and stress usually reduces. Additionally, studies have shown that endorphins can increase our level of self confidence resulting in a better self-esteem.
Testosterone might cause a lack of motivation and loss of confidence. Additionally, it can also reduce your ability to concentrate and cause feelings of sadness.
