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Society has always linked testosterone to sexual performance, libido and building lean and stronger muscles. But, the surprising thing is that testosterone offers much more than supporting sexual functions and muscle development.
Testosterone plays a crucial role in red blood cell production, fat distribution and brain cell functions. In addition, it affects mental health. Low testosterone levels can cause anxiety, mood swings, depression, and other mental health-related issues.
If you’re curious about the relationship between testosterone and depression, anxiety, mood swings, mental disorders, and mental health in general, you have arrived at the right spot. In this article, we will provide an in-depth guide on how testosterone levels and mental health are related.
Depression is a prevalent mental health issue. It involves a loss of interest or pleasure in activities for an extended period. The World Health Organization reveals that 5% of the global adult population (4% being men and 6% being women) suffer from depression.
Low testosterone is the common cause of depression in males. As men get older, they experience a decline in testosterone hormones and a prevalence of depression. Studies have associated testosterone deficiency (low testosterone levels) with depressive symptoms. This is because testosterone hormones regulate GABAA receptors and 5-HT3 receptors, which support the function of the central nervous system. This shows the strength of the testosterone depression link.
Anxiety is excessive worry and nervousness over something. It can cause extreme sweating, fear or a fast heartbeat. As the brain cells require testosterone hormones to function, low testosterone can hinder the proper functioning of the brain cells and lead to anxiety. Low anxiety testosterone levels can be overwhelming.
Studies have suggested that low testosterone contributes to depressive synonyms such as anxiety.
Mood swings are a sudden shift in your emotional state. Men with mood swings may be feeling overjoyed at one moment. Then, in another moment, they will feel angry and paranoid. Does testosterone make you angry? Not necessarily, but it does play a role.
People with mood swings can hurt themselves or those around them.
Although several factors, such as sleep deprivation, stress, and illnesses, can contribute to mood swings, testosterone levels also play a role. There are limited studies regarding the effect of high or low testosterone on changes in mood.
However, limited studies available suggest that low testosterone can contribute to mood swings. This is because men with low testosterone will likely have hormonal imbalances. And testosterone plays a crucial role in stabilizing mood.
One fact about the relationship between testosterone and mental health is that the cells in the brain are connected to testosterone receptors. These testosterone receptors act like your car fuel gauge. Your car fuel gauge shows the level of petrol in your car. Similarly, when the testosterone levels in your body are below the standard level, the receptors go haywire and contribute to irritability, anxiety, depression, and mood swings.
In addition, these symptoms can be categorized as ‘andropause.’ Similar to menopause in women, andropause is a syndrome linked to a decline in testosterone, sexual satisfaction, as well as feelings of general well-being in older men. Unlike women who experience a sudden decrease in their female hormones as they go through menopause, the decline in testosterone happens gradually in men.
Irrespective of your age, if you have low testosterone, you will experience these testosterone mental health symptoms.
Since testosterone affects your energy and mood, it will impact your mental health. Low testosterone can contribute to depression, anxiety, mood swings, and other mental health problems. So, if you want to live a healthier life, it’s vital to have sufficient testosterone in your body. This will result in improved mental health, energy, muscle mass and sex drive.
Although maintaining a positive mindset can help reduce mood swings, hormones play a greater role. Therefore, if your hormones are out of balance, it can cause mood swings and disorder. That is why females experience mood swings during menstruation, pregnancy or menopause because of hormonal imbalance. Hormones and mood are intertwined.
Likewise, hormonal imbalance as a result of low testosterone can cause mood disorders after a certain period. This may include anxiety, depression, as well as bipolar disorder, substance-induced mood disorder or even dysrhythmia.
disorders. Although testosterone declines as men get older, several illnesses, injuries, or medications can also affect testosterone levels.
Studies reveal that testosterone levels play a crucial role in mood disorders, including bipolar mood disorder (bipolar mood disorder) and major depressive disorder MDD). Low testosterone was observed in BD and MDD patients.
According to scientific research, testosterone deficiency is a significant component of hypogonadism and is prevalent with age, especially in men aged 45 to 50 years. 12% of men in their 50s and 49% of men in their 80s and older suffer from hypogonadism.
To avoid developing testosterone deficiency and hypogonadism, it’s crucial to regularly check your testosterone levels so you can address the issues as early as possible. If you neglect testosterone deficiency, you will worsen the condition. Furthermore, if you experience low testosterone, you can consider taking natural testosterone boosters but don’t forget to seek medical advice.
Since your emotional well-being is linked to how you feel (anxious, depressed, stressed), low testosterone directly influences your emotional well-being.
Along with testosterone physiological effects, several emotional factors add to the problem. Men who feel moody, unenergetic, and unmotivated will most likely experience emotional issues. In addition, potential side effects of low testosterone, including low sex drive, erectile dysfunction and being overweight, can also contribute to emotional problems.
While testosterone greatly impacts mental health, other hormones such as estrogen, cortisol, progesterone, thyroid and insulin also play a role in mental health. When these mental health hormones are inadequate or unregulated, it can result in stress, anxiety and depression.
Although these hormones play different roles, they’re associated with feelings of relaxation, excitement and joy.
The impact of testosterone on your mental and physical health is overwhelming. It affects how you feel, your sex drive, mood, and emotional well-being. Therefore, if you observe psychological symptoms of testosterone, such as irritability, stress, anxiety, depression, mood swings, or no mood at all, it’s crucial to consult with a medical practitioner to get a remedy as soon as possible.
