Visualize waking up each day feeling unmotivated and drained, finding it hard to enjoy things you used to. For many people, this experience can be a persistent challenge caused by hormone imbalance. Low levels of testosterone can be overlooked and silently reduce emotional well-being. This can leave many to deal with symptoms like mood swings, irritability, and even depression. It is becoming clear that understanding the effects of testosterone on mood is important to regain energy and well-being. Luckily, there are solutions to low testosterone levels.
Defining Testosterone
Testosterone is a vital sex hormone in males. It plays a big role in the development of male growth and characteristics. The hormone plays multiple roles in the body, including mood regulation, muscle growth, bone growth, sex drive, and sperm production. Testosterone production in the male body starts with signaling sent from the brain to the pituitary gland at the base of the brain. The pituitary gland transfers signals to the testes, where testosterone is produced. A feedback loop controls the amount of this hormone in the blood.
Testosterone Deficiency
Testosterone levels in men can remain high throughout life, but they begin to decline slowly and gradually from the age of 30 to 40. A Harvard study found that the levels of testosterone drop around 1-2% each year, which is different from the rapid drop in estrogen in women going through menopause. Testes decrease hormone production as fewer signals come from the pituitary gland for production. Conditions and diseases affecting the testes or pituitary gland can lead to this deficiency. Stress, injury, chemotherapy, obesity, and family history can also be factors playing a role in low testosterone levels. Genetic diseases such as Klinefelter Syndrome can also affect the production of testosterone. Some symptoms of low levels of testosterone include fatigue, low libido, brain fog, and mood changes.
Low Testosterone = Low Mood
There is not one clear reason why low testosterone leads to low mood, but there are links between the two that are being identified.
- Fatigue: This is one symptom associated with low levels of testosterone. This lack of energy can contribute to feelings of lethargy and sadness.
- Weight Gain: Testosterone plays a crucial role in maintaining muscle mass. Low levels can lead to muscle loss, resulting in a slower metabolism. With less muscle, the body burns fewer calories at rest, contributing to weight gain.
- Low Sex Drive: Testosterone is a key hormone in regulating sexual desire in both men and women. Low testosterone levels directly reduce libido, making individuals less interested in sexual activity.
- Serotonin Production: Testosterone can be connected to increasing levels of serotonin which is a chemical in the brain that is linked to good mood and happiness. Low levels of testosterone can lead to low levels of serotonin causing a decreased mood.
How to Improve Energy and Mood
You can improve your energy and mood in multiple ways, including:
- Consulting With Your Physician: You can schedule an appointment with your doctor to find out if your low energy levels are due to other conditions. You can also get your testosterone levels checked and discuss the symptoms you are having with a physician.
- Healthy Nutrition: Eat a diet rich in whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts) can be particularly beneficial for mood. You should also limit processed foods in your diet to lower the intake of sugar and refined carbohydrates.
- Get Physical: Resistance training can help increase testosterone levels and improve mood by promoting the release of endorphins. Activities like walking, running, or cycling can boost mood and reduce anxiety. Regular physical activity like this can boost serotonin levels in the body.
- Good Sleeping Habits: Try to get good quality sleep every evening by aiming for about 7-9 hours every night. Most of the testosterone in your body is produced while you sleep.
- Try Testosterone Boosting: A testosterone booster or supplement refers to any natural or artificially produced substance that raises testosterone levels.
Testosterone Boosting
- Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT): A medical treatment for low testosterone levels that replaces the testosterone the body isn’t producing. This includes:
- Injectable Testosterone contains testosterone esters (a type of biological compound) suspended in oil. A person uses this form of testosterone by injecting it into their buttocks every 2-4 weeks.
- Transdermal Testosterone includes medical patches and gel that are applied to the skin. A person should apply patches to clean dry skin on the thighs, abdomen, upper arms, and back. The gel dosage depends on the person’s hormone levels.
- Oral Testosterone Capsules contain testosterone undecanoate, which is specifically designed for oral use. This formulation helps bypass the liver’s first-pass metabolism, allowing the hormone to be more effectively absorbed into the bloodstream.
- Testosterone Boosting Supplements: Supplements that can help increase levels of testosterone in the body. Some supplements include:
- D-aspartic acid is an amino acid that creates and releases hormones including testosterone. It acts on the hypothalamus, stimulating the release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone. In response to GnRH, the pituitary gland secretes luteinizing hormone, which in turn encourages the production of testosterone.
- Dehydroepiandrosterone is a hormone produced in the adrenal glands. It serves as a precursor hormone with minimal effects until the body converts it into other hormones, including estrogen and testosterone. Because of its impact, it is a common ingredient in testosterone-boosting supplements.
Possible Risk Factors
Although testosterone boosting can have many benefits, it can also lead to side effects such as acne, sleep apnea, fluid retention, low blood sugar, prostate and breast enlargement, decreased sperm count, and increased levels of red blood cells. There can also be allergic reactions to topical testosterone gels or patches or pain where people inject testosterone. Make sure to discuss testosterone boosting with your doctor to determine if testosterone boosting is right for you.
Conclusion
Understanding the connection between low testosterone and mood is crucial for those experiencing symptoms like fatigue, low libido, and emotional fluctuations. As testosterone levels naturally decline with age or due to various health conditions, it’s essential to recognize the potential impact on emotional well-being. Fortunately, there are effective strategies for addressing low testosterone, including lifestyle changes, hormone replacement therapy, and natural supplements. By consulting with healthcare professionals and adopting healthier habits, individuals can work towards improving their energy levels and mood, ultimately enhancing their overall quality of life. Taking proactive steps can lead to significant improvements, helping reclaim vitality and emotional balance.
Sources
https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/testosterone–what-it-does-and-doesnt-do
https://www.healthline.com/health/low-testosterone/warning-signs#_noHeaderPrefixedContent
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/low-testosterone-and-mental-health
1st Optimal does not provide testosterone care for individuals seeking treatment solely for muscle building or aesthetic purposes (i.e., bodybuilding). Our services focus on medically supervised care aimed at improving overall health, longevity, and wellness based on thorough medical evaluation and clinical necessity.
