How Low Testosterone Affects Your Mental Health

What comes to mind when you think of the effects of low testosterone? Low sex drive and energy levels, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, reduced muscle mass, etc. Well, yes, low testosterone influences your sexual health significantly. But did you know that testosterone also plays a huge role in your mental health? This means that a drop in your testosterone levels can affect your mental health. Sadly, this is one topic people don’t talk about.

This post doesn’t only shed light on what testosterone is; it also explains how it affects your mood and mental health.

The testosterone hormone is present in men and women. In men, it is produced in the testicles, while in women, it is produced in various locations such as the ovary, adrenal gland, and peripheral tissues.

Testosterone plays a big role in our reproductive health. Your sexual function and libido depend on this hormone to operate. So when your testosterone levels plummet, your sexual health will be affected.

However, the function of testosterone goes more than your libido. These small chemical messengers control everything from lean muscle mass to hair growth. While testosterone is present in females, it is often considered the “male” hormone, powering your more male characteristics. However, one area rarely discussed is how your testosterone affects your brain and mental health.

Testosterone and Your Mental Health

We are probably aware of how testosterone affects your sexual functions. But do you know how it affects your mental health?

The first thing to understand regarding the link between testosterone and your mental health is that the cells in your brain have testosterone receptors. So when your testosterone levels drop, these receptors become high and dry, resulting in the following:

In fact, many of these signs fall under what is regarded as “andropause,” which is male menopause. While women experience a huge drop in their female hormones as they go through menopause, the drop in testosterone in men is usually a gradual process. If you are experiencing low testosterone, however, the effect may be more severe and can occur at any age.

The consequences when it involves your mental health can be as life-threatening as the physical effects of low testosterone. For instance, if you are experiencing depression that is defying medications, the issue may be due to low testosterone levels. In addition, if you feel irritable or stressed with no concrete reason for the mood change, you want to consider undergoing a testosterone test.

Testosterone tests are important. It’s also important you know when you should test your testosterone. Normally, testosterone tests are taken in the morning between 7 and 10 when your testosterone levels are at their peak. Don’t hesitate to see your doctor if you have questions regarding your testosterone levels or the tests.

The indirect effect of low testosterone on your mental health

While the effects of low testosterone can directly affect your brain, your mental and emotional health can also be indirectly affected by plummeting hormone levels. For instance, if low testosterone is affecting your sexual health, making you lose interest in sexual activities, this can result in anxiety and stress.

In addition, low testosterone can affect your sleep, leading to more problems as loss of sleep is associated with severe fatigue and moodiness. To fix the effects of low testosterone on your mental health, we recommend you test your testosterone levels to see if they result from your condition. If they are, then you’ll need to raise your testosterone levels.

Of course, to increase your testosterone levels, you’ll need to meet your doctor. When you do, he may suggest you alter some lifestyle habits like steroid use, intake of pain meds, insufficient sleep, etc. The doctor may also suggest you exercise more while eating a nutrient-rich diet that can increase your body’s natural systems and improve your overall health.

For instance, consuming foods that contain significant amounts of vitamin D and zinc may produce more male hormones. Common foods that are rich in vitamin D and zinc are:

In addition to eating healthily, doctors will also advise that you get adequate sleep. Lack of sleep can cause your hormone levels to nosedive. Excessive sugar intake can also reduce testosterone blood levels by 25%.

As you try to balance your testosterone levels for the sake of your sexual health, ensure you do likewise for the sake of your mental health. We recommend conducting testosterone tests if you notice weird symptoms like aggression, depression, stress, and anxiety.