When people think about low testosterone, they most often consider the physical and sexual symptoms and complications, such as low sex drive and erectile dysfunction. However, low testosterone doesn’t just affect your physical health, it affects your mental and emotional health as well. Testosterone is a hormone that has an impact on your brain, which is why it is associated with symptoms such as low mood, stress, fatigue, and mood swings. If you are experiencing these mental health problems, it may be due to low testosterone. If you are concerned, come into Men’s Vitality Center in Tucson, and we can test you and see if testosterone replacement therapy is a necessary intervention for you.
How Testosterone Is Connected To Mental Health
While the exact connection between testosterone and mental health is yet to be discovered, recent research suggests a link between low testosterone and mood swings, low testosterone and depression, and low testosterone and stress. One study of 600 men found that low testosterone and depression were significantly correlated, meaning that men who had low testosterone were more likely to have symptoms of depression.
Low testosterone may be associated with depression because the symptoms can have a detrimental effect on your relationships with others and yourself. For example, one symptom of low testosterone is fatigue. Fatigue may cause you to stop exercising or getting out of the house, leading to feelings of low self-esteem and isolation. Additionally, if you experience reduced sex drive due to low testosterone, it can affect your romantic relationship, causing further feelings of low self-esteem and isolation. Therefore, if you experience side effects that may be related to low testosterone, it is of the utmost importance to contact Men’s Vitality Center in Tucson so we can help you as soon as possible.
What You Can Do For Your Mental Health
The good news is, low testosterone does not have to take over your life. While the mental health side effects are difficult to cope with, there are steps you can take to address them while you go through testosterone replacement therapy. Here are some ways you can help with the mood-related symptoms of low testosterone:
- Evaluate what you are doing to help your overall health. Poor lifestyle choices may be affecting your testosterone levels, as well as your mood. Be sure you are getting enough exercise, meaning you are working out a minimum of three times a week. Additionally, reducing the amount of sugar and carbohydrates in your diet may help, as these have proven to have a negative effect on mood. Finally, make sure that you are getting sufficient sleep, meaning you are getting seven to eight hours a night.
- Talk to someone. Men in particular sometimes have a hard time talking about their emotions, but talking to your loved ones or a counselor about your mood issues can have a positive impact on your quality of life. Additionally, keeping your partner informed about your condition can help you work out the intimacy issues that may have surfaced due to your low testosterone. It is important to maintain open communication with your partner when it comes to sexual dysfunction and low mood.
- Try testosterone replacement therapy. At Men’s Vitality Center in Tucson, we can help you determine if this is your best option, and provide you with the treatment you need to get back to normal. Contact us today.