Testosterone Level and Depression

Introduction

If a person experiences less sexual drive, fatigue, and reduced energy, it may feel like a part of getting older. However, suppose a person is a man or assigned as male by birth and experiences the physical symptoms coupled with a depressive mood. In that case, it may be due to hypogonadism (low testosterone) or undiagnosed depression.

What Is a Testosterone Hormone?

The testosterone hormone, also called androgen, is a male hormone that contributes to many functions, like:

• Muscle strength.

• Sex drive.

• Bone density.

• Body fat distribution.

• Sperm production.

Even though testosterone is a male hormone, it is produced in females in low amounts. Low testosterone (low T) in both men and women causes a variety of physical and emotional symptoms, including depression.

What Are the Reasons for Low Testosterone?

The condition where there is a reduced level of testosterone is called hypogonadism. Primary hypogonadism is caused by problems in the testicle, where testosterone is produced. Men who experience an injury to the testicle will encounter primary hypogonadism, which can be caused by:

• Cancer treatments.

• Mumps.

• Higher levels of iron in the blood.

Secondary hypogonadism occurs when the pituitary gland does not receive signals to produce more testosterone. Reasons for this signal failure include:

• Aging.

• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

• Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

• Tuberculosis.

• Obesity.

• Use of opioid medications.

What Are the Symptoms of Low Testosterone?

Low T may result in many changes in the physical and emotional lives of males and females. The major change will be in sexual desire and function. It is usual for men to have a low sexual drive due to low levels of testosterone. This can lead to difficulty attaining and retaining erections, as well as infertility. Other symptoms include:

• Irritability.

• Mood swings.

• Reduced libido.

• Fatigue.

• Lack of motivation.

• Social withdrawal.

• Anxiety.

• Difficulty in focusing.

• Disturbed sleep and restlessness.

Many other symptoms may be due to depression or low testosterone levels. For example, people suffering from depression may experience back and neck pain and may not have other symptoms that typically occur with low T levels; these are:

• Reduced muscle mass.

• Increased breast tissue.

• Reduced strength.

• Abrupt weight gain.

• Erectile dysfunction.

Testosterone also plays a significant role in bone and muscle strength. When there is a drop in hormone levels, the bone and muscle mass may reduce, and there may be increased weight gain. These changes may result in heart conditions, diabetes, and osteoporosis. Low T can affect people of all ages, but older people are more vulnerable.

How Does Low Testosterone Impact Mood?

Testosterone is the hormone that gives people male and female characteristics. They also play an important role in puberty, the development of the sexual reproductive system, and reproduction. Whenever there is an alteration in these hormone levels, like an increase, decrease, or cessation, a person experiences physical, mental, and emotional changes. The changes vary widely from one hormone to another. When the level of one hormone changes, the levels of other hormones change as well. When there is a rise in one hormone, there might be a decrease in others, resulting in hormonal imbalance, leading to many conditions. As a person ages, the testosterone level reduces, but it can also alter for various reasons. These alterations in testosterone impact the mood in various ways. Many changes occur due to various factors, such as:

• Stress.

• Lack of sleep.

• Diet changes.

• Aging.

• Increasing or reduced physical activity.

When testosterone levels are high, the person may feel irritable and angry; in contrast, when the levels are low, the person experiences depression, is extremely tired, and has low energy. In addition, hypogonadism causes increased fat mass and decreased muscle mass, which may result in obesity and other health conditions like cardiovascular disease.

Is It a Low Level of Testosterone or Depression?

The symptoms of low T and depression can make the diagnosis difficult. In addition, depression, anxiety, and difficulty in thinking are all normal signs of aging. The common symptoms of depression and low-level testosterone are:

1. Irritability.

2. Anxiety.

3. Sadness.

4. Reduced sex drive.

5. Memory issues.

6. Trouble concentrating.

7. Sleep issues.

The physical symptoms of depression and low T levels are different. People experiencing depression but have normal hormone levels will not have breast swelling and decreased muscle mass and strength associated with a low testosterone level. A physical examination or blood test can determine the testosterone level and androgen deficiency.

How Does Low Testosterone Level Affect Women?

Testosterone hormones are also produced in females in very small amounts. Men alone do not show a decline in mental health when the levels of essential hormones drop. Women also experience mood swings, irritability, etc. Low testosterone levels are diagnosed and treated in women undergoing perimenopause or postmenopausal.

What Is the Treatment Available?

Hormone replacement therapy is the best treatment option which restores the normal testosterone level. However, artificial hormones are available in various other forms. These are administered through injection, and patches are worn on the skin, or topical gel, which gets absorbed through the skin. The doctors help to decide which method of administration is best for the person depending on the lifestyle, health level, and insurance coverage. A low testosterone level may affect self-confidence and physical well-being in some people. Insomnia, memory issues, and problems concentrating may all contribute to low testosterone levels. Once the treatment is started, there may be chances of physical and emotional side effects. Physical side effects can be solved, whereas emotional side effects may persist. These can be treated by medication and breathing techniques that help to deal with sleep issues and anxiety. Concentrating on breaths helps to relax the mind of negative thoughts. Low testosterone levels affect people in different ways, whereas cognitive behavioral therapy can help deal with psychological symptoms.

When to See a Doctor?

When a person experiences changes, such as sudden weight gain, reduced sexual drive or performance, or any mental or emotional symptoms, a consultation with a doctor should be taken to test the testosterone hormone level. There are various treatment options to maintain or reverse the testosterone hormone level to normal if the levels are abnormally low. These symptoms usually occur due to aging, stress, anxiety, pressure, work, relationship issues, and other medications. So a multispeciality approach is important to expect the best outcome and patient satisfaction.

Conclusion:

Testosterone is a male hormone called androgen, which contributes to many bodily functions like muscle strength, sex drive, improved bone density, etc. These hormones are also produced in females in small amounts. Any alteration in this hormone, like increase, decrease, or cessation, results in hormonal imbalance. A low testosterone level in males or females results in depression, mood swings, stress, anxiety, low energy, etc. This can be treated through hormonal replacement therapy or synthetic hormones administered through injections or patches.