We discuss the emotional effects of low-T and how testosterone replacement therapy can help.
While hormone levels in men are commonly associated with strength, muscle mass, and libido, they also play an important role in how you feel and how you think. If you have begun to feel lethargic, emotionally numb, and/or depressed, it may be a direct result of low testosterone. Testosterone replacement therapy experts in Portsmouth discuss the emotional effects of low testosterone and how targeted treatments can help you feel like yourself again.
“Testosterone plays a key role in almost every system in the body ranging from maintenance of your muscles to ensuring a healthy gut biome – when one of these systems is thrown off by a lack of testosterone, your mental health and emotions will suffer as well.”
Understanding Testosterone
Testosterone is a key hormone that plays a role in a variety of systems in the body including sexual health, mental health, energy, and more. While many men think of testosterone as a simple male hormone, these tiny little chemical messengers play a far bigger role than you may have thought.
In men, testosterone is thought to regulate other lesser-known systems that include bone mass, fat distribution, muscle mass, and strength, as well as the production of red blood cells and sperm. A key point to note is that a small amount of circulating testosterone is converted to estradiol, which is a form of estrogen. As men age, the body loses its ability to produce testosterone as effectively. This results in less estradiol as well. Thus, changes often attributed to testosterone deficiency might be partly or entirely due to the accompanying decline in estradiol.
When it comes to how much testosterone your body needs, it is important to understand that hormones work together as a system. Flooding the body with testosterone will only serve to cause more problems, as each person’s body has a delicate hormonal equilibrium that must be carefully considered before treatment.
The Link Between Testosterone and Your Emotions
When testosterone levels are lacking in the body, the brain doesn’t get all of the signals it needs in order to function at a high level. Along with a general depressed or numb affect, low testosterone can affect your sleeping patterns and drain your energy. No matter how much rest you get, you never seem to feel quite up to par.
If this sounds familiar, your body may be lacking testosterone!
Many people do not know that the brain actually contains testosterone receptors. When your body is lacking in testosterone, these receptors become depleted, and important brain maintenance procedures are not completed to the full extent. This leads to:
- Mood swings
- Depressed mood
- Stress
- Anxiety
While the effects of low T can have a direct effect on your brain, your mental and emotional health can also be indirectly influenced by waning hormones. For example, if you’re experiencing depression that resists medications, the problem may be a result of low testosterone levels. This occurs because your mental well-being is connected to all of the systems of your body, and if one is thrown off, your mental and emotional health could suffer.
If low testosterone is wreaking havoc on your sexual health or causing a loss of sexual desire and erectile dysfunction, this can lead to anxiety and stress. It can also affect the quality of sleep, which then creates further problems with brain maintenance and your ability to feel driven and happy.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy
Scientists have been discussing whether or not testosterone replacement therapy is an effective treatment for depression in men for decades. As a neuroactive steroid, testosterone has the ability to influence emotions and men’s overall sense of well-being, which makes it a likely suspect for men who may be experiencing emotional issues such as depression or anxiety.
When men reach their middle ages, they begin to experience what is called andropause, or low levels of critical androgens such as testosterone. When men lack this vital hormone, their brain’s ability to effectively manage their mood and produce energy is greatly decreased. Testosterone works in combination with pleasure-releasing chemicals in the brain to help keep a balanced and motivated mood, and when this chemistry is thrown off, levels of mood-altering chemicals such as Serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin are thrown off.
This is where testosterone replacement therapy comes into play. For men who are found to have a need by their physician in Portsmouth, a targeted regimen of testosterone can help to re-balance levels of this critical hormone and allow it to perform its mood-boosting and neurogenerative actions on the body and brain.
The main benefits this treatment provides include:
- Clarity – Testosterone therapy can help to reduce the mental fog and forgetfulness many men experience as they age.
- Increased Energy and Stamina – Testosterone therapy increases metabolism, which improves your ability to create sustained energy.
- Stronger Mental Fortitude – Testosterone replacement leads to stronger, healthier mental health due to its ability to maintain the body as well as the mind.
If a medical necessity is found, the testosterone replacement therapy specialists at Thrive Medical Spa in Portsmouth will provide you with thorough and professional care. We offer multiple treatment options, including testosterone replacement therapy for men that can help you to safely re-balance your hormone levels at any age. If you want to experience the clarity, focus, and happiness you deserve, contact our team today at 603-496-8802.
