ad collaborative post // Testosterone is a hormone that is produced in the testicles. It is usually associated with male development and the onset of masculine characteristics. That said, women too have some testosterone levels, albeit much lower than that of men. For women, the hormone is produced in the ovaries and adrenal glands.
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Testosterone levels in males tend to peak during puberty. The rise in testosterone hormone plays an integral role in developing male characteristics like muscle mass, deeper voices, heightened sex drive, and facial hair in adolescence. Naturally, as people age, the levels of testosterone reduce.
The drop in testosterone levels may be extreme. That causes symptoms like erectile dysfunction, low body mass, increased body mass, among a host of others.
Low testosterone effects
Low testosterone levels affect more than the physical faculties. It has a significant impact on emotional and mental health. Here are some effects of low testosterone:
Mood swings
Uncontrollable mood changes are a typical result of low testosterone. A person with low testosterone levels is likely to go through the motions that come with constant mood swings. One minute, one may be content, and the next, they are irritable and difficult to be around.
The sudden shifts in mood usually have no logical explanations. They make it hard to focus on ongoing tasks and also impact relationships. People do not want to be around someone that snaps at a moment’s notice. Mood swings are also a typical occurrence for people with depression. The mood changes may impact the quality of relationships and lead to poor quality of life.
Fatigue
People dealing with low testosterone levels tend to experience fatigue often despite having regular breaks from work and a healthy sleep routine. Fatigue takes a toll on physical health and makes it difficult to be productive in other areas of life. The low energy levels from low testosterone cause low motivation and inactivity.
That can lead to unwanted weight gain, which affects self-confidence, further aggravating the situation. Fatigue is also a significant indicator of depression. Most people with depression tend to be too tired to do anything. They may lose morale in work, family, and former interests and hobbies. Fatigue and depression seem to go hand in hand.
Treatment options
If you are experiencing the symptoms associated with low testosterone, you need to make an appointment with your doctor. Some blood work and physical examinations will help gauge the levels of testosterone. Your doctor can ascertain if your symptoms stem from androgen deficiency.
The good news is that even with low amounts and hypogonadism, there is a way out. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can help up testosterone levels to an acceptable level. You can get back to feeling better and enjoy other TRT benefits. There are several options for synthetic testosterone.
Some of the options available are patches, injections, and topical gels that can absorb through the skin. A professional doctor should guide you through the journey and advise on the best delivery method that suits your needs. It is worth noting that you will only experience the best of TRT if your levels are lower than usual. Increasing testosterone levels beyond the normal do not guarantee any additional benefits.
Low testosterone and depression
Depression and low testosterone levels seem to have an undeniable connection. The link between the two appears to be cyclic. Low testosterone levels give rise to symptoms of depression. On the other hand, depressed men usually exhibit symptoms associated with low testosterone levels.
Both conditions impact eating habits, sleeping patterns, and anxiety levels. They also trigger irritability, reduced energy levels, and weight gain.
Experts are constantly studying the relationship between depression and testosterone. There seems to be a connection between brain chemistry and low testosterone levels. Older men that have low testosterone levels seem to showcase more depressive symptoms.
However, it is unclear whether it is due to reduced serotonin receptors due to old age or low testosterone. Numerous studies are investigating the potential of testosterone therapy in managing depressive symptoms in men. The question of whether low testosterone has a direct link to depression is yet to receive a conclusive answer.
That said, the anecdotal evidence seems to be pointing to the same. Some men experience high serotonin production during testosterone therapy. Serotonin is a happy hormone that can help lift off depressive symptoms. The more experts zoom in on the factors that cause depression, the more they see a relationship between the two.
Final thoughts
Testosterone plays an integral role in the body. The hormone impacts both physical, mental and emotional well-being. An extreme drop in the hormone could bring unwanted effects. Luckily, interventions like hormone replacement therapy can help resort to some normalcy.
Lots of good information here…certainly something that should not be overlooked. The more informed people are, the sooner they can get answers that could alleviate their symptoms.