Low testosterone and depression sometimes go hand in hand, and the symptoms of low testosterone can sometimes manifest as mood changes. If you have been wondering if your depression is caused by low testosterone, in this article, you will find all the information you need.
So let’s dive right in.
What is testosterone?
Testosterone is a male hormone also known as androgen (produced primarily by the testicles in cells called the Leydig cells). It is a hormone responsible for the development of male sexual characteristics. These hormones are usually messengers that command necessary changes in the body.
Without adequate amounts of testosterone, men can become infertile. So, testosterone helps regulate a number of functions alongside sperm production. These include:
- Red blood cell production
- Sex drive
- Muscle size and strength
- Bone mass
- Body fat distribution
Although it is categorized as a male hormone, women also produce it, but its concentration is lower than in men.
Why is my testosterone low?
Testosterone production typically decreases with age, but other factors can also cause low testosterone, including health conditions, certain medications, and high body fat levels. Low testosterone, also known as hypogonadism or low T, occurs when testosterone levels fall below deciliter. There are two types of hypogonadism, namely primary and secondary hypogonadism.
Primary Hypogonadism
This has to do with your testicles, the organs that produce testosterone. Men who have had an injury on their testicles may experience primary hypogonadism because they don’t manufacture sufficient testosterone levels for optimal health and growth.
Types of testicle damage that can easily lead to primary hypogonadism include:
- Cancer treatment: Radiation can damage testicles
- Mumps orchitis: Infections caused by mumps can cause injury to the testicles
- Physical injury: For a testicle to be affected, an injury must have occurred.
Secondary Hypogonadism
This is caused by damage to the hypothalamus or pituitary gland. It usually occurs when your pituitary gland doesn’t receive signals to make more testosterone. These signaling failures could include:
- HIV
- AIDS
- Obesity
- Normal aging
- Tuberculosis
You may be affected by primary, secondary, or mixed hypogonadism. Mixed hypogonadism is often more common with increased age. In addition, it can affect those battling with alcoholism and sickle cell.
What are the symptoms of low testosterone?
Low testosterone may lead to several changes in your emotional and physical life. It is not unusual for men with low testosterone to experience a significant drop in sex drive. In fact, the most notable symptom of low T in men is low sexual desire and function.
You will likely gain weight and lose bone and muscle mass when hormone levels drop. All these changes can put a greater risk for osteoporosis, diabetes, and heart disease.
Signs of low testosterone are often subtle and can include:
1. Difficulty achieving and maintaining an erection
Testosterone aids in achieving and maintaining an erection because it tells the brain receptors to produce nitric oxide, which is a molecule that tends to trigger a series of chemical reactions necessary for an erection to occur. So, you may have difficulty achieving an erection before sex, or spontaneous erections, such as during sleep when your testosterone levels are way too low. If you find you are struggling with erectile issues, you shouldn’t hesitate to visit specialists at an ED Clinic North Liberty (or elsewhere more relevant) in order to get the support you require. Whilst your immediate thought may be to feel embarrassed or ashamed, it’s important to know you’re not alone in this as many men from all walks of life struggle with the same issue. Getting this addressed early can help to rectify your issues and improve your sexual performance, as well as improve other aspects of your wellbeing through raised testosterone levels.
2. Hair loss
Balding is a natural part of growing older for many men. While it can be hereditary, those with low testosterone may also lose body and facial hair because testosterone plays a vital role in several body functions, including hair production.
3. Low sex drive
Some people may experience a decline in sex as they get older. Still, those with low testosterone will likely face a more drastic drop because testosterone plays an important role in sex drive, also known as libido. You could also try natural supplements like PeakErect or Iron Pump, which might boost your erectile health.
4. Decreased bone mass
Testosterone helps produce and strengthen bone, so men with low testosterone, especially older men, may have lower bone volume and be more susceptible to bone fractures.
5. Affected memory
Cognitive functions, as well as testosterone levels and particularly memory, decline with age. So low testosterone levels could greatly contribute to affected memory.
6. Changes in mood
Studies show that low testosterone levels may cause mood changes, including anxiety, irritability, and depression. However, Testosterone replacement therapy for depression can help reduce these mood changes and make you feel better if you are currently experiencing these symptoms. In addition, testosterone replacement therapy can help boost the confidence and activeness of people with low T.
It’s worthy to note that low testosterone and depression are very tricky as they share the same symptoms. These include:
- Sleep problems
- Trouble concentrating
- Sadness
- Memory loss
Due to the similarities they share, it’s easy to confuse low testosterone for depression. That said, these two conditions vary greatly. To be sure, you might want to go for a hormone test.
The bottom line
Low testosterone can cause depression as the hormone plays a vital role in your state of mind, including how the brain functions. Low testosterone has been linked with many symptoms, such as increased stress, mood swings, irritability, and of course, depression. Thankfully, using methods like TRT can help you get your life back again.
