What’s The Link Between Testosterone And Depression?
Are you feeling low on energy, anxious, and irritable? If you look these symptoms up online, you might think you have anxiety or depression. But feeling down might not always mean you're depressed. Low testosterone levels can cause similar symptoms. The good news is that if low testosterone is the problem, supplements can help you feel better.
Do You Have the Features of Testosterone Deficiency?
The Androgen Deficiency in Aging Males (ADAM) questionnaire is an easy way to answer questions about your sexual health, which can help to see if you need your testosterone level checked.
It is an internationally accredited assessment tool which is often used by doctors when making the assessment and diagnosis of Testosterone Deficiency. A positive result does not necessarily mean that you have a low testosterone level or require treatment, but can be a helpful guide when discussing your symptoms with your doctor.
ADAM Questionnaire
Please answer the questions below.
Testosterone And Men
Both men and women have testosterone, but men have much higher levels. Testosterone is often linked with masculinity. It's the hormone that deepens your voice and makes body hair grow during your teenage years. It also helps you have more muscle mass and a healthy sex drive compared to women.
Testosterone is essential for your health, too. It keeps your bones strong and helps make red blood cells. It also improves your mood and concentration.
For most men, testosterone levels peak in early adulthood and start to drop around age 40. When this happens, you might notice changes in your body, like smaller biceps and a bigger belly. Lower testosterone levels don't just change how you look; they can also affect your feelings.
Testosterone vs. Depression
While low testosterone (hypogonadism) affects mood, it's essential to know the difference between symptoms of low testosterone and depression.
Symptoms of low testosterone include:
- Low sex drive
- Weight gain, especially belly fat
- Irritability or trouble concentrating
- Fatigue
- Anaemia
- Hot flushes
- Loss of muscle mass
Symptoms of depression include:
- Lack of interest in enjoyable activities, like sex
- Weight loss or gain
- Irritability or trouble concentrating
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Trouble sleeping
- Sadness or hopelessness
- Suicidal thoughts
Though low testosterone and depression share many symptoms, it's crucial to see a healthcare professional to find out the exact cause. This way, you can get the proper treatment for your condition.
How Low Testosterone Affects Mood
Researchers aren’t sure exactly how low testosterone leads to depression, but it might be because of how testosterone helps you feel good. Testosterone boosts the release of dopamine, a brain chemical that makes you feel pleasure.
There might also be a link between testosterone and serotonin, another brain chemical. Low serotonin levels are connected to depression. Testosterone may help serotonin work better in the brain, which can improve your mood.
Researchers also think testosterone might help reduce anxiety.
Testosterone Replacement And Depression
If your mood changes are due to low testosterone, we can help. Testosterone replacement therapy has been shown to improve depression in men with hypogonadism. A 2018 study published in Pharmacopsychiatry found a significant improvement in depression scores for men taking testosterone supplements. This was especially helpful for men who recently started feeling down. Testosterone replacement not only improves mood in men with hypogonadism but also boosts thinking skills and sex drive.
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