Can testosterone therapy cause anxiety?

Testosterone is an important hormone produced by the testes (male organs) and the adrenal glands that plays a significant role in many physiological processes.

 

For example, it is essential in developing male sex characteristics like muscles, facial hair, and sperm production. In addition, it produces secondary sexual features like breast development and fat distribution in women and children.

 

Testosterone acts on cells within the brain to enhance cognitive processes like attention, learning, and emotional processes. For example, those with low testosterone often show problems with concentration, memory, and other cognitive functions.

 

These symptoms are similar to those of anxiety disorders (e.g., anxiety, depression) brought about by low testosterone.

 

 

 

Does testosterone cause anxiety?

 

It is unclear if the stress of low testosterone and its symptoms can directly cause anxiety or if it is only the symptoms of low testosterone that trigger anxiety.

 

Low testosterone has been linked to a higher risk for depression and other mood disorders, which are known to trigger severe anxiety. However, research has shown that treating low testosterone improves mood and reduces levels of depression.

 

This suggests that treating low testosterone effectively may reduce or reverse symptoms and causes of anxiety in men with low T.

 

Although low testosterone is a risk factor for anxiety disorders, it is essential to note that not everyone develops anxiety. In addition, some men with normal testosterone levels may develop severe or even debilitating anxiety symptoms.

 

This suggests that factors other than low testosterone may be involved in the development of anxiety in many people.

 

 

 

How does testosterone affect anxiety?

 

In the brain, testosterone acts on many receptors called androgen receptors.

 

In the neurons that make up the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord), these receptors are located in clusters called nuclei that are linked to the control of behavior, emotions, and thought.

 

Testosterone binds to these receptors and acts on them to stimulate them (positive) or inhibit them (negative). These actions influence brain function by changing other chemicals like dopamine, serotonin, or acetylcholine levels.

 

When testosterone binds to its receptor, it increases its activity in populations of particularly active neurons during activities like reading or arithmetic calculations.

 

This, in turn, enhances the neurons’ function in these tasks, resulting in improved performance on tasks like spatial memory or mental arithmetic. As a result, low testosterone levels often result in difficulties with spatial memory and calculation tasks.

 

This tends to increase fears or fears of failure when performing these tests, which leads to performance problems and increased anxiety.

 

 

Testosterone also acts on receptors outside the brain, which has a powerful effect on muscle mass, bone development, and sexual function. The results of testosterone in the body appear to be mediated by other hormones produced by the hypothalamus in the brain, such as estrogen and progesterone.

 

Estrogen inhibits testosterone production from the testes during puberty so that levels remain low throughout adulthood. While testosterone typically declines with age, in older men, estrogen levels remain low and continue to exert a potent inhibitory effect on testosterone production.

 

This results in low levels of circulating testosterone throughout the body, associated with several problems, including loss of muscle mass, decreased libido, and cognitive function.

 

 

 

Can inject testosterone cause anxiety?

 

There is evidence that increasing testosterone levels on cognition and emotional function leads to a reduction in symptoms and a reversal of long-term symptoms.

 

This suggests that higher testosterone levels can effectively reduce symptoms and improve emotional functioning in many people with Low T.

 

 

However, many physicians still advise against increasing testosterone as this may lead to sexual dysfunction. In addition, some studies have found that introducing exogenous testosterone into the body can induce anxiety in some people.

 

This may be related to how testosterone increases dopamine and serotonin activity within specific brain regions.

 

Previous studies have also suggested that higher estrogen levels due to low testosterone may also be associated with increased anxiety symptomology.

 

 

 

Does testosterone therapy make you angry?

 

It seems that adding testosterone to the body may be beneficial in many people with low T.

 

However, testosterone therapy can directly impact mood and anxiety in some people. Low hormone levels may also trigger or worsen symptoms of depression and anxiety, which may lead to anger.

 

 

In general, increasing testosterone levels seems to positively affect mood and energy, particularly in men who are not currently taking antidepressants or other medications.

 

However, data suggests that levels of 2-alpha Androsterone, a metabolite of testosterone, are lower in those with higher tendencies toward anger and aggression.

 

 

 

Is anxiety a symptom of low testosterone?

 

Low testosterone and its symptoms correlate with several psychological issues and anxiety disorders. However, it’s unclear if low testosterone causes these conditions or whether they arise after any T levels change.

 

Furthermore, it’s also not clear if increasing endogenous (natural) testosterone levels will have a direct therapeutic effect on anxiety disorders.

 

Therefore, to determine the potential benefits of natural testosterone therapy, it may be necessary to first determine the relationship between symptoms of low T and psychological issues like anxiety to understand the possible mechanisms involved in developing psychological symptoms such as anxiety.

 

 

 

Is low testosterone causing my anxiety?

 

Low testosterone may be a factor in the development of anxiety and symptoms of low T, particularly among individuals who are not currently on hormone replacement therapy.

 

However, low levels of testosterone may lead to anxiety by increasing physical health problems and causing an increase in negative moods such as sadness.

 

This may further cause an increase in social isolation, which is a risk factor for depression and anxiety. Depression has been linked to changes in serotonin activity, which is also known to be modulated by testosterone.

 

It is possible that testosterone changes the way the brain processes serotonin (5-HT), which could result in increased feelings of fear or sadness.

 

 

 

What are the side effects of testosterone?

 

– Insomnia or difficulty sleeping:

 

Hormone therapy can increase the time needed to fall asleep, although this is not always a side effect.

 

In men with low testosterone levels, insomnia may be a symptom of low T rather than evidence that the body is not making enough testosterone. However, suppose one does experience insomnia after starting testosterone therapy.

 

In that case, the body has not adapted to higher hormone production levels and may need more time for this to occur.

 

– Headaches:

 

Some men have reported mild headaches and other symptoms associated with low T. This is often a favorable change and is frequently attributed to increased sensitivity to aromas or stimulation from food smells, as well as psychological factors like reduced mood or sexual desire.

 

– Acne:

 

Testosterone therapy can cause the skin to become more oily and acne-prone.

 

Some men also notice mild increases in hair growth on the face, arms, and other body parts. However, this is often a temporary side effect that goes away as hormone levels stabilize.

 

 

– Aggression:

 

It’s possible that testosterone therapy can cause or worsen aggression in some people, particularly if they are already predisposed to anger issues.

 

In addition, because testosterone directly affects serotonin and dopamine activity in the brain, it’s possible that increasing hormone levels can have a direct effect on mood and behavior by triggering or worsening depression or anxiety symptoms.

 

 

– Nausea:

 

Some men have reported nausea in response to higher levels of testosterone. It may be widespread among those with liver damage or other illness that prevents the processing and excretion of hormones.

 

This side effect is generally avoidable by taking smaller doses initially or reducing amounts over time.

 

 

– Hot flashes, sweating, and increased perspiration:

 

Those taking testosterone medication may notice increased sweating, especially at night.

 

This is often attributed to increased body temperature and could be related to higher levels of testosterone stimulating metabolism and causing a rise in body temperature. In addition, some men report sweaty palms, increased perspiration, and increased anxiety as a side effect of T therapy.

 

 

– Breast tenderness and enlargement:

 

Testosterone therapy may cause the breasts to feel sore, particularly in those who have never experienced such symptoms. However, these changes are often temporary and may be reversed by discontinuing T therapy or adjusting the dosage.

 

 

– Reduced sperm count:

 

Although it’s possible that testosterone therapy might damage sperm development or prevent sperm from forming, multiple studies have failed to show any significant changes in sperm count or structure with hormone replacement therapy.

Nevertheless, this is an essential factor for men concerned about fertility issues.

 

 

– Reduced sexual desire and performance:

 

Regardless of the underlying cause or factors contributing to low T, testosterone therapy can often cause a reduction in sexual desire and changes in erections and ejaculations.

However, this is generally not a direct effect of hormone replacement therapy and is more likely to be a side effect associated with decreased mood or physical health problems such as depression or anxiety.

 

 

– Hair loss:

 

Testosterone therapy may lead to hair loss in some cases.

This is one of the most common side effects associated with testosterone replacement, although this is not always reversible after discontinuing treatment. Hair loss begins 1-4 months following increased hormone levels and usually does not worsen after this point.

 

 

– Liver damage:

 

Studies have shown that testosterone replacement therapy can be complex on the liver, mainly when high amounts of medication are used over a long period.

This may increase the risk of liver damage and is a severe complication that could also improve other health risks. This risk is often reduced by reducing intake amounts over time rather than raising them gradually.

 

 

– Gonadal toxicity:

 

Although elevated testosterone levels might cause some damage or cell death in sperm-producing organs, there is no evidence to suggest that this type of toxicity would harm overall health or lead to any lasting complications besides infertility and changes in sexual behavior.

 

 

How does testosterone make you feel?

 

Regarding mood and behavior, testosterone is known to have a profound effect on the brain and body. In men with naturally high levels of testosterone, good spirits seem to be a primary benefit of this hormone rather than a symptom of higher levels.

 

However, the onset of low T can lead to feelings of anger, sadness, depression, and anxiety, in addition to symptoms specific to low T, such as fatigue and apathy. Low T is also known to cause erectile dysfunction and other physical symptoms, including muscle weakness and joint pain.

 

 

 Can too much testosterone make you depressed?

 

Testosterone is a crucial regulator of mood and behavior, but it’s uncertain whether increasing testosterone levels can cause depression.

 

Some research indicates that men with low T tend to be more depressed than men with higher levels of testosterone. Low T has also been associated with an increased risk of suicide, especially among young men and those in the middle decades of life.

Testosterone levels are known to be lower in individuals with clinical depression, so it’s possible that low T may be a contributing factor.

 

 

 

What happens if testosterone is too high?

 

High testosterone levels can lead to aggression, irritability, and anxiety, which may be accompanied by psychomotor agitation or not sleeping well. On the other hand, some men report feelings of euphoria when they receive T therapy.

 

However, as with any medication or supplement, it’s crucial to keep in mind that there is a potential for adverse side effects and complications. This is particularly true for liver damage or other health problems that prevent standard hormone processing and excretion.

 

 

 

In conclusion

 

Testosterone replacement therapy may benefit many men by improving sexual, physical, and mental health. However, it’s essential to understand that this treatment isn’t appropriate for everyone.

 

Low T symptoms are a side effect of aging, but not every man with these symptoms needs hormone replacement therapy.

 

Men who have other medical problems or take certain medications may be at higher risk for experiencing side effects or complications with T treatment. Therefore, they should be evaluated carefully before changing their hormone levels.

 

References:

 

-https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/19317611.2013.833152

 

-https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0091302213000575