Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) is used a lot to help men with low testosterone levels to improve energy, mood, muscle mass, and overall well-being. But some men report having anxiety while on TRT. This raises the question: Can TRT cause anxiety or is there another explanation?
How testosterone affects mood and anxiety
Testosterone plays an important role in brain function. Especially in regulating mood and emotions. Low testosterone levels are often linked with symptoms such as depression, fatigue, and hypersensitivity. Several studies have shown that restoring testosterone levels with TRT can improve mood and reduce anxiety in men at low testosterone levels.
But TRT often has a positive effect on mental health. Some men have increased problems after treatment begins. This can be related to several factors, including dosage, hormonal variation, and individual differences in how the body responds to testosterone.
Reasons Why TRT Might Cause Anxiety
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Hormonal fluctuations: When you start TRT, the body makes serious hormonal changes. Rapid or extreme changes in testosterone levels can cause mood swings, including feelings of anxiety.. This is especially happening in the first few weeks of treatment when the body is still adapting to new hormone levels.
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Estrogen imbalance: Testosterone can be changed to estradiol (the form of estrogen) by a process called aromatization. Certain estrogens are necessary to keep mood and cognitive function, but too high levels can contribute to emotional instability, irritability, and anxiety. If TRT causes a significant increase in estrogen, this can be a factor in symptoms of anxiety.
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Increased Sympathetic Nervous System Activity: Testosterone can help the sympathetic nervous system. This system controls the body’s “fight or flight” response. With sum men this fight or flight response may lead to feelings of restlessness, nervousness, or anxiety.
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Incorrect Dosage or Administration: If your testosterone levels are too high it can lead to over stimulation, irritability, and anxiety. If the levels are too low between injections, this can cause anxiety. Certain methods of administration (for example, injections against gels) can affect the way the body handles testosterone, which leads to mood changes.
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The main psychological factors: An issue with TRT can also not be caused by the hormone itself. Some men experience anxiety from TRT, like fears about side effects, health risks or changes in the image of the body.
How to manage anxiety on TRT
- If you are scared when taking TRT, consider the following: checking your hormone levels: regular blood tests can help with making sure you have a good balance between testosterone and estrogen levels. If estrogen is too high, drugs such as aromatase inhibitors can help.
- Adjust the dosage or the amount of times you inject: Smaller, more frequent doses (e.g. weekly injections instead of double Domadary) can help to level the hormones levels during the week.
- Lifestyle Changes: Regular exercise, good sleep, stress management (such as meditation and deep breathing) can help to lower anxiety.
- Consult a Doctor: If anxiety keeps up, a healthcare provider can work on your treatment plan to optimize hormone balance.
Conclusion of anxiety and TRT
Testosterone Replacement Therapy can both improve and sometimes trigger anxiety. But it depends on the person. The balancing of hormone levels and working with good doctors allows most men to minimize anxiety and experience all the benefits of TRT.