Over the last two years, the global prevalence of depression has increased sevenfold. Researchers found that depression affects one in four individuals today, with participants attributing the global pandemic as a major contributor to these symptoms[1]. Unsurprising, high levels of stress and financial hardships have been substantial contributors to anxiety and depression[2].
While many may look to social connections to alleviate emotional distress, we find that poor mental health can impact the most intimate of those connections. Similar to low testosterone, poor emotional well-being can worsen libido and erectile dysfunction, with ED being about twice as common in those with anxiety or depression[8].
But did you know that testosterone replacement can improve anxiety and depression in addition to sexual health?
Testosterone has been well studied to improve mood in patients and reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety. In fact, men with low testosterone have a significantly higher incidence of anxiety disorders and major depressive disorders compared to those with normal levels of testosterone[3,4].
Testosterone replacement has been shown to improve mood and reduce anxiety and depression in several human studies and is something that practitioners who provide these services witness regularly[4]. Researchers believe testosterone replacement’s benefits are mediated by the release of neurotransmitters, dopamine and serotonin[5,6].
Optimal testosterone additionally supports mental health by reducing the effects of stress that often prompt anxiety and major depression disorders to manifest[7]. Testosterone can reduce levels of cortisol and other stress hormones. However, in times of stress, sometimes testosterone can be suppressed[7]. In this increasingly common circumstance, patients may weigh the benefits of testosterone benefits with a qualified healthcare professional.
As many brace for possible recession, testosterone replacement is a valid consideration to not only improve sex life, but also fortify mood against the hardships of stress. The experts at Revibe Men’s Health can help determine if testosterone replacement is a good fit for you.
References:
- Bueno-Notivol J, Gracia-García P, Olaya B, Lasheras I, López-Antón R, Santabárbara J.Prevalence of depression during the COVID-19 outbreak: A meta-analysis of community-based studies. Int J Clin Health Psychol. 2021;21(1):100196. doi:10.1016/j.ijchp.2020.07.007
- Pfefferbaum B., North C.S. Mental Health and the Covid-19 Pandemic. New England Journal of Medicine. Advance online publication. 2020 doi: 10.1056/nejmp2008017.
- Shores MM, Sloan KL, Matsumoto AM, Moceri VM, Felker B, Kivlahan DR. Increased incidence of diagnosed depressive illness in hypogonadal older men. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2004;61:162–167.
- Zarrouf FA, Artz S, Griffith J, Sirbu C, Kommor M. Testosterone and depression: systematic review and meta-analysis. J Psychiatr Pract. 2009;15:289–305.
- Alderson LM, Baum MJ. Differential effects of gonadal steroids on dopamine
metabolism in mesolimbic and nigrostriatal pathways of male rat brain. Brain research. 1981;218:189–206. - de Souza Silva MA, Mattern C, Topic B, Buddenberg TE, Huston JP. Dopaminergic and serotonergic activity in neostriatum and nucleus accumbens is enhanced by intranasal administration of testosterone. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol. 2009;19:53–63.
- McHenry J, Carrier N, Hull E, Kabbaj M. Sex differences in anxiety and depression: role of testosterone. Front Neuroendocrinol. 2014;35(1):42-57.
doi:10.1016/j.yfrne.2013.09.001 - Dunn KM, Craft PR, Hackett GI. Association of sexual problems with social,
psychological, and physical problems in men and women; a cross-sectional populationsurvey. J Epidemiol Commun Health 1999; 53:144-148.