Mental health refers to overall psychological well-being, which includes how you feel about yourself, the ability to manage your feelings, the quality of your relationship, and how you deal with hardships. Most people don’t know that testosterone plays an important role in your mental health, which is often realized when the levels are low. When you think of testosterone, most people associate it with libido, muscle mass, and sexual function. This article will explore how low testosterone affects your mental health and how to boost it.
Understanding Low Testosterone in Women
Testosterone is often considered the male hormone, but it greatly impacts women. In women, testosterone is produced at a lower rate than in men, and imbalances can affect women’s overall health. Testosterone’s functions include producing new blood cells, enhancing libido, and influencing follicle-stimulating hormones that can affect reproduction.
Testosterone And Your Mental Health
It’s important to understand that your mental health is affected by testosterone because your brain cells are connected with testosterone receptors. When you have lower testosterone levels than normal levels, the receptors in your brain are affected, which can cause mood swings, irritability, stress, depression, and anxiety. Low testosterone makes it hard for your body to cope with treatment, and some medications, such as those for depression, might not work.
Symptoms of low Testosterone in Women
Some of the main symptoms associated with low testosterone include affected sexual desire, depressed mood, lethargy, muscle weakness, and affected sexual satisfaction. However, the manifestation of low testosterone in women is often misdiagnosed. Some testosterone symptoms may be mistaken for depression, stress, and side effects of menopause. Doctors can conduct a blood test to ascertain the testosterone levels in women.
Causes of Low Testosterone
Women produce testosterone in various body sections, including the adrenal glands, peripheral tissue, and ovaries. Since most of the testosterone is produced by the ovaries, women may experience low levels during menopause. Traditionally low libido was associated with low production of estrogen after menopause, but from research, scientists have linked it to low testosterone. Other causes of low testosterone are insufficiency of the adrenal, where the adrenal glands don’t work as they should. Additionally, if you have a history of oophorectomy or the surgical removal of the ovaries. When taking oral estrogen therapy can reduce the production of testosterone. Lastly, hypopituitarism and early menopause can lead to low production of testosterone.
Treatments
Women experiencing low testosterone can consider testosterone replacement therapy which has proved to be effective in boosting testosterone levels and hence boosting mental health. Additionally, with TRT, you will be in a better mood, and your energy levels will be improved. Additionally, doctors can prescribe over-the-counter medications such as DHEA supplements. Taking DHEA helps to improve testosterone levels. However, it’s important to communicate with your doctor.
The doctors can also administer injections of testosterone. Some women can consider obtaining testosterone gel formulations from compounding pharmacies.
More Tips to Boost Your Mental Health
You can use various ways to boost your low testosterone and improve your mental health. Some of these tips involve a change in your lifestyle and better treatments. Some of the things you can consider include the following.
Examining Your Health Habits
When you have low testosterone, there is a high chance you might be either inactive or obesity is playing a part. It’s important to look for ways to boost your low testosterone and improve your lifestyle choices. To boost your mental health, consider taking in enough sunlight and sleeping enough. Additionally, you need to exercise regularly as it’s one of the best wastes to boost your testosterone. You also need to reduce your intake of excess sugar and carbohydrates, as they have been proven to affect your mood negatively.
Constant Communication with Your Partner
Low testosterone has many negative effects, especially with the sex drive. Sometimes the issues with your partner might contribute to low testosterone, Depression, and stress. That is why it’s important to ensure you involve them in your quest to solve your mental health issue. As a couple, you can look for innovative ways to connect and realize your testosterone issues can be solved. You can also consider going for sexual therapies to help you express your feelings better. You should know that testosterone may not affect your capability to get and maintain an erection. Clear things up and have honest communications with your partner.
Manage Stress
Low testosterone has been linked with high-stress levels. When you are subjected to constant stress, your body will be focused on handling it before it thinks of intercourse. That is why you need to improve ways to manage your stress to help you focus on other issues, such as low testosterone.
Wrapping Up:
It’s important to always consult with the doctor, especially for pregnant women who can’t take certain medications. Ensure you solve your problem from the root cause to maintain good mental health. Look for better treatment to boost your low testosterone and ensure good overall health.
