Many men go through life battling with issues like anxiety and depression. Often, they put these feelings down to stress or simply just a part of life.
But one commonly overlooked factor is low testosterone, which can have a dramatic impact on men’s mood, emotional stability, and mental health. At The Marion Gluck Clinic, we understand the importance of addressing mental health and hormone imbalances holistically.
So, to shed more light on this topic for Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, we spoke with Dr. Ed Rainbow, our male hormone specialist, to explore the relationship between low testosterone and mental health and how getting the right treatment can transform the lives of men.
The Link Between Testosterone and Mental Health
When we think of testosterone, we normally think about strength or libido. But the sex hormone is also deeply connected to how men think, feel, and cope with life’s challenges.
“Testosterone helps with low mood, depression, anxiety, concentration, decision-making, and just generally feeling like yourself. So, it has a wide range of roles in men’s mental health,” explains Dr Ed.
“Men have testosterone receptors in their brains. When testosterone binds to these receptors, it increases the availability of ‘feel-good’ hormones like dopamine and serotonin,” he says.
A poll of UK men revealed that 77% have experienced mental health issues, such as stress, anxiety, or depression, yet 40% never speak about them. Societal expectations to stay strong and not appear weak often prevent men from seeking help, leaving many to suffer in silence.
This silence can worsen their issues, impacting their relationships, professional lives, and how they feel about themselves.
Many men don’t realise that their mental health struggles of feeling low, anxious, or disconnected from life may be linked to low testosterone levels.
By understanding these connections and breaking the stigma around seeking help, men can take control of their symptoms and regain their sense of self.
Mental Health Symptoms of Low Testosterone
“There’s a variety of symptoms where men can have low testosterone and mental health issues,” explains Dr Ed.
“Many men complain of symptoms like brain fog, poor concentration, and the inability to make decisions which can be quite disabling for them.”
Low testosterone manifests differently for every man, but mental health symptoms can include:
- Feeling flat or disinterested with a lack of motivation or enjoyment in life.
- Brain fog and difficulty concentrating or remembering things.
- Anxiety and stress.
- Depression and feelings of hopelessness.
These symptoms often creep up gradually and many men do not realise that low testosterone could be at the root cause of their struggles.
Men’s mental health issues also present differently than women’s, which can make them harder to identify. While women are more likely to express their emotions openly, men may suppress their issues or channel them into unhealthy behaviours.
Some of the symptoms Dr Ed commonly sees in his patients are:
- Feelings of weakness or being a burden
Many men internalise their struggles as personal failures, feeling like they’re letting themselves or others down.
- Risk-taking behaviours
To cope, some men turn to reckless or impulsive activities as an escape.
- Substance dependence
Drugs or alcohol may become a crutch for numbing emotions or avoiding deeper issues.
- Anger and irritability
Instead of showing sadness, men may express frustration or aggression.
“Many men express that their mental health challenges make them feel like a failure or a burden on their loved ones, which can lead to harmful coping mechanisms, like substance use or taking unnecessary risks”, Dr Ed explains.
These behaviours create feelings of guilt and isolation, creating a cycle that is hard to break. But help is out there.
Treatment for Low testosterone
Dr Ed says that there are more men than you would think who are suffering from symptoms of low testosterone which can be caused by ageing, going through andropause, stress or underlying health issues.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) is an incredibly effective solution for men with low testosterone, helping them to regain their confidence, energy, and vitality.
“The research says, on a conservative level, 2% of men have low testosterone, but on a more realistic level, about 10%, maybe even 20% or 30% of men over 40 may have this issue,”says Dr. Ed.
“The problem arises because there is not enough testosterone available for the brain. If you add back the missing testosterone with testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), men start to feel a lot better.”
How the Marion Gluck Clinic Help
At the Marion Gluck Clinic, we take a personalised and integrative approach to men’s mental and hormonal health. As the UK’s leading hormone clinic we have helped thousands of men take back control of their health through TRT.
Whether you’re experiencing mental health symptoms, low libido, or any other symptoms that come from low testosterone, we’ll help you uncover the root cause of your issue and create a tailored treatment plan to address it.
Here’s what to expect at our clinic:
- Initial Online Consultation
Here you will discuss your symptoms with one of our expert hormone doctors to build a complete picture of your health.
- Comprehensive Testing
Blood tests are conducted to assess testosterone levels and identify any other potential underlying causes for your symptoms.
- Personalised Treatment Plans
If testosterone deficiency is diagnosed, treatment options may include Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT), lifestyle changes, nutritional advice and ongoing support.
“It’s not just about prescribing testosterone,” says Dr Ed. “We focus on the whole person, helping patients make changes that enhance both their physical and mental wellbeing.”
So, what advice does Dr Ed have for men who may be struggling with low testosterone and mental health issues and are wondering whether TRT is right for them?
“Many men try to be strong and carry on normally. The reality is a lot of men suffer in silence. And if you’re one of those men and you feel like you may have low testosterone, or you have problems sexually, physically, or mentally, then why not get checked out? It’s a confidential service and there’s so much to be gained and very little to be lost,” says Dr Ed.
“I understand it’s difficult for men. I appreciate that as a man myself. But I would advise you to come forward, get checked out, and let’s have a discussion about what’s going on in your life.”
If you think that low testosterone could be affecting your mental health, then book an online appointment with us today and begin your journey to feeling better.
