How Can Low Testosterone Cause Depression in Men?
Testosterone acts on the parts of your brain that regulate mood, motivation, and stress. When levels drop, mood often drops with them. That’s the main way low testosterone can cause depression symptoms.
- Men with low T are diagnosed with depression more often. In a 2-year study of 278 men aged 45 and older, 21.7% of men with low testosterone were diagnosed with depression, compared with 7.1% of men with normal levels (Shores et al., 2004).
- Half of men with low T report depressive symptoms. In the TRAVERSE trial of 5,204 men aged 45 to 80, 50.8% reported significant depressive symptoms (Bhasin et al., 2024).
- Poor sleep drags down testosterone and mood together. Healthy young men who slept 5 hours a night for 1 week saw their daytime testosterone fall by 10% to 15% (Leproult & Van Cauter, 2011).
Can Low Testosterone Cause Anxiety?
It can contribute, though the research is thinner than it is for depression.
- Lower testosterone tracks with more anxiety symptoms. In a Norwegian study of 3,413 men, anxiety symptoms rose as testosterone fell, most strongly in men whose levels sat in the lowest 10% (Berglund et al., 2011).
- Anxiety disorders are more common in men with hypogonadism. Researchers report higher rates of anxiety disorders in men with clinically low testosterone than in men with normal levels (McHenry et al., 2014).
Is It Low Testosterone or Depression?
You can’t tell from symptoms alone, because low testosterone can cause many of the same symptoms as depression. Fatigue, low mood, poor concentration, and sleep trouble show up in both, and you can have both at once.
- Sexual and physical changes point toward low T. Reduced sex drive, erectile dysfunction, loss of muscle, and hot flushes are the most specific signs of testosterone deficiency (Bhasin et al., 2018).
- Anger and withdrawal can be depression in disguise. Depression in men often looks like anger or irritability instead of sadness, along with losing interest in work, family, or hobbies (National Institute of Mental Health [NIMH], n.d.).
- Men tend to wait too long to speak up. Men are less likely than women to recognize, talk about, and seek treatment for depression (NIMH, n.d.).
If you’re having thoughts of harming yourself, don’t wait for a lab result. Call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day.
Does TRT Help Depression and Anxiety From Low Testosterone?
For men whose testosterone is truly low, TRT can lift mood and energy. It isn’t a replacement for depression treatment.
- TRT reduces depressive symptoms in clinical trials. A meta-analysis of 27 randomized controlled trials with 1,890 men found testosterone significantly reduced depressive symptoms compared with placebo (Walther et al., 2019).
- Mood and energy improve in men with low T. In TRAVERSE, men with hypogonadism who used testosterone had modest but significantly greater improvements in mood and energy than men on placebo (Bhasin et al., 2024).
- TRT doesn’t treat major depression. The same trial found testosterone didn’t improve symptoms in men with major depressive disorder, so those men still need mental health care (Bhasin et al., 2024).
When Should You Get Your Testosterone Checked?
Get tested if low mood, irritability, or anxiety has lasted more than a few weeks and you’ve also noticed low sex drive, fatigue, or changes in your body.
- Test in the morning, fasting. Guidelines call for a fasting morning total testosterone as the first test (Bhasin et al., 2018).
- Confirm with a second test. A single low reading isn’t a diagnosis. Guidelines recommend repeating the test before starting treatment (Bhasin et al., 2018).
- Tell your provider about your mood. Many men describe physical symptoms but leave out the emotional ones, which makes the real cause harder to find (NIMH, n.d.).
If you’re taking an antidepressant, don’t stop it on your own.
Questions to Ask Your Provider
- Could my low mood, irritability, or anxiety be related to my testosterone level?
- Which labs do you recommend besides total testosterone?
- Do I need a second morning test to confirm the result?
- Am I a candidate for TRT, and how will you monitor me during treatment?
- Should I also see a mental health professional?
How Androgenix Can Help
You shouldn’t have to guess whether it’s stress, age, or your hormones. At Androgenix Advanced Health & Wellness Center, we start with bloodwork, so your plan is built on your numbers. We’re a family-owned TRT clinic Florida men have trusted since 2015, located at 401 Northlake Blvd in North Palm Beach.
- Comprehensive lab testing. We confirm your bloodwork before anything is prescribed.
- A plan built for you. Your provider reviews your results with you. If your labs don’t point to low T, we’ll tell you.
- Ongoing monitoring. We track your progress and adjust your plan at every follow-up.
If you’ve been comparing Florida testosterone clinics, here’s the difference: you’re treated by a team that knows your name. Searching for TRT Palm Beach Gardens? We’re minutes away on Northlake Blvd. It’s one reason men choose us over other testosterone replacement therapy clinics in Florida.
- Learn more about Hormone Replacement Therapy for Men
- Learn more about Comprehensive Testing
- Learn more about Online Visits
Ready to find out what’s behind how you’ve been feeling? Call (561) 331-5813 or take the first step here to book your consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can low testosterone cause depression in men?
Yes. Low testosterone can cause depression symptoms like low mood, irritability, and fatigue, and men with low T are diagnosed with depression more often than men with normal levels (Shores et al., 2004).
Will TRT cure my depression?
Not if you have major depressive disorder. TRT improved mood and energy in men with low testosterone, but it didn’t improve symptoms of major depression (Bhasin et al., 2024).
What testosterone level is considered low?
The TRAVERSE trial defined low testosterone as two fasting morning readings below 300 ng/dL plus at least one symptom (Bhasin et al., 2024).
Can I take TRT if I’m on an antidepressant?
That’s a decision for your prescribing providers. Don’t stop or change any medication without talking to your doctor first.
Medical Disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes only and isn’t medical advice. It doesn’t replace care from a licensed healthcare provider. TRT is appropriate only for men with a confirmed diagnosis, and results vary from person to person. If you’re in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988 or go to your nearest emergency room.
