Can Hormones Cause Depression? Low Testosterone Depression
Of the many symptoms related to andropause, or low testosterone, depression is among the most threatening. Male menopause depression is commonly caused by deficient testosterone levels. Testosterone is an integral component of many of the body’s functions. Low levels of this hormone may cause hypogonadism. In fact, men with low levels of this vital hormone are 400 percent more likely to be diagnosed with depression. Low thyroid levels or hypothyroidism may also contribute to male menopause depression. This is due to the low levels of the thyroid hormone T3 which decreases serotonin (the “happy hormone”), an essential neurotransmitter that regulates moods and behavior. In addition, some studies show that men with higher levels of B-12 and folic acid respond better to the treatment of depression.
Can hormones cause depression? The answer in short is yes. Hormones have an enormous impact on mood, sleep and many other factors that are essential for quality of life. While depression certainly can have a number of emotional and psychological causes, the role of hormones cannot be overlooked. Depression in men is more likely to occur when hormone levels are imbalanced; hormones may both contribute to and cause depression. The emotional effect of the other symptoms of andropause including erectile dysfunction, loss of muscle mass, weight gain, hair loss, etc. can be enough to push a man into depression.
The Solution: Treatment for Male Menopause Depression
The strong relationship between hormones and depression make bioidentical hormone replacement therapy an effective treatment for male menopause depression. Your practitioner of the BodyLogicMD network will balance your testosterone, thyroid, and other hormone levels to the optimal levels for your body. Furthermore, a customized nutrition plan, targeted supplement regimen, and other lifestyle changes can address other causes of depression, like a B-12 deficiency. The first step is to pursue advanced lab testing that is reviewed by an expert who specializes in hormone health. like the practitioners of the BodyLogicMD network