Does Low Testosterone Cause Depression?
Depression is on the rise in the U.S., with Gallup reporting one in ten Americans clinically diagnosed and CDC data showing 18.4% of adults affected [1]. Researchers are now exploring whether low testosterone may play a role, as it has been linked to fatigue, low motivation, and mood changes.
A Quora user named Ann Pratrick questioned if low testosterone could cause mood swings in men.* In this article, we’ll dive deeper into the connection between testosterone and mental health.
Before exploring further, please read the disclaimer located at the end of this webpage.
Key Takeaways
- Low testosterone can contribute to anxiety, depression, and overlapping symptoms.
- Typical signs include sadness, irritability, fatigue, low energy, and sexual issues.
- If these appear, a blood test and timely medical advice are recommended.
Can low testosterone cause depression?
The answer is yes: low testosterone levels can indirectly contribute to anxiety and depression. This hormone worsens emotional and energy-related problems in people with depression by directly influencing neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, both of which play a key role in mood regulation.
At the same time, when emotions are unstable, cortisol—the hormone released during stress—tends to rise. The combined effect of low testosterone and elevated cortisol can trap the body in a cycle of negative emotions.
In addition, low testosterone leads to physical changes such as weaker muscles, increased body fat, and duller skin. These appearance-related factors may further fuel insecurity, which gradually intensifies stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms.
Common Reasons for Low Testosterone
Several factors can contribute to declining testosterone levels:
Age-related decline
After the age of 30, total testosterone levels decrease by an average of 1.6% per year. Free and bioavailable testosterone levels fall even faster—by about 2–3% annually.
By the age of 60, total testosterone often drops below the normal range, and by age 80 it can be reduced by as much as 50% compared to younger adults [11].
Medical conditions
Any injury or trauma to the testicles, infections, or cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation can affect testosterone production. Without proper diet, lifestyle adjustments, and medical care, these conditions may also increase the risk of psychological complications, including depression.
Overall health status
Individuals who are overweight or obese face a higher risk of low testosterone compared to those with a healthy body weight. This is partly due to impaired hormone metabolism, including imbalances between testosterone and estrogen, both of which play important roles in mood regulation. As a result, low testosterone in this context may worsen sadness and negative emotional states.
Unhealthy lifestyle habits
Sedentary habits, poor diet, substance use, and lack of sleep can lower testosterone and increase cortisol, worsening fatigue and mood issues.
Others
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Certain genetic conditions
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Long-term use of specific medications (opioids, corticosteroids, certain antidepressants, and chemotherapy drugs,...)
The Role of Testosterone in the Body and Mood
Testosterone is part of the androgen group of hormones and is produced primarily in the testicles in men, and in smaller amounts in the ovaries and adrenal glands in women. While it is best known for its role in male sexual health and muscle strength, testosterone is also present in women, where it plays an important biological role.
In both men and women, testosterone directly influences the central nervous system and interacts with key neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and GABA. Through these interactions, it contributes to the regulation of mood, sleep quality, and overall energy levels.
Testosterone plays a vital role in the development of male reproductive organs and in sustaining sperm production. It also determines masculine traits such as a deeper voice, facial hair growth, and increased muscle mass, distinguishing men from women.
Maintaining stable testosterone levels is equally important for long-term health. Adequate levels support muscle growth, preserve bone density, and help protect against osteoporosis. Testosterone also contributes to the regulation of sugar and fat metabolism and supports the production of red blood cells [2,3].
From an emotional perspective, healthy testosterone levels help maintain enthusiasm, confidence, and emotional stability. When testosterone drops too low, however, individuals may experience sadness, irritability, anxiety, and a noticeable decline in motivation.
Conversely, excessively high levels can also lead to irritability and aggressive behavior. Stable testosterone is also essential for sustaining vitality, focus, and physical endurance. When levels fall, the body becomes more susceptible to fatigue, poor concentration, and reduced sexual drive (Michael Zitzmann, 2020).
How Low Testosterone Affects Anxiety and Depression
Low testosterone levels can trigger a wide range of symptoms related to emotions, sleep, and energy. Common examples include fatigue, loss of energy, sleep disturbances, decreased sexual interest, lack of motivation, poor concentration, frequent stress, irritability, and heightened emotional reactivity.
A growing body of research confirms that individuals with low testosterone face a significantly higher risk of developing depression compared to those with normal levels.
For instance, Ilmari Määttänen (2021) described testosterone as a “biomarker” for depression, noting that abnormal levels—whether too high or too low—are linked to unusual health problems such as insomnia and appetite changes [5].
Similarly, in 2006, Roger S. McIntyre demonstrated that men with depression had, on average, lower testosterone levels compared to non-depressed individuals [6].
Interestingly, these are also common symptoms among individuals with neurological disorders such as anxiety and depression. However, the root causes of these conditions are often not directly tied to low testosterone.
Instead, they may stem from factors such as genetics, chemical imbalances in the brain (notably serotonin and dopamine), prolonged stress from traumatic life events (such as the loss of a loved one or divorce), diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or hormonal changes during menopause.
When testosterone levels drop in this context—often due to poor lifestyle habits or stress-related disruptions—anxiety and depression can worsen significantly.
This highlights that low testosterone not only impacts physical and psychological health but also serves as a critical risk factor that can accelerate the onset of anxiety and depression.
Still, because the symptoms of low testosterone and depression overlap so closely, the two conditions are often confused.
In many cases, a low testosterone result is considered just one piece of evidence to help confirm whether a patient’s persistent fatigue, depression, or sleep disturbances are linked to a deeper mental health issue—rather than serving as definitive proof on its own.
Symptoms That Can Be Mistaken: Low T vs Depression
Low testosterone and depression share many symptoms but are distinct conditions. Recognizing their differences helps guide proper action and protect overall health.
Similarities
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Both conditions can lead to psychological instability, frequent irritability, fatigue even after sufficient sleep, lack of energy, sleep disturbances, and reduced sexual desire.
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Blood test results may show below-normal testosterone in individuals with Low T, and in some cases depression may also be associated with reduced testosterone.
Differences
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Low Testosterone |
Depression |
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Physical Symptoms |
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Mental/Emotional Symptoms |
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Common Treatment Approaches |
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Signs It’s Time to See a Doctor
Low testosterone levels may sometimes be temporary if you adopt healthier eating habits and lifestyle changes. However, in certain cases, they can signal more serious health concerns. For this reason, you should seek medical attention promptly if you notice the following symptoms:
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Reduced sexual desire (persistent low libido)
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Erectile dysfunction or difficulty maintaining erections
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Chronic fatigue, low energy, and reduced stamina
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Loss of muscle mass, increased abdominal fat, and difficulty maintaining muscle strength
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Mood changes: irritability, depression, poor concentration, and memory decline
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Osteoporosis, joint pain, and increased risk of fractures
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Hair thinning or loss, decreased body hair density
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Difficulty sleeping or sleep disturbances
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Infertility or reduced sperm count
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Hot flashes and night sweats (less common, but may occur in men with severe testosterone deficiency)
Safe and Healthy Ways to Support Your Well-Being
Medical Treatments for Low T
The primary treatment for clinically diagnosed hypogonadism is Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT). TRT is available in several forms, including topical gels, skin patches, intramuscular injections, sublingual tablets, and long-acting implants.
Because testosterone influences multiple systems in the body, patients undergoing this therapy require careful medical supervision throughout treatment. Regular blood tests—such as complete blood counts, prostate-specific antigen (PSA), lipid panels, and liver function tests—are essential to ensure both safety and effectiveness.
In addition to hormone replacement, it is equally important to address underlying conditions that may contribute to low testosterone. For example:
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Weight loss can significantly improve hormone balance in men with obesity.
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Effective management of chronic illnesses such as diabetes, kidney disease, or cirrhosis is equally important.
Lifestyle & Mental Health Support
Lifestyle adjustments play a critical role in maintaining healthy testosterone levels and overall well-being. Such as:
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A nutrient-rich diet—high in protein, zinc, vitamin D, and healthy fats such as omega-3s, olive oil, and nuts—provides the foundation for hormone balance.
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Regular exercise, with an emphasis on resistance training combined with moderate cardio, helps preserve muscle mass and metabolic health.
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Quality sleep (7–9 hours per night) is vital, and sleep disorders such as sleep apnea should be addressed promptly.
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Stress reduction techniques—such as yoga, meditation, deep breathing, and effective workload management—also help protect testosterone levels. At the same time, men should avoid excessive alcohol, smoking, and the misuse of opioids or anabolic steroids.
Support & Coping Strategies
Managing low testosterone often requires more than medical treatment alone. Psychological counseling can be highly beneficial for individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, or mood changes associated with hormonal decline.
In addition, support groups provide a safe environment to share experiences, learn coping strategies, and build a sense of community with others facing similar challenges.
Besides, ongoing medical follow-ups with an endocrinologist or urologist are essential to ensure that treatment plans remain safe, effective, and tailored to the individual’s needs.
Equally important is health education—patients should understand how low testosterone develops, evaluate evidence-based treatment options, and avoid the risks of self-medicating or using unregulated supplements.
Finally, strong support from family members and intimate partners plays a crucial role. Empathy and open communication not only strengthen relationships but also help improve emotional well-being and overall quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can depression lower testosterone?
Depression can increase cortisol, disrupt hormonal signaling, and reduce testosterone production. Kheirkhah’s (2014) study also showed that several other metabolic and reproductive hormones decline in individuals with depression [7].
2. Can high testosterone cause depression in females?
Abnormally high and prolonged testosterone levels may contribute to the onset of depression if not detected and addressed in time. The reason is that when testosterone rises sharply, overall androgen levels in the body also increase in order to carry out male biological functions—since testosterone is the most defining androgen responsible for male characteristics.
3. Can testosterone therapy help with depression?
Testosterone therapy may affect mood but does not directly cause depression. Misuse or unsupervised use can increase the risk of depressive symptoms, especially in vulnerable groups such as those in drug rehabilitation (Sirpi Nackeeran, 2022). Effects may be temporary or lead to lasting side effects.
Conclusion
The question of “Does low testosterone cause depression?” has been addressed in this article. Overall, testosterone levels are not a direct cause of depression.
However, they can act as a contributing factor that accelerates its onset and makes recovery more difficult if left undetected. For this reason, it is recommended to schedule regular health checkups every six months.
Alongside this, maintaining a balanced lifestyle—through healthy nutrition, proper rest, and scientific daily routines—can help support mental well-being, safeguard physical health, and keep the mind clear and resilient.
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*The testimonials presented on this website are provided by individuals based on their personal experiences with our products. These testimonials represent individual opinions and experiences, which may not be typical or applicable to all users of our products. Results may vary depending on a variety of factors, including individual health, lifestyle, and adherence to product usage instructions.References
- [1] Lee, B., Wang, Y., Carlson, S. A., Greenlund, K. J., Lu, H., Liu, Y., … Thomas, C. W. (2023). National, State-Level, and County-Level Prevalence Estimates of Adults Aged ≥18 Years Self-Reporting a Lifetime Diagnosis of Depression — United States, 2020. MMWR Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 72(24), 644–650. https://doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7224a1
- [2] Nassar, G. N., & Leslie, S. W. (2023, January 2). Physiology, Testosterone. Retrieved August 27, 2025, from Nih.gov website: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK526128/
- [3] Tyagi, V., Scordo, M., Yoon, R. S., Liporace, F. A., & Greene, L. W. (2017). Revisiting the role of testosterone: Are we missing something? PubMed, 19(1), 16–24. https://doi.org/10.3909/riu0716
- [4] Zitzmann, M. (2020). Testosterone, mood, behaviour and quality of life. Andrology, 8(6), 1598–1605. https://doi.org/10.1111/andr.12867
- [5] Määttänen, I., Gluschkoff, K., Komulainen, K., Airaksinen, J., Savelieva, K., García-Velázquez, R., & Jokela, M. (2021). Testosterone and specific symptoms of depression: Evidence from NHANES 2011–2016. Comprehensive Psychoneuroendocrinology, 6, 100044. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpnec.2021.100044
- [6] MCINTYRE, R., MANCINI, D., EISFELD, B., SOCZYNSKA, J., GRUPP, L., KONARSKI, J., & KENNEDY, S. (2006). Calculated bioavailable testosterone levels and depression in middle-aged men. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 31(9), 1029–1035. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psyneuen.2006.06.005
- [7] Farzan Kheirkhah, Hosseini, S. R., Hosseini, S. F., Ghasemi, N., Bijani, A., & Cumming, R. G. (2025). Relationship between testosterone levels and depressive symptoms in older men in Amirkola, Iran. Caspian Journal of Internal Medicine, 5(2), 65. Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3992230
- [8] Rohr, U. D. (2002). The impact of testosterone imbalance on depression and women’s health. Maturitas, 41, 25–46. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0378-5122(02)00013-0.
- [9] Sirpi Nackeeran, Patel, M. S., Nallakumar, D. T., Ory, J., Kohn, T., Deibert, C. M., … Ramasamy, R. (2022). Testosterone Therapy is Associated with Depression, Suicidality, and Intentional Self-Harm: Analysis of a National Federated Database. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 19(6), 933–939. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsxm.2022.03.611
- [10] Jones, H. (2008). Testosterone for the aging male; current evidence and recommended practice. Clinical Interventions in Aging, Volume 3, 25–44. https://doi.org/10.2147/cia.s190
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