UBCNews - Business - Can Low Testosterone Cause Depression & Anxiety? (Plus An Unexpected Solution)

Episode Date: January 10, 2026

Welcome back, everyone. Today we're tackling something that affects more men than you might think—the connection between low testosterone and depression. If you've been feeling off lately��tired, irritable, maybe just not yourself—this conversation might hit home. Joining me is a guest who's gonna walk us through the science and the solutions. Let's get into it. So, first off, can low testosterone actually cause depression? TRT Australia City: Hurstville Address: 7–11 The Avenue Website: https://trtaustralia.com/x

Welcome back, everyone. Today we're tackling something that affects more men than you might think, the connection between low testosterone and depression. If you've been feeling off lately, tired, irritable, maybe just not yourself, this conversation might hit home. Joining me is a guest who's going to walk us through the science and the solutions. Let's get into it. So, first off, can low testosterone actually cause depression?

It absolutely can. Low testosterone or hypogonadism happens when the testicles don't produce enough testosterone. And here's the thing. Testosterone isn't just about physical strength or libido. It plays a vital role in regulating mood and cognitive function. Research shows a significant link between low testosterone and depression. Depressive symptoms are commonly reported in men with hypogonidism. It's a real and substantial overlap.

That's concerning. So what's happening in the brain when testosterone drops? Great question. Testosterone influences key neurotransmitters, dopamine, serotonin, and GABA. When testosterone levels are low, dopamine activity decreases, which leads to low motivation and an inability to feel joy. Those are classic depression symptoms, right? Serotonin, often called the feel-good chemical, is also affected. Low serotonin is linked to mood disorders, and then there's GABA which calms brain activity. Lower testosterone can reduce GABA activity, making you more susceptible to anxiety and irritability. So it's like a domino effect in your brain chemistry. That makes sense.

But here's something I've wondered. Can depression itself lower testosterone? Exactly. It's a two-way street. Depression can actually suppress testosterone production. Chronic stress, sleep deprivation, elevated cortisol, all of these interfere with the brain's ability to signal the testes to produce testosterone. So you end up in this vicious cycle where low testosterone increases depression risk and depression drives testosterone even lower. Many men get stuck in that loop without realizing it. I mean, it really is a cycle that feeds on itself. Right, a cycle that perpetuates itself. That's rough. So how do you break it? that cycle. I mean, um, how do guys even know if low testosterone is the culprit?

Testing is key. A simple blood test can measure total testosterone levels and other markers like free testosterone and SHBG. If you're dealing with symptoms like reduced sex drive, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, weight gain, or mood changes that develop gradually, low testosterone might be at play. And if antidepressants or therapy haven't helped much, That's another clue. The diagnostic process is straightforward and it takes the guest work out. Mm-hmm. I hear you. Because you don't want to treat the wrong thing. So once you know it's low testosterone, what's the treatment path? That point about diagnostic testing sets up our next piece, understanding how treatment actually works. But first, a quick word from our sponsor.

If you're dealing with symptoms of low testosterone, finding the right support matters. TRT Australia is the nation's leading telehealth clinics specializing in testosterone replacement therapy. They offer a simple, accessible approach with complete blood testing, expert medical consultations, and ongoing treatment delivered directly to your door. Their team is dedicated to helping men reclaim their strength, vitality, and overall well-being. Learn more at TRT Australia.com. Picking up on that diagnostic testing point, How do you handle treatment once a diagnosis is confirmed?

So testosterone replacement therapy, or TRT, aims to restore testosterone to healthy levels. It comes in forms like injections, gels, patches, or pellets. When testosterone is replenished, many men experience improved mood, reduced irritability, and a better sense of well-being. TRT directly impacts brain function, particularly in areas that regulate mood, motivation, and emotional stability. Men often notice they feel more motivated, more engaged in activities they used to enjoy.

That's powerful. How quickly do those mental health benefits kick in? Individual responses vary, but many men report improvements in mood and energy within weeks of starting treatment. Overall changes, including cognitive function and sustained mood improvements, often become more noticeable within three to six months

of consistent treatment. It's a gradual, process, but the results can be life-changing. I actually had a colleague, years back, who struggled with exhaustion and brain fog for months. Turned out his testosterone was really low. Within a few months of treatment, he said it was like someone turned the lights back on. I see, makes sense. That's a powerful image, so it's more than a quick fix. It's a long-term investment in mental health. But I imagine treatment isn't a magic bullet, right? still matters? Definitely. Treatment is most effective when combined with a healthy lifestyle.

Regular exercise, especially strength training, boosts testosterone. A balanced diet with healthy fats and protein supports hormone production. Getting seven to nine hours of sleep is critical because lack of sleep lowers testosterone and worsens mood. And managing stress, chronic stress can tank testosterone and fuel depression. So it's really about three things. Treatment, lifestyle, and consistency. I appreciate that breakdown. So to everyone listening, if you've been struggling with low energy, mood changes, or just feeling off, it might be worth getting tested.

Have you talked to your doctor about this? Exactly. And here's something important. Treatment is most effective for men with clinically low testosterone. If you have major depressive disorder without low testosterone, antidepressants and therapy remain the first-line treatments. But for men with confirmed hypogynadism, treatment can be life-changing. Research consistently shows that men with low-free testosterone levels

have a significantly higher likelihood of showing clinically significant signs of depression. That association holds up even after adjusting for age, obesity, and other health factors. That's a compelling finding. And it really highlights why this conversation matters. What would you say to a guy who's hesitant to get tested or start treatment? Maybe he's thinking, I'll just tough it out, though that's probably not the best medical advice, right? Ha, definitely not the best plan. I'd say don't ignore what your body's telling you. Testing is simple, and treatment is personalized for you. You deserve to feel well.

Ignoring symptoms doesn't make them go away. It just prolongs the struggle. That's a great reminder. And look, we're not saying treatment is the answer for everyone, but understanding the connection between low testosterone and depression is huge. So why do you think this issue flies under the radar for so many men? Part of it is that men often describe depression differently, anger, frustration, withdrawal, rather than sadness. So they might not recognize it as depression. And because low testosterone symptoms overlap so much with depression, fatigue, irritability, loss of interest, It's easy to miss both entirely.

Plus, there's still stigma around men seeking help for mental health, but the evidence is clear. Testosterone is essential for a man's sense of well-being. Addressing it can improve mood, energy, focus, and relationships too. Well said. And there's also this cyclical relationship we mentioned earlier. If depression lowers testosterone and low testosterone fuels depression, how do you know where to start? That's where thorough evaluation comes in. Blood tests, symptom assessments, medical history,

together we're going to unravel this mystery. A good provider will look at the whole picture. If testosterone is low, addressing it might break the cycle. If depression is primary, treating that first makes sense. Often it's both, and a combined approach works best. The key is not to treat one in isolation. This has been eye-opening. To wrap up, if there's one takeaway for our list,

listeners, what would it be? If you've been struggling with low energy, mood changes, or just feeling off, get tested. Low testosterone is common, treatable, and addressing it can significantly improve your mental and physical health. You don't have to live with those symptoms. Take that first step. Couldn't have said it better. Thanks for breaking this down with us today.

And to everyone listening, don't wait. Take control of your health. Until next time. Thank you.