How Can Low Testosterone Contribute to Low Concentration and Cognitive Issues?

Reviewed by Garrett Kneese, MD, MPH

Family Medicine

Low testosterone may lead to problems with concentration and thinking, because the hormone helps the brain work properly.

Explanation

Testosterone is a hormone that does more than just help build muscle and energy; it also helps the brain stay sharp. When testosterone levels are low, the brain might not work as well. This can make it harder to focus, remember things, or solve problems. Low testosterone has been linked to a decline in cognitive function, which means that thinking clearly and remembering things may become more difficult. Researchers have found that men with low testosterone levels are more likely to experience slower thinking processes and trouble concentrating. This happens because testosterone can influence the chemicals in the brain that are important for memory and attention. When the hormone is low, these brain chemicals might not function as well, leading to cognitive challenges. It is important to remember that many factors can affect concentration and cognitive ability, and low testosterone is just one piece of the puzzle. If you or someone you know is experiencing low concentration along with other symptoms, it’s a good idea to talk with a doctor to see what might be causing these issues and to discuss possible treatments.

(References)

Yeap BB, Flicker L. Testosterone, cognitive decline and dementia in ageing men. Rev Endocr Metab Disord. 2022 Dec;23(6):1243-1257. doi: 10.1007/s11154-022-09728-7. Epub 2022 May 28. PMID: 35633431; PMCID: PMC9789006.
Dratva MA, Banks SJ, Panizzon MS, Galasko D, Sundermann EE; Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative. Low testosterone levels relate to poorer cognitive function in women in an APOE-ε4-dependant manner. Biol Sex Differ. 2024 Jun 5;15(1):45. doi: 10.1186/s13293-024-00620-4. PMID: 38835072; PMCID: PMC11151480.
Jung HJ, Shin HS. Effect of Testosterone Replacement Therapy on Cognitive Performance and Depression in Men with Testosterone Deficiency Syndrome. World J Mens Health. 2016 Dec;34(3):194-199. doi: 10.5534/wjmh.2016.34.3.194. Epub 2017 Jan 23. PMID: 28053949; PMCID: PMC5209560.
Moore L, Kyaw M, Vercammen A, Lenroot R, Kulkarni J, Curtis J, O'Donnell M, Carr VJ, Shannon Weickert C, Weickert TW. Serum testosterone levels are related to cognitive function in men with schizophrenia. Psychoneuroendocrinology. 2013 Sep;38(9):1717-28. doi: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2013.02.007. Epub 2013 Mar 9. PMID: 23490072.

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