Published on: 5/21/2025
Fatigue, depression, and anxiety can be connected by overlapping changes in brain chemistry and stress responses, and low testosterone may worsen these symptoms. Low testosterone might affect the mood, energy, and stress-regulation systems in the body, which in turn can increase fatigue, depression, and anxiety.
Our bodies have many ways of keeping us feeling balanced. One important helper is the hormone testosterone. When testosterone levels drop, our brain chemicals may change, and this can lead to feelings of tiredness, sadness, and worry. Because the same brain areas control energy and mood, when someone feels very tired, they may also feel more depressed or anxious. Stress can add to this problem because it can lower hormones even more. Scientific studies have shown that low testosterone can be linked with a drop in energy and mood, leading to symptoms of depression. Additionally, the connection between stress and hormone levels means that if someone is anxious, it may make their fatigue and low mood worse. In some research, even a small change in testosterone levels has been shown to improve mood and cognitive symptoms in people, including women going through menopause. This tells us that keeping our hormone levels balanced might help ease some of the tiredness, sadness, and anxious feelings, making it an important piece of the puzzle for overall well-being.
(References)
Määttänen I, Gluschkoff K, Komulainen K, Airaksinen J, Savelieva K, García-Velázquez R, Jokela M. Testosterone and specific symptoms of depression: Evidence from NHANES 2011-2016. Compr Psychoneuroendocrinol. 2021 Mar 10;6:100044. doi: 10.1016/j.cpnec.2021.100044. PMID: 35757365; PMCID: PMC9216439.
Indirli R, Lanzi V, Arosio M, Mantovani G, Ferrante E. The association of hypogonadism with depression and its treatments. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2023 Aug 10;14:1198437. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1198437. PMID: 37635965; PMCID: PMC10449581.
We would love to help them too.
For First Time Users
We provide a database of explanations from real doctors on a range of medical topics. Get started by exploring our library of questions and topics you want to learn more about.
Purpose and positioning of servicesUbie Doctor’s Note is a service for informational purposes. The provision of information by physicians, medical professionals, etc. is not a medical treatment. If medical treatment is required, please consult your doctor or medical institution. We strive to provide reliable and accurate information, but we do not guarantee the completeness of the content. If you find any errors in the information, please contact us.