Is Low T Causing Your Anxiety? A Checklist

Anxiety and depression are the most common of all psychiatric disorders, and as testosterone levels continue to fall in modern men, anxiety and depression rates seem to rise alongside them. But can low testosterone cause anxiety? And, more importantly, is Low T causing your anxiety? That’s where it gets murky.

As leaders in the hormone care space for almost twenty years, we know the benefits of TRT on physical health as well as mental health. However, we also believe in confirming a correct diagnosis, rather than indiscriminately prescribing TRT to people who may not need it just to generate profits. So, if you’ve been wondering if Low T is behind your recent anxiety, here’s a checklist to help you determine if your anxiety might be caused by low testosterone.

1. Mood & Mental Health

• ☐ I often feel irritable, restless, or on edge without a clear trigger.
• ☐ My anxiety seems to worsen alongside fatigue or brain fog
• ☐ I’ve noticed increased sadness, a flat mood, or depressive thoughts.
• ☐ Relaxation techniques or lifestyle changes alone haven’t alleviated my anxiety.

2. Energy & Vitality

• ☐ I struggle with persistent low energy or motivation
• ☐ Daily tasks feel more draining than they used to
• ☐ I’ve noticed trouble concentrating or staying mentally sharp

3. Sleep Patterns

• ☐ I have trouble falling or staying asleep
• ☐ My sleep feels unrefreshing, and I wake up tired
• ☐ I’ve noticed more frequent night sweats or restlessness

4. Physical Health Changes

• ☐ I’ve experienced reduced muscle mass or strength despite exercise
• ☐ I’ve gained weight around the belly or find it harder to lose fat
• ☐ My recovery after workouts feels slower than before

5. Sexual Health

• ☐ My sex drive is noticeably lower than it used to be
• ☐ Erections are weaker or less frequent
• ☐ Intimacy feels less satisfying

6. Risk & Family History

• ☐ I’m over 35 (testosterone naturally declines with age)
• ☐ I have a history of metabolic issues (obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure)
• ☐ My father or brothers have had low testosterone

Once you’ve completed the checklist, jot down a quick total, paying special attention to the Sexual Health category.

How to Read Your Results

If you’ve checked 3 or more boxes across at least 3 different categories, that’s a strong signal that you might want to consider getting your testosterone levels tested. Testosterone deficiency is most clearly flagged when sexual health issues are present along with other issues.

Didn’t Check the Sexual Health Boxes? Here’s What That Could Mean

If the sexual health issues were absent in your checklist, low testosterone is probably not causing your anxiety. But where do you go from here? Here are a few more causes of anxiety that may help you at your next doctor’s visit.

Mental Health & Stress-Related Causes

• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), depression, or high stress levels can cause irritability, low motivation, and sleep issues.
• Burnout / chronic stress is a leading source of fatigue, poor concentration, and low energy.

Sleep Disorders

• Obstructive sleep apnea can cause daytime fatigue, irritability, brain fog, weight gain, and sometimes low libido.
• Chronic insomnia can cause anxiety, mood swings, and poor recovery.

Metabolic & Endocrine Causes

• Thyroid disorders (low thyroid, especially) can often result in fatigue, weight gain, mood changes, brain fog.
• Diabetes/insulin resistance low energy, weight changes, slow healing.
• Adrenal dysfunction (rare but possible) can result in fatigue, mood changes, and poor stress tolerance.

Lifestyle & Environmental Factors

• Poor diet/nutrient deficiencies like low iron, B12 deficiency, vitamin D deficiency, and magnesium deficiency can mimic hormonal fatigue.
• Sedentary lifestyles often result in reduced muscle mass, belly fat, and lower energy, which can seem like low T at first glance.
• Alcohol overuse or medications (e.g., SSRIs, opioids, steroids) sometimes cause sexual side effects, fatigue, and mood issues without actually lowering your testosterone levels.

Neurological or Other Medical Issues

• Chronic pain conditions can cause fatigue and mood decline, among other symptoms.
• Neurological issues are rare, but multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s early symptoms can include fatigue and mood changes, so it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
• Post-viral fatigue (like after COVID) can cause lingering fatigue, brain fog, mood changes, and more.

How SynergenX Can Help

At SynergenX, consultations are always free, and testing for low testosterone is quick and simple. And if you are found to have low testosterone, our custom-dosed TRT is covered by most major insurance plans. We offer pharmaceutical-grade testosterone (never compounded) either in our clinics or shipped to your door through our self-inject TRT plan. Our providers carefully monitor each patient’s care, adjusting their dosages to each patient’s exact needs and helping them meet their goals.

Ready to see if TRT might be the solution to your anxiety? Book your free consultation and get the answers you need to live the life you deserve.

References

1. American Psychiatric Association. What Are Anxiety Disorders? Published 2023. Accessed September 25, 2025. https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/anxiety-disorders/what-are-anxiety-disorders
2. McHenry J, Carrier N, Hull E, Kabbaj M. Sex differences in anxiety and depression: Role of testosterone. Front Neuroendocrinol. 2014;35(1):42-57. doi:10.1016/j.yfrne.2013.09.001
3. Zitzmann M. Testosterone deficiency, depression, and mood disorders in men. Asian J Androl. 2009;11(1):104-111. doi:10.1038/aja.2008.54
4. Shores MM, Sloan KL, Matsumoto AM, Moceri VM, Felker B, Kivlahan DR. Increased incidence of diagnosed depressive illness in hypogonadal older men. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2004;61(2):162-167. doi:10.1001/archpsyc.61.2.162
5. Zarrouf FA, Artz S, Griffith J, Sirbu C, Kommor M. Testosterone and depression: Systematic review and meta-analysis. J Psychiatr Pract. 2009;15(4):289-305. doi:10.1097/01.pra.0000358315.88931.fc
6. Bhasin S, Brito JP, Cunningham GR, et al. Testosterone therapy in men with hypogonadism: An Endocrine Society clinical practice guideline. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2018;103(5):1715-1744. doi:10.1210/jc.2018-00229
7. National Institute of Mental Health. Depression Basics. National Institute of Mental Health. Published 2023. Accessed September 25, 2025. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression