LOW TESTOSTERONE AND REDUCED PROFESSIONAL PERFORMANCE

Men often associate Low Testosterone with fatigue and sexual dysfunction, but did you know it can affect your physical and mental health as well? Testosterone is a predominately male hormone that affects emotional regulation and cognitive health. 

When hormone levels dip or become imbalanced, it can lead to feelings of sadness, depression and irritability. Some men also have trouble with memory, concentration, motivation and self-confidence. 

Low Testosterone is a clinical condition that can be the result of chronic medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, kidney damage, changes in thyroid function), an imbalance in hormones from weight gain caused by certain medications, or part of the body’s natural aging process. With several potential root causes, Low T is very common. 

A man’s testosterone level starts to decline around the age of 30 and continues to decrease approximately 1% every year. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of Low T and reduced professional performance (which often accompanies it) affect nearly 40% of men aged 45 and older. 

Low T symptoms that affect brain health

Hormones are powerful, and men can feel a difference in how they think and feel when their testosterone declines. 

Here are several ways Low T can have indirect influences on your brain health:

• Fatigue
• Difficulty sleeping
• Depression
• Stress
• Irritability
• Anxiety
• Lack of assertiveness and drive
• Lack of mental clarity or inability to concentrate

Other symptoms of Low T include:

• Low libido
• Increased body fat
• Decline in sexual ability
• Lessened stamina and endurance
• Loss of muscle mass, strength and tone
• Sleep apnea
• Enlarged breasts

Breaking the cycle of Low T, stress and poor mental health

Stress can cause lower testosterone levels, and lower testosterone levels can cause stress. This can turn into a relentless cycle that can be difficult to manage and correct on your own. 

Stress leads to higher cortisol levels within the body. When cortisol levels rise, it can cause other hormone levels to drop, including testosterone. If left untreated, this imbalance can lead to worsening mental health. 

The link between Low T and reduced professional performance

There is an undeniable link between Low T and reduced professional performance in men, but it is too often and wrongly attributed to normal aging. As testosterone levels begin to decline naturally, some men experience a significant drop below the healthy range. This can lead to symptoms of “brain fog,” which negatively impacts job performance. Brain fog is a general term used to describe difficulties with thinking clearly, memory, attention and other executive functions.

But why does Low T cause brain fog? Specialized cells in the brain have testosterone receptors called astrocytes that significantly affect mental health. Testosterone increases the reactivity and production of these astrocytes, which are responsible for many essential complex brain functions including thought, memory and emotion.

Two additional ways Low T affects cognition

Here are two additional ways that Low T commonly affects your mind and mental health:

• Memory
  Memory helps power emotional and mental well-being as well as the ability to complete everyday tasks. Several studies connect Low Testosterone to poor memory function. Hormone replacement therapy can help restore testosterone levels, but additional stress-relieving lifestyle changes may also be needed to support memory function like meditation, exercise and eating well.
• Processing
  Healthy testosterone levels help the body maintain strong mental acuity. When testosterone levels are lower than normal, men may find it more difficult to absorb new details or store new information as new learning is processed less carefully.
  

Restore professional performance with Testosterone Replacement Therapy 

Healthy brain function and healthy testosterone levels go hand in hand. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) may help improve cognitive function for men with Low T. However, it must be closely monitored by a medical professional and used to restore hormone levels to a normal, healthy range. Too much or too little testosterone could further negatively impact your brain health and overall wellness.

At SynergenX we tailor the treatment and dose to each man’s individual needs, based on routine lab tests. We also monitor hormone levels and adjust dosing accordingly throughout the entire treatment process. This helps minimize risks and helps most men achieve optimal results.

Men experiencing poor memory, cognitive decline, difficulty concentrating, depression or other symptoms of Low Testosterone should have their testosterone levels tested at SynergenX. We can confirm your diagnosis and provide safe, effective testosterone replacement therapy to boost brain health, bone health, sexual health and overall quality of life.

If you believe you’re struggling with Low T and reduced professional performance or brain function is a concern, call SynergenX at 888.219.7259 to schedule an appointment, or fill out our online form.