HRT & Mood Swings in Males: Does it Help or Make Everything Worse?

Hormonal changes affect men as equally as they do women. Whether due to aging, illness, medical treatments, injury, or for unknown reasons, an imbalance or decline in crucial hormone levels can lead to male mood swings, depression, irritability, and other changes in quality of life.

The answer lies in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for many men.

You may have heard the term “male menopause” in the past. Another term commonly used these days is “irritable male syndrome” or IMS.

What is the difference between these two conditions?

Male menopause is not the same as female menopause. It does not come on suddenly, instead occurring gradually as testosterone levels decline 1 to 2 percent over the years. Also called andropause, hypogonadism, and low testosterone, male menopause can lead to many issues, including:

• Depression
• Mood swings
• Stress
• Irritability
• Muscle loss
• Fatigue
• Weight gain
• Hair loss or thinning
• Joint pains
• Low libido
• Erectile dysfunction
• Sleep disorders
• Bone loss
• Anemia
• Forgetfulness
• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Urinary problems

Irritable male syndrome focuses more on the behavior issues associated with hormone changes that feature an increase in cortisol and a decrease in testosterone levels. These two hormones oppose each other. When men are under tremendous stress, the body produces excess cortisol, sending testosterone levels plummeting. Symptoms of IMS include:

• Frustration
• Anger
• Hostility
• Impatience
• Defensiveness
• Sadness
• Withdrawal
• Lethargy
• Argumentative
• Tension
• Unloving
• Sarcasm
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Dissatisfaction

Men who are overweight may also have an estrogen/testosterone imbalance, with abdominal fat increasing testosterone conversion into estradiol, further lowering testosterone levels. Increased estrogen levels promote additional fat storage, worsening this imbalance.

What Hormones Affect Mood in Men?

Numerous hormones impact emotional well-being and mood, including human growth hormone (HGH), testosterone, estrogen, and cortisol. We have already discussed a little about testosterone, estrogen, and cortisol, so let us look at how HGH influences mood changes in men.

Human growth hormone is often called the body’s “master hormone” for its vast influence on areas such as cell regeneration, hormone production stimulation, metabolism, heart health, cognitive stimulation, immunity, and sexual functions. HGH has receptor cells throughout the body, including the brain. It is in the brain that HGH can impact mood along with cognitive functions as the hormone can pass through the blood-brain barrier to stimulate its receptors.

One function of HGH is stimulating insulin growth factor 1 (IGF-1) production in the liver, which mediates many growth hormone functions in the body. IGF-1 influences HGH performance, and receptors for these hormones are found in many areas of the brain, including the hippocampus, amygdala, hypothalamus, and limbic cortex.

Studies have shown that adults with growth hormone deficiency report the following:

• Greater sense of social isolation
• Depression
• Sexual decline
• Less energy
• Sleep disturbances
• Mood swings
• Irritability
• Anxiety
• Stress

HGH helps promote testosterone production while opposing cortisol. It is crucial to maintain proper hormonal balance to promote emotional well-being and physical health.

Can Low Levels of HGH and Testosterone Cause Mood Swings?

Low HGH and testosterone levels can exert a significant influence on emotional well-being. As these levels decline, they leave an opening for an increase in cortisol production, which can severely interfere with sleep. Because the body produces HGH and testosterone during sleep, any reduction in the quantity and quality of sleep duration can further decrease testosterone and HGH levels.

These changes increase feelings of fatigue, depression, anxiety, and stress. It becomes a vicious cycle with no immediate end.

When Should You Be Concerned About Mood Swings?

An occasional change in mood, especially when associated with a stressful situation such as a job loss, death of a loved one, injury, or illness, is understandable. As long as the feelings pass, there is no concern.

However, when mood changes are relatively constant or ongoing for a lengthy period, your body may tell you that your hormone levels are out of balance. If mood changes interfere with your daily life, job performance, relationship, or sexual abilities, it is time to seek the help of an endocrinologist who specializes in hormone replacement therapy.

Another area of concern for men is following treatment for prostate cancer. Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) lowers testosterone levels, often causing adverse changes in mood and cognition. Treatment with hormone replacement therapy following comprehensive blood analysis can significantly improve emotional well-being.

The Benefits of HRT for Mood in Males

If your emotional changes and mood swings are due to hormonal imbalance, the best option is bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. HRT has helped countless men enjoy life again. The type of hormone replacement necessary depends on the blood analysis results. The two most common forms of HRT for men are:

• Human growth hormone (HGH) therapy

HGH replacement has been shown to help people improve their mood, emotional well-being, cognitive functioning, health, sleep, and quality of life. Increasing human growth hormone levels also lowers cortisol levels, decreasing feelings of stress and anxiety. Because HGH also has many benefits for appearance, weight, and physical well-being, these changes further uplift a person’s mood. HGH increase also promotes improved testosterone production.

• Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT)

TRT has significantly improved mood in men with low testosterone levels. Men with feelings of depression who do not respond to traditional anti-depressant treatments should consider hormone testing to determine if they have low testosterone levels. If other symptoms of Low T are present, as mentioned in the first section of this article, blood analysis for hormone deficiency should be a priority. Testosterone therapy can reverse feelings of depression and improve emotional well-being.

HRT has significant benefits for men dealing with mood swings, depression, stress, anxiety, irritability, and other emotional changes.

Conclusion

Changes in mood, especially in association with aging, can be caused by low levels of essential male hormones, including testosterone and human growth hormone. If you experience symptoms of hormonal decline, including shifts in mood, it is recommended that you contact a hormone specialist to check your hormone levels. A prescription for hormone replacement therapy can improve your overall emotional well-being and quality of life.