Stress Lowers Testosterone in Men
The relationship between stress and testosterone levels is a vicious cycle. High stress lowers testosterone in men. But being aware of your low T levels can cause you to feel more stress. Before you panic and feel helpless, know that there are ways for you to simultaneously combat stress and boost testosterone. Let us show you how.
Low Testosterone Levels and Stress
Any man can develop low testosterone levels at any point in his life. However, the chance of having low T levels increases as you age, the more weight you put on, and the more stressed out you are. Stress and low T levels are closely related, and many of their symptoms are the same. Some of these include:
- Lack of motivation
- Poor sleep
- Erectile dysfunction
- Feeling sluggish or tired
- Depression
The commonality lies in the relationship between testosterone and the stress hormone.
Cortisol, The Stress Hormone
When under stress, the body releases the hormone cortisol. This hormone is a survival mechanism that’s released in fight-or-flight situations. Studies suggest that cortisol and testosterone work against each other. When survival is on the line, the last thing your body is going to be concerned with is testosterone levels. Granted, most men today aren’t fighting off attacks from dangerous animals, but the same hormone, cortisol, is released in their bodies. What stress is and where it comes from has evolved along with man. It is no longer the wild tiger lurking in the shadows; it is now the project due next Wednesday or the bills that have to be paid.
How to Deal With Stress
Dealing with stress is going to help raise testosterone levels and make you feel better in the long run. These are some easy ways to lower your stress.
- Exercise or do physical activities every day. This will give you more energy and make you better at managing life’s daily stresses.
- Eat better foods. Everyone has different dietary needs, but find foods that make your body feel good.
- Get a full night of restful sleep. It makes you calmer when approaching your day.
- Travel. It doesn’t have to be a lavish tour of Europe or a getaway on an exotic island, but escaping from your routine, even for a weekend, and just being able to enjoy a change in scenery is a great way to lower stress levels.
Keeping your stress level in check leads to healthier T levels and improves your overall well-being. Take our symptom checker quiz today to find out if you have low levels of testosterone.
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