Don’t be angry with me…male irritability and the testosterone trap…
Thursday, October 19, 2023.
In the world of couples therapy, male crankiness is the stuff of legend. It’s no surprise that Irritability, mood swings, and emotional volatility can put a strain on even the healthiest of relationships.
While most of us are experiencing one damn thing after another these days, I’d like to discuss the role of testosterone in male emotional well-being.
I’ll point out explore how fluctuations in T levels can influence mood and behavior, and discuss the potential benefits and considerations of testosterone treatment.
Understanding Irritability in Men
Irritability is a common human emotion experienced by individuals of all genders, but its manifestation can be appear uniquely different in men.
Research tells us that it’s often the case that men find it agonizingly uncomfortable to express their emotional struggles. It’s been my experience that many of the husbands sitting on my sofa are clinically depressed.
Men are known for often masking their depression with anger, frustration, or irritability. These emotional responses can reliably lead to misunderstandings, conflicts, and strained relationships.
Research has shown that testosterone, the primary male sex hormone, plays a significant role in regulating mood and emotional well-being in men.
It’s important to remember that a man’s T levels fluctuate naturally throughout a man's life, with the highest levels typically occurring in young adulthood and gradually declining with age.
These fluctuations can have a profound impact on a man's emotional state and behavior.
The Role of Testosterone in Male Emotional Health
Testosterone and Mood:
Studies have established a link between testosterone levels and mood regulation in men. Low testosterone levels have been associated with symptoms of depression, irritability, and anxiety. Research by Seidman et al. (2001) found that men with low testosterone were more likely to experience mood disturbances and irritability than those with normal testosterone levels. (Seidman et al., 2001)
Testosterone and Aggression:
Testosterone is also known to influence aggression and anger in men. Dabbs and Hargrove (1997) conducted a study that found a positive correlation between testosterone levels and aggressive behavior in men.
While this does not suggest that testosterone directly causes aggression, it highlights its role in modulating aggressive responses.(Dabbs, et al., 1997).
Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT):
Given the connection between testosterone and mood, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) has gained significant attention as a potential treatment for male irritability.
TRT involves the administration of synthetic testosterone to men with clinically diagnosed low testosterone levels. It aims to restore hormonal balance and alleviate associated symptoms, including irritability and mood disturbances.
Understanding the Benefits and Considerations of TRT
It’s all about enhanced well-being and better mood.
One of the primary benefits of TRT is the potential improvement in mood and emotional well-being. Research by Shores et al. (2014) demonstrated that TRT could lead to significant reductions in symptoms of irritability and depressive mood in men with low testosterone levels (Shores, et al., 2014)
As irritability and mood disturbances subside with TRT, the quality of of a man’s intimate relationship also feels new promise. Couples often report more harmonious interactions and reduced conflicts when male partners undergo successful TRT.
Some things to think about if you’re considering TRT for Irritability:
Potential Side Effects:
TRT is not without potential side effects. Common side effects may include acne, fluid retention, and changes in blood pressure. More severe complications, such as an increased risk of cardiovascular events or prostate issues, require careful monitoring by healthcare professionals. TRT isn’t for sissies.
Individual Response Variability:
Not all dudes will experience the same benefits from TRT, and your mileage may vary. The success of TRT in addressing irritability depends on various factors, including the underlying cause of low testosterone and your overall health.
Ethical and Psychological Considerations:
Couples therapists like me often need to consider ethical and psychological factors when discussing TRT with their clients.
This includes addressing the expectations and motivations behind seeking treatment, as well as the potential impact of TRT on self-esteem and self-image.
I see TRT in the same light as I other medical procedures, such as a bariatric, or open heart surgery. It’s sobering and humbling to realize how a medical experience can seem to impact the very core of our being.
Final Thoughts on male irritability….
Male irritability can be a challenging issue to navigate in couples therapy.
Understanding the role of testosterone in regulating mood and behavior is crucial for therapists working with couples dealing with this issue.
While testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can offer potential benefits in addressing irritability associated with low testosterone levels, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution and should be approached with caution and careful consideration of individual circumstances. Like I said, your mileage may vary.
When I’m doing couples therapy, my role is to facilitate open and honest communication between the humans in front of me.
I’m always gonna be curious about helping the underlying causes of irritability. Once we do, the next step is to develop elegant interventions and effective coping strategies.
BTW, if you have long COVID, your T levels took another hit…… you gotta look into TRT before you drive your wife fu*king crazy.. the media is virtually ignoring long COVID and plunging T levels.
TRT, when it’s an appropriate course of action, can be a valuable tool in this process, but it should always be considered within the broader context of your presenting problems, relationship history, emotional well-being, and relationship dynamics. I can help with that .
Bw well, Stay kind, and Godspeed.
References:
Dabbs, J. M., & Hargrove, M. F. (1997). Age, testosterone, and behavior among female prison inmates. Psychosomatic Medicine, 59(5), 477-480.
Seidman, S. N., Roose, S. P., & Menza, M. A. (2001). Treatment of erectile dysfunction in men with depressive symptoms: Results of a placebo-controlled trial with sildenafil citrate. American Journal of Psychiatry, 158(10), 1623-1630.
Shores, M. M., Kivlahan, D. R., Sadak, T. I., Li, E. J., Matsumoto, A. M., & et al. (2014). A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of testosterone treatment in hypogonadal older men with subthreshold depression (dysthymia or minor depression). Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 75(8), 799-809.
