TRT anxiety
Understanding TRT Anxiety
TRT Anxiety is a common concern in people receiving testosterone replacement therapy. While this treatment is shaking up the memories of past imbalances and putting current statuses back into hormonal-homeostasis, some recipients are receiving much more than the body would create on its own. And for some, that is enough of a shock to the system that it can create anxiety and nervousness. These next few posts will be looking at the what, why, and how of dealing with anxiety—especially concerning people who are in or thinking of entering a TRP program.
Causes of TRT Anxiety
1-Hormonal Fluctuations
Mood disorders can be the result of hormone replacement therapy, as can any number of conditions. If a person is about to start T and has a mood disorder, it is very possible that the mood disorder will remain during the time of taking T. Dosage amounts can also have an affect on mood. If too much T is taken, or if the body is unable to adjust to it, some may experience bouts of anger or increased irritability. Some people experience these effects in the first few months of taking T.. Working closely with a doctor ensures a well-balanced and benign approach to treatment.
2-Estrogen Imbalance
Testosterone can turn into estrogen, which can throw things out of whack. When a man’s estrogen levels get too high, it can lead to anxiety, which TRT patients seem to have in spades. Estrogen is monitored along with testosterone and, if necessary, is upped by medications or lifestyle changes.Regular blood tests help keep “things” in check and maintain balance.
3-Cortisol and Stress Response
The stress hormone in the human body, cortisol, can be associated with TRR therapy. The increased testosterone from the therapy may have effects of its own on cortisol levels, which in turn affects a person’s “stress” response in the body. If a person’s body is experiencing an increased “stress” response, then it is more likely that person is also experiencing increased anxiety. Managing stress through relaxation techniques, however, could help reduce this. Meditation, exercise, and proper sleep are three activities that could not only help a person manage their stress but also could help regulate the hormones in the body that are associated with a stress response.
Symptoms of TRT Anxiety
1. Increased Heart Rate
A racing heart is a common physical response to TRT anxiety experienced by numerous individuals.This can be so overpowering that it can make one feel they are experiencing a panic attack. Calming techniques of one’s choosing that work for you to reduce heart rate and anxiety are fundamental to managing these symptoms. Breathing deeply and counting to 5 on the inhale and 7 on the exhale works for some. Others prefer putting in earplugs and listening to white noise while practicing meditation.
2. Restlessness and Insomnia
Anxiety about TRT can make it hard to relax. Many people have trouble with restlessness and sleep, even when they know that they’ve got a few good hours ahead of them. Here are some tips that might help to improve both sleep quantity and quality, with the recognition that sometimes our minds and bodies need a little extra help to calm down:
. Create a serene routine for bedtime
Set aside a minimum of 30 minutes to ease from your regular, everyday activities into a tranquil state that prepares you for sleep. Avoid all blue light (TVs, tablets, etc.).
. Create a sleep-conducive space
Your bedroom should be like a cave—dark, quiet, and cool. You can dampen any potential noise with a white noise machine or an app and a fan that cools you (and also drowns out sound). If your mind is still racing, try listening to a meditation or deep breathing recording.
3. Mood Swings and Irritability
Hormonal changes can cause emotional ups and downs. Men can experience increased anxiety when on Testosterone Replacement Therapy. This, in turn, may lead some men to feel even more moody and unstable than usual.. It can also put some men on edge and can interfere with daily life and with work and personal relationships. These are not side effects of Testosterone Replacement Therapy that we hear about often.
Managing TRT Anxiety
1. Adjusting Dosage and Frequency
Talking to a doctor about anxiety related to TRT can result in needed changes to the testosterone dosage. Necessary adjustments are typically made by increasing the hormone slowly. This allows it to build up without causing a surge. Some specialists recommend that patients inject their testosterone in smaller, more frequent doses. This also tends to keep hormone levels stable. Following up with the prescribing doctor is very important.
2. Monitoring Estrogen Levels
Because estrogen imbalance is a major contributor to TRT anxiety, regular blood tests are a must. If estrogen levels are found to be high, men experiencing this might benefit from aromatase inhibitors or other medications that reduce estrogen (yet have little or no effect on testosterone levels). Hormones communicate with each other. A deficiency or surplus in one will affect the others. Balancing the hormonal orchestra will help maintain the peace. If only it were as simple as that.
3-Healthy Lifestyle Habits
Hormonal regulation depends on one’s diet and physical activity. Balanced meals along with regular exercise can cut down on some of the anxiety that testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can bring. Not only what you eat, but also how you prepare your food matters.If you’re picking up food on the go and it comes in a package, it’s almost certainly going to be unhealthy. Eschew fast food and learn to savor the strength of vegetables and fruits. Get physical—find something you enjoy, whether it’s mountain climbing, cycling, or grooving to the latest pop hits.
4-Stress Reduction Techniques
Stress can be reduced by meditation, yoga, and deep breathing.. Managing TRT anxiety can be done by practicing daily mindfulness. Reading or listening to music can also promote calmness and be part of a trifecta leading to stress reduction. Another hobby helping stress not escalate into anxiety for me is listening to music and reading. Hobbies are interesting ways to help keep calm.
When to Seek Medical Help
1-Persistent Anxiety Symptoms
If anxiety from testosterone replacement therapy does not clear up over time, getting medical advice is important. A medical doctor can assess the situation and recommend other treatments or changes in dosage. Stopping the problem before it can lead to much bigger issues down the road is important. Really, it’s important not to ignore it. If possible, keep a journal of what’s happening. That might help when it’s time to assess the situation.
2-Severe Panic Attacks
Panic attacks can be absolutely crippling. If the anxiety from TRT (testosterone replacement therapy) causes you to have a panic attack, then you really need to talk to someone
about it. Coping mechanisms are a must if you are going to continue with the treatment. Here’s what several with experience recommend.
3-Depression or Emotional Changes
Worrying about TRT can occasionally bring on depressive symptoms. If you are consistently feeling down, disconnected, or not driven, it is exceedingly vital to converse with a psychiatrist or psychologist. Doing so allows you to really focus on the health side of mental health. Both emotional and physical health are important, and doing anything that can help save your life is a plus in our book. We also think that next to seeing a mental health pro, talking it out to your crew of supportive family and friends is also a great mood booster.
Conclusion
Anxiousness caused by testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is a manageable condition. Despite how it makes one feel, it’s not insurmountable. Approaching it with knowledge of what causes it, and an understanding of how to control and eliminate the symptoms will make it feel much less daunting. This in and of itself can be a great relief to many. But feeling relief doesn’t equal pushing through therapy; it means we’re managing it well and living life fully during the process.
