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Most of us associate testosterone with physical traits like muscle mass, facial hair, or a deeper voice. However, this hormone plays a far more subtle role in the way men think, feel, and connect with others. On World Brain Day, it’s worth exploring how testosterone influences not just your body but also your mind and relationships.
From mental clarity to emotional regulation, testosterone has a hand in many brain functions we rely on every day. And when levels drop, the impact can ripple into how we see ourselves and how we relate to others.
Self-Esteem and the Feedback Loop
A February 2025 study published in Biological Psychiatry: Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging explored how testosterone impacts what psychologists call “state self-esteem,” which is how someone feels about themselves in the moment based on feedback from others. In the study, men who received testosterone were more responsive to social evaluation. When praised, they reported a greater boost in self-esteem; when criticized, the drop was more pronounced compared to those given a placebo.
In other words, testosterone made them feel the highs of validation more deeply, but also made them more sensitive to negative social cues. That’s not necessarily a bad thing. Being responsive to feedback can help us grow and connect with others. But when testosterone is chronically low, men may struggle to recalibrate their self-perception after criticism or rejection, leading to longer-lasting dents in confidence.
This makes sense considering that self-esteem isn’t just about ego; it’s a tool that helps us navigate the world, take risks, and form meaningful relationships. If that inner foundation is shaky, every interaction can feel more uncertain.
Regulating Emotions: The Hormone-Mood Connection
Another area where testosterone shows up is in emotion regulation and how the brain responds to stress and recovers from negative experiences. Low testosterone levels have been associated with increased rates of depression, irritability, and emotional withdrawal.
One review article titled Testosterone, Mood, Behaviour and Quality of Life
published in Andrology highlighted that men with testosterone deficiency were more likely to experience persistent low mood, anxiety, and a lack of motivation.
While these symptoms are unpleasant, they can also strain relationships, reduce productivity, and lower quality of life. Importantly, the same research showed that testosterone replacement therapy, when appropriate, improved emotional well-being in many of the men studied.
This doesn’t mean testosterone is a fix-all for emotional health, but it does suggest that hormones play a supporting role in how resilient we feel when life gets hard. For men already dealing with stress or personal challenges, low testosterone can add another invisible layer of difficulty.
Brain Fog and Cognitive Clarity
One of the more subtle symptoms reported by men with low testosterone is brain fog. You may be familiar with that frustrating sense of mental fuzziness that makes it harder to focus, recall details, or stay mentally sharp.
While testosterone’s effects on memory and cognition are still being studied, several findings suggest that the hormone supports areas of the brain responsible for concentration and executive function.
This matters more as men age. Declining testosterone levels in midlife and beyond can overlap with natural age-related cognitive changes, making it tough to tell what’s hormonal and what’s just aging.
Either way, the result may be the same: a man who once felt clear-headed now finds himself struggling to remember conversations, multitask, or get through a workday without feeling mentally drained.
Supporting healthy hormone levels can be one part of a broader strategy for maintaining brain health, alongside sleep, stress management, exercise, and nutrition.
Emotional Disconnection in Relationships
Low testosterone doesn’t just affect how men feel about themselves; it can change how they show up for others. Emotional disconnection, irritability, and a lack of interest in social engagement may be related to low testosterone and may go unrecognized in relationships.
Partners may notice a shift in mood or responsiveness, but not realize hormones could be part of the equation. And because men are often less likely to discuss emotional issues, these changes can quietly erode connection and intimacy over time.
On the flip side, when testosterone levels are balanced, men often report improvements in energy and mood, which can help them be better versions of themselves in their relationships.
Signs It Might Be More Than Just a Bad Week
Everyone has off days. However, if you’re experiencing more than the occasional slump, low testosterone could be playing a role. Signs to look for include:
- A persistent drop in self-esteem or motivation
- Feeling emotionally “flat” or disconnected
- Increased sensitivity to criticism or social tension
- Ongoing irritability, anxiety, or mood swings
- Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
- A sense of withdrawal from relationships or interests
These symptoms often show up gradually, making them easy to dismiss. If they’ve become part of your norm, it’s worth asking your doctor to check your hormone levels or click here to order an at-home men’s health panel.
Mental Health Deserves a Seat at the Table
Low testosterone isn’t just a “physical” issue. It has emotional, cognitive, and relational consequences that are too often overlooked. On World Brain Day, let’s remember that men’s mental health matters and that hormones are part of that conversation.
If you’ve been feeling unlike yourself, don’t brush it off. The symptoms of low testosterone may be subtle, but they’re not imaginary. Understanding the psychology of hormones can help you take back control, not just of your health, but also of your confidence, relationships, and mindset.
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