Understanding Middle-Aged Male Mood Swings
Written by: LowT Center Clinical Team
Medically reviewed by: Michael Seay, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC
Posted: Feb 4, 2015
Updated: Jul 18, 2024
Do you feel grouchy, irritable, and somewhat withdrawn? Do you find yourself slaving at work all the time — sometimes by choice? Are you drinking too much?
These behaviors sometimes coincide with a general feeling of malaise or depression, which is not uncommon for men who have reached middle age. But what is the cause? Evidence shows that the main factors include brain chemistry, cultural norms, life experience, and certain hormone levels.
For men, the hormone that could be affecting their mood is testosterone. The dominant male hormone, testosterone is responsible for all of the changes that happen during puberty: deepening of the voice, muscle growth, body hair, and development of the sexual organs. Testosterone levels are highest from puberty through the 20s.
Sometime around age 30, a man’s testosterone level begins to decline naturally, at the rate of about 1 percent per year. Over time, the accrued testosterone loss can cause side effects such as loss of lean muscle, increase in body fat, hair loss, poor sleep patterns, inability to concentrate, and feelings of depression.
These changes occur gradually; they often incubate for months or years before being noticed. At some point, the excitement for certain things begins to wane, “blah” feelings or apathy set in, and then one drink after work becomes four or five. Or spending a late night at the office seems just as appealing as getting home to spend time with the family. Men often are reluctant to admit these feelings, which can lead to more isolation, frustration, and irritability as the years move on.
If you are experiencing these types of feelings, an important first step is to check your testosterone level, and Low T Center can help. By administering a simple blood test, we can determine if you are a candidate for treatment. Find your nearest Low T Center, or make an appointment online, and let us help lift that cloud of malaise.
Micheal Seay, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC
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Disclaimer: This article is made available for general, entertainment and educational purposes only. The opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of Low T Center. You should always seek the advice of a licensed healthcare professional.