How Long Does TRT Take to Work for Anxiety?

While supraphysiologic dosing of testosterone can result in the side effect of increased anxiety in a small percentage of men, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), if done carefully, generally helps bring relief to patients suffering from it.  

TRT typically takes between a few weeks to several months to start bringing anxiety relief. 

We encourage anyone who is considering TRT to read on for more details about how TRT treats anxiety and how it can help balance mood and heighten self esteem.

In the article below, we provide more information about the relationship between testosterone levels and anxiety. We also discuss how results may vary depending on the individual patient’s underlying causes.

We encourage you to read on for more information about testosterone replacement therapy and how it may be able to help!

How Long Does It Take for TRT to Treat Anxiety? 

Anxiety can be one of the unfortunate symptoms of low testosterone. 

There is no specific time frame for the reduction of anxiety without knowing more about the individual patient, although patients typically notice significant reductions shortly after beginning treatment.

One of the main objectives of TRT is to provide an external source (called exogenous source) of testosterone to help when an undersupply of its production exists in the body.  

This is true for all age groups, including younger, middle-age, and mature men who naturally underproduce optimal levels of testosterone, which is referred to as hypogonadism. 

TRT and Anxiety: An Overview 

How, in most cases, does TRT treat anxiety? 

Testosterone levels impact neurotransmitters, including serotonin and dopamine, which affect mood and anxiety regulation. Low testosterone can cause increased anxiety, irritability, or depression. It can potentially lead to depression-like symptoms (anhedonia) in which motivation and confidence are also diminished. 

Hypogonadism (low testosterone) may also cause low libido, muscle loss, brain fog, and unhealthy rumination, in addition to fatigue, all of which can lead to a more anxious state. 

These and other symptoms of low testosterone are worth taking into account by anyone who suspects that he may need TRT, which helps restore balance to the endocrine (hormone balance) system. 

Increased testosterone can improve emotional stability, boost self-esteem, and reduce stress-related triggers. In some cases, TRT may also boost energy and motivation. It can help increase self-esteem, as it treats a number of other factors that may detract from it. This, in turn, may lead to more effective behavioral cycles that also help reduce anxiety. 

In the next section, we provide more information about the specific types of testosterone replacement therapy available, as well as the methods we at Lucidity Health typically prefer to use for treatment, of course also depending on the endocrine profile determined by lab evaluation of the individual patient.   

TRT Treatments for Anxiety 

There are a number of types of methods of administering TRT, as follow:  

• Injections

• Nasal gels

• Capsules or Troches  

• Transdermal patches

• Transdermal creams or gels (applied painlessly to the skin)

• Subcutaneous Pellets (injected into the subcutaneous tissue) 

Our standard treatment involves using injectable testosterone cypionate, which is used to raise endogenous testosterone in the body.

Cortisol monitoring, growth hormone, and thyroid hormone therapy may also be indicated, as well as other anabolic steroid agents, depending on the patient. Alternative TRT treatment regimens include TRT cream or oral testosterone capsules. Other options include pellets or patches. However, Lucidity Health does not offer these methods, as they can perpetuate hormonal imbalance and are therefore less effective. TRT also includes a number of supplemental therapies, occasionally to regulate estrogen as well. These often help dial in other elements of the endocrine system, such as the following:

• Maintenance of testicular function and fertility (HCG, Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)

• Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs) 

Lucidity Health also offers a number of therapeutic peptides, which are supplemental treatments. After a new patient’s lab work is done, a medical healthcare professional at Lucidity Health will recommend a course of treatment, monitor responsiveness, and continue with medical consultations in order to make adjustments to a patient’s treatment regimen. 

Other Benefits of TRT

In addition to anxiety treatment, testosterone replacement therapy often results in a number of other benefits, including:

• Reduced bone loss

• Easier fat reduction

• Treatment for erectile dysfunction

• Enhanced libido

• Boosted cognition

• Increased confidence

• Balanced mood 

• Increased energy 

• Reduced muscle degeneration

• Substantially increased recovery

Individuals experiencing any of these symptoms may want to explore TRT as an option. 

Endogenous TRT production tends to naturally reduce in men in their mid to late 30s, so it is not abnormal at all to find lower than ideal testosterone levels in men of a certain age. 

Factors Affecting the Results of TRT for Anxiety

Individuals considering TRT strictly for anxiety treatment may want to take additional factors into account. Lifestyle choices certainly play a role. In some cases, psychosocial history may impact anxiety levels as well, depending on the patient. While, formally, Lucidity Health doesn’t provide medical treatment for these other factors, they are still important.

By and large, TRT is a proven contributor to reducing anxiety levels, but it’s not always a ‘magic pill.’ It may not be able to overcompensate for all non-biological anxiety-causing factors, especially in particularly extreme cases. 

Lifestyle Habits and Anxiety 

Focusing on the following lifestyle aspects can also help relieve anxiety, such as the following: 

• Healthy, low sugar diet 

• Exercise

• Sleep

• Social interaction 

• Standard daily routine

Psychosocial History and Anxiety

For some, there may be underlying psychological issues that contribute to anxiety. TRT will certainly help individuals with low testosterone, mood fluctuations, and symptoms of anhedonia. However, in some cases, patients may want to consider therapy or other means of treatment, to ensure all bases are covered.

TRT with Lucidity Health

Lucidity Health offers TRT to individuals seeking to restore hormonal balance. Testosterone replacement therapy could be an appropriate treatment for anyone who is experiencing anxiety or some of the other symptoms outlined above. 

The initial step is to obtain lab testing, which is a simple, easy, affordable, and objective process that can be done at Lucidity’s lab, at a local draw site such as LabCorp, or with an easy at-home finger prick test. After that, a medical healthcare provider will analyze the results and determine whether there are signs of hormonal imbalance. 

Following, a personalized TRT treatment plan is devised. Our therapies include unlimited consultations, supplies, and continual monitoring.

Feel free to contact us for more information about how to reduce anxiety with TRT.