Did you know that anger can start showing in our facial expressions from when we’re as young as 6 months?
This fact alone gives us an indication of just how universal it is to experience anger, a basic emotion for both men and women. Therefore, there isn’t anything bad about anger per se – it’s a valid part of the human condition.
We may use it when encountering something we deem to be a threat or challenge, or even as a force that propels us to take necessary action in our daily lives.
The problem occurs when a person is unable to express their range of other emotions, other than through anger. This is more typically the case for men, as society has rigidly equated masculinity to dominance, control, and strength.
These are all things that are predominantly demonstrated through anger, as opposed to the complexities and vulnerability that tends to come with most other human emotions.
If a man has a propensity for particularly high levels of anger, this can lead to them losing control more easily. Which can be both emotionally and physically harmful to themselves and others – especially those closest to them.
This is why many people considering testosterone treatment can feel apprehensive at the thought that having treatment, may cause them to become angrier and more aggressive.
Benefits of Natural Testosterone
Testosterone is present in men (and women, to a much smaller degree), and is the chief hormone for the growth of male sex organs and characteristics; i.e. muscles, deep voice, growing facial hair, etc.
Though it has a large impact on sex drive and libido, it does also affect many other things. Such as mood levels, energy, weight, and the ability to have erections.
For these reasons, testosterone is vital to men’s health and well-being. Having too little of it can pose several challenges that affect several areas. Such as the ability to perform in the bedroom, or even the desire to do so.
If a man is trying to impregnate a partner, this becomes significantly more difficult for various reasons, including the fact that they’re potentially not having sex often enough to achieve conception.
There are many more side-effects of having low testosterone, mood-swings being one of them, where men may find themselves experiencing higher levels of anxiety and depression, or indeed anger.
This may seem like conflicting information – the possibility of having anger issues, both when your testosterone is too high or too low.
But, the reality is that whenever you experience an imbalance in your hormones – including testosterone – your mood and general emotional health are likely to be heavily affected.
Testosterone and Mood
Because of the symptoms that can come with having low testosterone levels, a large number of men consider taking (artificial) testosterone. Unfortunately, there isn’t enough evidence to say whether doing that will make you any angrier, than without taking testosterone.
Because even though having high levels of testosterone has been considered to lead to higher levels of anger, there is research that both proves and disproves this.
Partly due to the complex nature of the matter – several elements factor into our moods. One being society’s notions of what it is to be ‘manly’, which can differ depending on where a person is from. Meaning that cultural norms become a factor in our emotions and how we express them.
What’s more, our physical make-up contributes to our inclination to certain emotions.
The endocrine system, which regulates most systems in our body, including its release of hormones, and the nervous system, which is the body’s electrical wiring, work together to influence human behavior; emotions included.
Therefore, because the testosterone hormone is not the sole component in triggering anger, there’s no clear way to define its connection.
Research has shown that there can be a vast improvement in mood when men with low testosterone receive testosterone therapy, lowering their levels of depression and anxiety. This is why some researchers believe it could potentially be used as an antidepressant.
Where research has indicated a connection between the use of testosterone and excessive anger, has been concerning men using steroids.
People who take androgenic anabolic steroids are widely known to become more irritable, exhibiting hypomania, depression, or ‘steroid rage’, which is the aggression and anger you’re likely seeking to avoid.
Although steroids do have some testosterone in them (or chemicals that are meant to simulate testosterone), they also have a combination of other androgens and are taken in very high doses.
But taking the controlled dosage of testosterone given by the doctor (which is designed to raise testosterone levels to a more natural capacity), has generally been shown in the majority of research, to have a more positive effect on emotional well-being.
Where men have previously suffered from low levels of testosterone, having TRT can potentially reduce negative mood states in the short term, and help them to maintain a healthy mood balance.
Taking Testosterone for the Right Reasons
We’ve established that it’s unlikely for testosterone treatment to become an instigator of excess anger. It’s been known to help stabilize moods.
But this shouldn’t negate from the fact that it may still not be the best way to achieve your personal goals. Whether taking it is the right option, largely depends on why you want it.
One reason people opt for testosterone is that they may have very low testosterone levels. Or, it could be that they desire to have a fitter and healthier body with more muscle mass and stronger bones.
And considering the positive effects, it can have on mood, people might desire to take testosterone to reduce depression, anxiety, and other negative emotions.
However, whilst there are cases where TRT may be the best course of action, it’s crucial to consult with your doctor about this. As it does come with its potential side effects. Furthermore, these are all things that could be achieved by changing your lifestyle.
Eating healthier, cutting down on calories; having a healthy balance of proteins and fats, and making sure you get enough good food that’s high in vitamins and nutrients (such as Vitamin D and zinc) will help you to get into shape.
Including weight lifting in your exercise regimen will build up your muscle mass, giving the muscles more definition over time.
Being aware of your stress levels and taking care to lower them, getting more sleep, and generally watching what you put into your body – therefore, refraining from alcohol and recreational drug use – will all serve to improve your health. Giving you a much better chance of improving your body’s natural testosterone production.
Reading this might have made you reconsider whether taking testosterone is right for you, and taking a less drastic – yet effective – route could seem more appealing.
But maybe you would like to do something alongside changing your lifestyle, that can still give your body an extra boost, whilst doing so safely and naturally. If that’s the case, considering UltraCore testosterone boosters could be something worth looking into.
Because these supplements are entirely natural and made from a combination of herbs, your body can receive additional support to raise testosterone levels. As a result, enabling you to have the benefits of higher testosterone levels, including more positive moods.
Things to Consider for Alleviating Anger
There’s also the possibility because men haven’t typically been taught to deal with strong emotions, particularly anger, you might be having a difficult time processing your own.
Seeing a therapist could help you find out what’s at the route of your anger. And where it might have led to the breakdown of relationships, bouts of aggression, and anything else that has created repercussions, therapy might enable you to work through any damage caused by anger thus far.
Should You Refrain from Taking Testosterone?
If the symptoms you’re having seem to be unmanageable, and it’s having a serious impact on your quality of life, it could be that taking testosterone is the most suitable option for you.
But if you’re worried that taking testosterone will cause you to develop intense levels of anger and aggression that’s hard to manage, then it’s safe to say that you needn’t let this specific worry affect your decision.
On the whole, it’s usually taking incredibly high levels of testosterone in conjunction with other substances that can cause such effects. Which is highly unlikely to happen with the careful doses a doctor would administer you with.
Have a discussion with your doctor to talk through any fears you may have, whether there are alternative actions you’re better off taking, or, the first steps to beginning your testosterone treatment.
