Testosterone is a sex hormone that regulates many essential bodily functions, including reproduction, red blood cell synthesis, muscle growth, and mental health. The hormone is dominant in men but is also present in women in smaller amounts.

Testosterone naturally declines with age, often causing unpleasant symptoms associated with a dip in energy levels.

This article explores whether testosterone gives us energy and what to do to increase the hormone and energy levels. 

Does Testosterone Affect Energy?

Scientific research has yet to find definite answers to the question how testosterone affects energy. Researchers suspect the hormone’s direct impact on energy comes from its essential role in red blood cell production. Red blood cells supply the whole body with oxygen, the vital component in creating the energy needed to sustain all bodily processes. Declining testosterone may decrease red blood cells and the amount of oxygen delivered to tissues, decreasing energy.

Other ways testosterone may affect energy include:

• Sleep regulation – Sleep disturbances cause low testosterone levels, making patients feel fatigued.
• Mental health – Testosterone affects brain function and helps regulate mood. Its decline may cause anxiety, depression, and fatigue, depleting energy.
• Weight gain – By disturbing sleep and reducing muscle mass, low testosterone can lead to weight gain and a consequent lack of energy.

Note: Find out what hormonal insomnia is and how low testosterone can cause fatigue.

How to Increase Testosterone Levels and Energy

Testosterone therapy (TRT) is a quick and medically approved way to increase testosterone levels and energy in men with diagnosed low testosterone. TRT for women is used as an off-label treatment to alleviate the symptoms of menopause.

Doctors prescribe testosterone in the form of a gel, pill, tablet, pellet, injection, or skin patch.

The first sign that the treatment is effective is usually an improvement in energy levels and motivation. Other improvements in symptoms often follow, including increased sex drive, reduced anxiety and nervousness, stronger bones and muscles, and improved cognitive function.

Note: Testosterone can cause low sex drive in men. See how testosterone therapy can help with this issue and what are other testosterone therapy benefits.

How Long Does It Take for Testosterone to Increase Energy?

Testosterone therapy is customized to each patient depending on their age, body composition, and health status, so the results vary. A rise in testosterone levels causes red blood cells to multiply fast, usually resulting in an energy boost. Some patients notice an increase in energy levels as soon as they start the treatment, and others after a few weeks.

More Ways to Boost Energy Levels

Testosterone therapy is not as effective if patients don’t introduce lifestyle modifications that naturally increase energy. They include:

• Improved diet – It is established that foods high in sugars and saturated fat negatively affect digestion, metabolism, and hormonal balance, causing a host of health issues, including a lack of energy. The first step to increasing energy levels involves limiting processed foods and eating fresh fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats.
• Increased physical activity – Exercise has a more immediate effect on energy levels, expediting oxygen and nutrient transport to cells, improving heart and lung function, and increasing the production of energy-boosting hormones like testosterone. Health experts recommend at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise for higher energy and better overall health.
• More sleep – Sleep helps the body repair itself and maintain energy and endurance. A lack of deep, restful sleep during the night is linked to increased food intake, less physical activity, weight gain, and fatigue. Some tactics to improve sleep include modifying other lifestyle factors that influence sleep (e.g., diet and stress), going to bed at approximately the same time every night, and aiming for at least seven hours of sleep.
• Reduced alcohol intake – Alcohol dehydrates the body and can disrupt sleep, leading to fatigue and weakness. Limiting alcohol intake to up to one drink daily for women and two drinks for men helps conserve energy and lowers risk factors for various diseases.
• Supplements – A good way to support the combined effects of healthier lifestyle habits is to take dietary supplements with vitamins and herbs traditionally used to enhance energy, such as B vitamins, ginseng, ashwagandha, etc. Our medical experts recommend Relora, a blend of two tree bark extracts and B vitamins, to reduce anxiety and balance energy.

Note: Learn what are the best supplements to balance hormones.

Conclusion

Testosterone is a vital hormone for our health. Studies and anecdotal evidence suggest it affects our energy levels via different mechanisms.

The medical team at Vibrant Vitality Clinic in Phoenix has extensive experience helping patients improve their well-being and restore energy levels with testosterone therapy. If you are chronically tired and suffer from other symptoms of low testosterone, contact us to discuss treatment options.