Unexplained changes in mood, frequent irritability, sadness without apparent cause, or even anxiety attacks may be more related to hormonal balance than one might think. Hormones act directly in regulating emotions and brain function, influencing our emotional state throughout life.

Unexplained changes in mood, frequent irritability, sadness without apparent cause, or even anxiety attacks may be more related to hormonal balance than one might think. Hormones act directly in regulating emotions and brain function, influencing our emotional state throughout life.

The brain responds to hormones all the time

Hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, cortisol, and thyroid are essential for mental health. They act as chemical messengers that affect neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and GABA, substances directly linked to mood, feelings of well-being, motivation, and emotional stability.

When these hormones are out of balance, the brain stops functioning at its full capacity, which can result in symptoms such as:

• Mood swings
  
• Increased irritability
  
• Feelings of distress or emptiness
  
• Crying spells or anxiety
  
• Difficulty managing stress
  
• Low self-esteem and lack of motivation
  

Imbalance can occur at any stage of life

Although hormones are naturally affected by aging, these symptoms can also arise in young people, especially during significant hormonal transitions, such as puberty, postpartum, perimenopause, andropause, or under chronic stress.

Many times, these signals are mistaken for purely psychological issues when, in reality, there is an organic and treatable cause behind them.

How to investigate and care for emotional hormonal health

If emotional symptoms are frequent, interfere with daily life, and have no clear explanation, it’s important to seek a doctor who can thoroughly evaluate hormonal health. A check-up can bring important answers and pave the way for personalized interventions, which may include anything from lifestyle changes to hormone replacement therapy (HRT), when indicated.

The connection between hormones and emotions is real, and caring for this balance is one of the most effective ways to promote overall well-being.

Feeling constantly tired, even after a good night’s sleep or without significant physical effort, can be more than just a simple consequence of stress or daily routine. In many cases, persistent fatigue has a hormonal origin, and identifying this is the first step toward regaining quality of life.

Feeling constantly tired, even after a good night’s sleep or without significant physical effort, can be more than just a consequence of stress or daily routine. In many cases, persistent fatigue has a hormonal origin, and identifying this is the first step toward regaining quality of life.

The role of hormones in body energy

Hormones are responsible for regulating various essential functions of the body, including metabolism, sleep, mood, and energy levels. When there is a hormonal imbalance, such as a drop in testosterone, estrogen, cortisol, or thyroid hormones, the body may respond with symptoms of fatigue, irritability, lack of motivation, and even cognitive disturbances.

This imbalance can occur at different stages of life, affecting both men and women, and for various reasons: aging, chronic stress, medication use, endocrine disorders, or even genetic factors.

When to suspect a hormonal cause?

Some signs may indicate that the fatigue is related to hormonal health:

• Fatigue that does not improve with rest
  
• Decreased libido or sexual performance
  
• Difficulty concentrating and remembering
  
• Mood swings without apparent cause
  
• Decreased muscle mass or increased abdominal fat
  
• Non-restorative sleep
  

If these symptoms are present for weeks or months, it is important to seek medical evaluation. A hormonal check-up can identify whether there is a deficiency or imbalance and guide the best form of treatment.

What to do if you suspect a hormonal issue?

If you suspect a hormonal imbalance, the ideal course of action is to consult a qualified health professional to thoroughly investigate the symptoms. With laboratory tests and clinical evaluation, it is possible to create a personalized strategy that may include lifestyle changes, supplementation, or, if necessary, hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

The good news is that, with an appropriate diagnosis and professional follow-up, it is possible to restore ideal hormonal levels and, with that, regain energy, focus, and well-being in daily life.

Testosterone is one of the main hormones responsible for vital functions in the male body, including libido, muscle strength, energy, cognitive performance, and emotional balance. Therefore, when its levels drop, the impact can be significant.

Testosterone is one of the main hormones responsible for vital functions in the male body, including libido, muscle strength, energy, cognitive performance, and emotional balance. Therefore, when its levels drop, the impact can be significant.

What is testosterone and why is it important?

Testosterone is primarily produced in the testes and plays an essential role in men’s health at all stages of life. Although the peak occurs during adolescence and early adulthood, it is natural for there to be a gradual decline over the years.

The problem arises when this decline is more pronounced than expected for age, which can lead to a condition known as hypogonadism or androgen deficiency in aging men (ADAM).

Common signs of low testosterone

Symptoms can arise subtly and are often confused with stress, a hectic routine, or natural aging. However, it is important to pay attention to the signs, especially when they appear together or become persistent:

• Decreased libido or erectile dysfunction
  
• Constant fatigue, even after adequate rest
  
• Loss of muscle mass and increase in body fat
  
• Difficulties with concentration and memory lapses
  
• Mood swings, irritability, or frequent discouragement
  
• Insomnia or poor sleep quality
  
• Reduced bone density (in prolonged cases)
  

What causes low testosterone?

The causes can vary and are not always related to age. Some of the most common factors include:

• Natural aging
  
• Sedentary lifestyle
  
• Chronic stress
  
• Poor diet
  
• Use of certain medications
  
• Medical conditions such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, or sleep apnea
  

When to seek medical help

If you identify with the symptoms described, it is best to seek a doctor experienced in male hormonal health. Diagnosis is made based on laboratory tests and clinical evaluation.

The sooner you investigate, the better the management of symptoms and recovery of quality of life will be.

Is there treatment?

Yes. In cases of confirmed low testosterone, the doctor may recommend Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), focusing on restoring hormone levels safely and individually.

At Renewal, absorbable hormonal implants are a practical, stable, and functional option for men seeking a long-lasting replacement, with rigorous quality control. The choice of hormone type and the ideal dose is made personalized, considering tests, symptoms, and individual goals.

Conclusion

Testosterone is more than a hormone linked to sexuality; it is directly connected to men’s physical, mental, and emotional health.

Recognizing the signs that something is wrong is the first step. Seeking medical guidance is the second and most important. With the right treatment, it is possible to regain well-being, disposition, and performance in day-to-day life.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in menopause for women with a history of breast cancer remains one of the most complex and debated topics in gynecological endocrinology. For a long time, an extremely conservative approach prevailed, focused on the fear of recurrence. However, new evidence and guidelines now allow for a more personalized and balanced evaluation.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in menopause for women with a history of breast cancer remains one of the most complex and discussed topics in gynecological endocrinology. For a long time, an extremely conservative approach prevailed, focused on the fear of recurrence. However, new evidence and guidelines now allow for a more personalized and balanced evaluation.

Understanding the complexity: the role of tumor biology

Not all breast cancers respond the same way to hormones. Therefore, it is essential to understand the histology and molecular profile of the tumor:

What do the main evidences say?

• The CGHFBC meta-analysis published in The Lancet (2019) noted an increased risk of recurrence with the continuous use of combined HRT in women with ER+ cancer.
• Isolated estrogen demonstrated much lower risk, primarily in women who have undergone hysterectomy.
• An integrative review published in 2025 (Acervo Saúde) showed that the duration and type of hormone used directly influence this risk.

New guidelines: more individualization

The NICE (2024) and BMS (2024) guidelines propose a more flexible approach:

• Systemic HRT remains contraindicated in active or recent ER+ breast cancers.
• It may be discussed in cases of triple-negative or HER2+ cancer, cured many years ago, always with the approval of the oncologist and specialized team.

Vaginal estrogen: a safe option?

• According to NICE and BMS, low-dose vaginal estrogen does not increase the risk of recurrence in women with ER+ breast cancer.
• A study presented at ASCO 2025 showed that women over 65 who used vaginal cream showed reduced mortality.
• They may be indicated for urogenital symptoms such as vaginal dryness, dyspareunia, and recurrent urinary infections, always with multidisciplinary follow-up.

Practical tips for clinical practice

• Active or recent ER+ breast cancer: formal contraindication for systemic HRT.
• Triple-negative, pure HER2+, or cured DCIS: may allow individualized evaluation.
• Local low-dose vaginal estrogen: safe even in ER+, with oncologist approval.
• The therapeutic decision must be shared and multidisciplinary, considering risks, benefits, and the patient’s quality of life.

References:

• NICE. Menopause: identification and management (NG23). 2024.
• British Menopause Society (BMS). Consensus Statement, 2024.
• The Lancet. Type and timing of menopausal hormone therapy and breast cancer risk. 2019.
• Acervo Saúde. Hormonal therapy in menopause and breast cancer: integrative review. 2025.
• Reuters Health. Older breast cancer patients using estrogen cream live longer. 2025.
• The Times. Menopausal cancer survivors offered HRT under new guidance. 2025.

Article written by Dr. Francisco Tostes, Scientific Director at Renewal.