Previous research has found T3 levels to be significantly decreased compared to TSH or T4 levels in males with chronic SCI, which suggests that the males were clinically euthyroid 8, 21. In able-bodied females, significant correlations between hypothyroidism concomitant with decreased androgen metabolism and depression have been reported 15, 16, and can be ameliorated by administering serum thyroxine (T4) with or without triiodothyronine (T3) 15–17. In this sample, 6 out of 39 (~15%) showed abnormal hormone levels; 2 out of 39 (~5%) presented with low Total T. SCI may also elicit "accelerated aging" in males through the development of metabolic dysfunction and subsequent testosterone deficiency . Significant changes in testosterone levels have been noted in males with SCI 6–9. Follow-up analyses investigating the role of monthly sexual activity was also explored. Pearson’s correlations were used to assess the relationship between age, time from injury, Total T level, TSH level, and CES-D total score. Resistance training supports testosterone and growth hormone production, while chronic endurance overtraining can suppress reproductive hormones in both sexes. Low testosterone is frequently overlooked in women but plays a critical role in arousal and sexual satisfaction. Panels cover hormones, thyroid, metabolic markers, cholesterol, blood sugar, nutrient levels, and more. On the flip side, low testosterone levels may reduce the conversion of T4 (inactive) to T3 (active thyroid hormone), further dragging down your metabolism and energy levels. If you are more interested about the testosterone and thyroid axis, check out this article here! At Stracuzzi Wellness, we take a full-body approach by evaluating how all of your hormone systems interact. Too often, conventional lab reviews focus on a narrow window—just TSH, or just total testosterone. If your thyroid is sluggish, your metabolic rate slows down, reducing the pituitary’s signal (LH) to the testes—and lowering your testosterone. For you to feel your best, both hormones must be in balance. You can be undermining your efforts if you’ve been focusing on testosterone optimization without checking your thyroid (or vice versa). A small 2022 study found that this was the case in males with hypothyroidism. The survey question "How often do you have sexual activity per month? Each participant was asked to fill out a survey that included demographic questions, a question on monthly sexual activity, and the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) (described below) . Twenty-seven participants were enrolled but only 22 had complete hormone and questionnaire data. Able-bodied females experience depression at higher rates than able-bodied males, suggesting that hormones may play a role in the etiology of the disease . In the general population research has established that clinical endocrine disorders, including both the hypo- and hyperfunction of endocrine glands, often result in psychiatric symptoms, with depression being the predominant clinical presentation . Individual results may vary based on your unique health profile and medical history. Chronic stress elevates cortisol, which directly suppresses production of testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone through the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Monitoring estradiol is a standard part of any comprehensive male hormone evaluation. Men produce estrogen through the conversion of testosterone via the aromatase enzyme. Full optimization, including body composition changes and cognitive improvements, typically develops over 3-6 months. However, significant hormonal deficiencies often require medical intervention such as BHRT or TRT to restore levels to an optimal range. Men typically experience gradual testosterone decline starting around age 30, losing roughly 1-2% per year. This has direct consequences for women with SCI in that their unique concerns have not been adequately investigated. Scatter-plot represents the correlation between years from injury and CES-D total score. Filled circles represent pre-menopausal women and diamonds represent post-menopausal women Scatter-plot represents the correlation between years from injury and TSH levels. A total of 20 females with SCI were included in this analysis (Table 1).