Testosterone

ClayTheScribe

I recently started working out to lose weight after a long time of a sedentary lifestyle and the one thing I forgot is that it increases one's testosterone levels. I found myself getting needlessly upset over something someone said on a Facebook thread and couldn't understand why until I figured it out. I guess this question is for the men, but women can add their input as well, how do you deal with/approach testosterone as a Buddhist?

Dakini

I've never heard that exercise does that for men. What you can do, now that you're aware of how it affects your emotions (wow--so guys get hormonal, too! haha! jab, jab Sorry, I couldn't resist ), is bring that mindfulness to the situation when you notice yourself flying off the handle. Tell yourself, it's only the testosterone talking, the anger (or whatever) isn't "real".

Hubris

Hormones are a crazy and intense thing. I have dealt with hormone fluctuations for awhile, and yes it is true that exercise in men increases testosterone levels.

Mindfulness would be good in that instance...awareness of being "hopped up" after exercise, and taking a deep breath(s) if you feel the irritation setting in. Guys can also get irritable and tired if they have lowered testosterone levels too @Dakini, which is why many older men take supplemental testosterone. Their levels decrease as they age.

Dakini

Guys can also get irritable and tired if they have lowered testosterone levels too @Dakini, which is why many older men take supplemental testosterone. Their levels decrease as they age.

This much I'm aware of, though my general impression is that many don't want to acknowledge that. I've heard it can make a big difference in mood after a certain age.

Funny how much the body can affect the mind, no? Changes in the body can really affect psychology.

zombiegirl

I don't know about testosterone, but I do know about estrogen. I'm rather insane for about 5 days out of every month. It's an interesting thing but it helps me take my thoughts less seriously. Some of my inner commentary during that time can be downright mean, but I just have to remind myself that it isn't real, it's the symptom of a hormone imbalance. It's just like meditation practice, don't engage the thoughts, simply take note and let them pass.

Jeffrey

There are more causes to irritation than whether we are a kind person or not. Sometimes it's hormones that throws us over the edge. Sometime someone has hurt us and we take it out on someone close to us.

But we can always work with our mind in the present. There are techniques and then there is working directly with no technique or trick just doing our best

seeker242

Meditation practice.

Spaceless

is there such a thing exist!