Reviewed by Dr. Scott Maymon ND, NPH

Reading time: four minutes

Anxiety affects men of all ages and backgrounds, yet it often goes unrecognized. Instead of showing up as constant worry, anxiety in men may look like irritability, anger, restlessness, or chronic overworking. 

Because these patterns are frequently normalized, many men never receive the support they need. Under the surface, hormonal imbalances, such as low testosterone, high cortisol, or thyroid dysfunction, can play a powerful role in driving anxiety. 

At Pure Body Health, our naturopathic approach looks beyond symptoms to uncover the physiological and lifestyle factors that fuel anxiety, helping men find lasting calm, focus, and resilience.

Anxiety in Men vs Women

While anxiety affects everyone, research shows it often appears differently in men and women. Women may be more likely to describe feelings of nervousness or persistent worry. Men, on the other hand, are often less likely to talk about their experiences and more likely to cope through distraction or substances.

Common ways anxiety can manifest in men:

  • Irritability or anger outbursts
  • Difficulty relaxing or sitting still
  • Trouble sleeping or waking too early
  • Racing thoughts and tension
  • Digestive issues or unexplained aches
  • Increased reliance on alcohol, nicotine, or stimulants
  • Avoiding situations that feel overwhelming

These differences do not mean men experience anxiety less intensely. In many cases, it simply goes unspoken—and untreated.

The Role of Hormones in Men’s Anxiety

Hormones have a profound impact on mood, energy, and resilience. For many men, symptoms of anxiety start or worsen as hormone levels decline, sometimes as early as their 30s. Even mild hormone imbalances can contribute to persistent anxiety, fatigue, and mental fog.

Some of the most common hormonal contributors include:

  • Low testosterone: Testosterone plays an essential role in regulating mood, drive, and mental clarity. When levels drop, anxiety, irritability, and low motivation often follow.
  • Elevated cortisol: Chronic stress raises cortisol, which disrupts sleep, increases tension, and fuels anxious feelings.
  • Thyroid dysfunction: An underactive or overactive thyroid can create a cascade of symptoms, including nervousness, palpitations, and restlessness.
  • Blood sugar dysregulation: Hormonal shifts often impact insulin sensitivity, leading to mood swings, anxiety, and cravings.

At Pure Body Health, we combine comprehensive hormone testing and personalized treatment plans to address these underlying drivers.

Learn more about Men’s Hormone Optimization

Naturopathic Principles in Treating Anxiety in Men

We don’t just look at anxiety as a mental health issue, we see it as a whole-body imbalance. Our approach follows the six core principles of naturopathic medicine:

  • The Healing Power of Nature: Your body has an innate capacity to restore balance when given the right support.
  • Identify and Treat the Causes: Rather than masking anxiety, we search for underlying drivers—such as hormonal shifts, nutritional deficiencies, chronic stress, and inflammation.
  • First, Do No Harm: We use the least invasive, most natural therapies possible.
  • Doctor as Teacher: Education and partnership empower you to take control of your health.
  • Treat the Whole Person: Every man’s story is unique. We consider mind, body, and lifestyle together.
  • Prevention: We help you build lasting resilience against future stress.

This framework allows us to create personalized treatment plans that go beyond symptom relief to address the roots of anxiety.

Explore our Naturopathic Medicine services.

Naturopathic Treatment Approaches

Each person’s treatment plan is tailored, but here are some strategies we often use when supporting men with anxiety:

Functional Lab Testing

Comprehensive testing may include:

  • Testosterone and other androgens
  • Cortisol testing
  • Thyroid hormones (TSH, free T3, free T4)
  • Blood sugar and insulin markers
  • Inflammatory markers

These insights help us pinpoint imbalances that standard evaluations may overlook.

Nutritional Strategies

What you eat affects how you feel. Nutritional approaches may include:

  • Stabilizing blood sugar with regular meals rich in protein and healthy fats
  • Reducing processed carbohydrates and alcohol
  • Supporting gut health to lower inflammation
  • Including magnesium- and B-vitamin-rich foods for nervous system support

Herbal Medicine and Homeopathy

Many natural therapies can help regulate stress hormones and promote calm. Depending on your unique needs, your plan may include:

  • Herbal remedies: Such as ashwagandha, which has been studied for its effects on adrenal function; rhodiola, often associated with mood and energy support; or passionflower, traditionally used for its calming properties. These herbs are not recommended for everyone and are used based on individual assessment.
  • Homeopathic medicines: Gentle, individualized remedies that support the nervous system and help restore emotional balance without side effects.

We will select herbal and homeopathic options tailored to your specific symptoms, constitution, and health goals.

Targeted Supplementation

Personalized supplementation may include:

  • Magnesium glycinate to ease muscle tension
  • Omega-3 fatty acids to reduce inflammation and support brain health
  • B vitamins to nourish the stress response
  • Adaptogens to support hormone balance

Lifestyle Medicine and Mind-Body Therapies

Small daily practices can make a profound difference:

  • Strength training or regular movement to boost testosterone naturally
  • Breathwork, meditation, or mindfulness practices to reduce cortisol
  • Sleep hygiene strategies to improve rest and recovery
  • Time outdoors to regulate the nervous system

These practices not only help calm the mind but also support healthy hormone production, creating a more stable foundation for long-term emotional well-being.

Key Takeaway

Anxiety in men is common and often hidden behind irritability, fatigue, or overworking. Rather than masking symptoms, naturopathic care uncovers the root causes so you can reclaim a sense of balance and confidence.

Book a Consultation at Pure Body Health

If you’re ready to explore what’s behind anxiety and learn practical steps to improve how you feel, our team is here to help. We focus on clear information, thorough evaluation, and care that fits your goals.

To book an appointment at our wellness clinic in Tempe, call (480) 427-0442 or complete the online inquiry form. Visit us at 1553 W Todd Drive, Suite 106, Tempe, AZ.