Seasonal affective disorder or hormones? A men’s guide to winter mood, testosterone, and sleep
Dr. Susan Carter, MD: Endocrinologist & Longevity Expert
Dec 29, 2025 · 12 min read
In men, winter “low mood” can be true seasonal affective disorder (a recurrent depressive pattern that starts in late fall, peaks in winter, and eases as daylight returns) or a look‑alike driven by physiology—less morning light can delay your circadian rhythm and prolong melatonin, while testosterone, cortisol, and thyroid shifts can produce the same fatigue ...