Stress, Service, and Hormones: How High-Pressure Careers Affect Men’s Health
If your husband or partner is a first responder or veteran, you already know the toll their career can take—long hours, unpredictable schedules, and situations that most people never have to face.
The weight of the job can take a toll not just on mental health, but on physical well-being too. One area that’s often overlooked? The impact on hormone health—especially testosterone.
And when testosterone drops, it doesn’t just affect physical health; it can influence mood, energy, and your relationship, too (explore our guide for spouses).
Why High-Stress Professions Put Hormones at Risk
First responders and veterans live in a state of heightened alert far more often than the average person. While this is vital for safety in the field, it also keeps the stress hormone cortisol elevated.
Over time, high cortisol can:
Lower testosterone production
Disrupt sleep cycles
Increase inflammation
Make it harder to recover from physical activity
Testosterone production depends on a finely tuned hormonal system. Chronic stress can throw that system out of balance. When stress hormones like cortisol stay elevated for too long, they can interfere with the signals that tell the body to produce testosterone.
It’s not just the adrenaline of emergencies—shift work, night calls, and unpredictable schedules mean their bodies often don’t get the deep, restorative sleep needed to reset hormone levels.
The Sleep-Testosterone Connection
Testosterone is produced in the body during deep sleep, particularly in the early morning hours. When sleep is cut short or interrupted, whether by work demands, nightmares, or a restless mind, the body may not produce enough testosterone to meet its needs.
Poor sleep in men can lead to:
Lower morning energy
Irritability or mood swings
Decreased muscle mass and strength
Reduced libido
Slower recovery from injuries
Signs Your Partner May Be Experiencing Low Testosterone
You might notice changes that seem subtle at first but add up over time, such as:
Persistent fatigue, even after rest
More frequent mood changes or withdrawal
Lower interest in intimacy
Increased belly fat or decreased muscle tone
Trouble concentrating or remembering things
It’s important to remember, these symptoms don’t mean he’s “just getting older.” They can be signs that his body needs help. For partners, noticing these changes can be the first step toward encouraging a loved one to get tested.
What Can Be Done?
The good news is there’s a lot that can be done to support hormone health—even for men in the most high-pressure careers. For my patients who are veterans and first responders, these solutions are even more important. The physical and mental demands of your work can take a toll, but they can also be managed—learn more about it here.
Lifestyle Support:
Encouraging consistent sleep routines when possible
Helping reduce caffeine and alcohol before bed
Supporting regular physical activity, especially strength training
Encouraging stress-reducing activities (hobbies, family time, mindfulness)
Dr. Dawson’s Take
Service careers demand a lot from the men and women who choose them—and from the families who support them. But the stress and sleep disruption that come with the job don’t have to silently steal their health.
If you’ve noticed changes in your partner’s energy, mood, or motivation, it’s worth starting the conversation. Often, understanding the cause is the first step toward helping him get back to feeling like himself again.
Want to learn more about low testosterone and treatment options?
Schedule a free men’s health consultation today, and let’s talk about the best next steps for your partner’s health.