Depression and Low Testosterone Levels

[RANDO88]

In my experience, there is a direct correlation between Depression and Low Testosterone levels. I really recommend going to   www.thehiddendisease.com  to see some very imformative videos.

[mjbrown]

Low testosterone can be a cause of depression, but this is rarely the case. Most people who are treated for depression have their testosterone, thyroid function, blood glucose, and vitamin / mineral levels checked before starting on anti-depressants. The vast majority of cases of depression are not caused by these things.

[RANDO88]

I'm not trying to play Dr. here.  I am only speaking from MY experience.  Over the last 6-7 yrs. my MD. has prescribed Prozac,Zoloft, Buspar,Wellbutrin,Effexor,Lexapro,Cymbalta, with no results.  I just started testosterone replacement in the last 4 weeks.  All I am saying is that I am starting to feel much better, and I hope it continues as it usually takes 4-6 weeks to bring your testosterone levels back to normal levels.  It just seems to work for me.

[mjbrown]

I'm sorry. I wasn't trying to imply that you were playing doctor. I teach statistics, so when I saw "direct correlation," it sounded a little too definitive. Low testosterone can definitely cause depression, and it is something that should be ruled out before beginning treatment. I'm glad that you are having success with the replacement therapy (especially after having no success with the antidepressants). I hope you continue to see improvement.

All the best..

[joeyboots76]

True there is a correlation between low testosterone and depression. I have read some study summaries that showed testosterone replacement has helped relieve symptoms of depression. Keep in mind, if your testosterone is below 300 (total) you are going to have symptoms of depression, this is in part because of the general nature of depression symptoms. Low testosterone is a health condition that needs to be dealt with and to often doctors throw anti-depression meds as a first line of defense. I was offered anti-depression meds from my primary, who knows very little about testosterone levels, as most do. I would strongly suggest getting your Testosterone into a normal range FOR YOUR AGE before trying anti-depression meds. ++I'm not a Dr.++

[RANDO88]

Thank you for your comments. As I stated in an earlier post I have already tried about 7 different anti-depressants with zero results. I felt better after my 3-4 testosterone injection (1ml per wk) than all the anti-depressants that I have tried over the yrs. I just hope it continues.(my total testosterone level was 195--free testosterone was 2.10) Both were very low for my age. (54 yr. old male)