Testosterone patch

[Rob]

When I was 9 I had surgery for testicular torsion.  Now 27, I am depressed (taking Manerix) and have a low sex drive.  Testing for my total and free testosterone levels were "low end of normal".  Could the testosterone patch help my mood and sex drive?  If so, why wasn't I prescribed anything?

[HFHS M.D.-SW]

Dear Rob,

It is understandable you are concerned about your low but normal testosterone level.
It is difficult to give personal advise without a complete history and physical exam.
The low sex drive may be do to your depression and not necessarily to the testosterone level.
Testosterone, may help your sex drive but not effect your depression.
I recommend you inform your psychiatrist of your concerns so they can be properly addressed.  Good Luck.


Respectfully,

HFHS M.D.-SW

[Rob]

I have never actually been referred to a psychiatrist.  My GP was the physician who prescribed Manerix (actually Zoloft first @ 100mg/d for 2y, then changed to Manerix because of two episodes of impotence).  I have never experienced impotence with the Manerix (which I have been taking twice a day for nearly 4 mo.) but since the age of about 19 my sex drive has steadily declined and that is causing me a lot of concern.  I have never been offered a referral to see a psychiatrist because my family history is so suggestive of simple depression (older brother and sister, mother and grandfather are all taking antidepressant medication: Zoloft, Zoloft, Prozac, and Effexor, respectively).  Is it possible that both my depression and lowered sex drive are a result of hormonal imbalances caused by the testicular surgery and not a decreased level of monoamines?  Also, do you think hormonal replacement therapy would benefit someone with "normal" levels?
Thanks again ... this is a great forum and is therapy in itself!
Rob.