Posted by jrbecker on January 8, 2003, at 12:23:52
In reply to Re: Depression/ADD and Testosterone treatment, posted by ayrity on January 8, 2003, at 11:05:42
I tried a very low dose of testosterone supplementation (both the Androgel and the injections) for 8 months. An endocrinologist said that I barely fit the criterion for borderline hypogonadism, so I decided to give it a shot. The T definitely helped my my energy level, my focus, anxiety, as well my mood (in order of descending effectiveness). I suffer from atypical depression and so it was really a great boost to the low dose of Celexa I was already on. Is it superior to most ADs in terms of efficacy? Definitely not, although it definitely enhanced my mood a great deal.
Fortunately, I did not have any issues of increased aggression while on it (although I took a very low dose). The eventual reasons for stopping the treatment was the fact that I thought I really didn't need it anymore since my atypical symptoms are much more under control due to a less stressful and healthier lifestyle these days. Also, I recognize that my real issues of low energy lie in an impaired HPA axis, and that having low testosterone was only a side issue to my troubles. Another reason I gave it up was that I saw some slight thinning of my hairline (doesn't happen with everyone though) as well. The biggest downside of it was actually withdrawing from it though. It was one of the worst depressive episodes of my life. Even non-depressed people have a hard time getting off of it, so imagine how hard it is for us depressives.
So, I DO NOT recommend just anyone going and trying this. The only way to see if this would really benefit you is if you actually have low levels of testoseterone to begin with. Next time you visit your practionner, have him take a blood test to see how your T levels are. A lot of the hype has overblown the bad side of testosterone, most of the effects are quite subtle if taken in moderate doses. However, I do concede to it being a very powerful drug (and has been shown to be addictive) so be cautious in considering this treatment option.
Another thing, if you are bipolar, T treatment has been shown to induce mania.
poster:jrbecker
thread:134881
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030106/msgs/134961.html