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Medically Reviewed by Dr. George Touliatos
Medical experts have been trying to determine whether testosterone replacement therapy can effectively reduce the symptoms of depression in men for several decades. The issue is undoubtedly complex, however recent publication of some compelling new research and meta-analysis is attempting to bring a greater level of clarity to this important subject, particularly as currently available medications for mood disorders do not work for everyone.
Testosterone is the principal male sex hormone, although it is also present in women in markedly lower concentrations. Testosterone contributes to a variety of bodily functions including:
Also known as hypogonadism, low testosterone can be categorised into two groups; primary and secondary.
Primary hypogonadism relates to an issue with the testicles, which are the organs that produce testosterone in the male body. Men who have sustained a testicular injury might also demonstrate primary hypogonadism and these symptoms could be initiated by:
Secondary hypogonadism happens when the pituitary gland does not receive the signals it needs to produce more testosterone. Reasons for this can include:
Low testosterone can cause a variety of emotional and physical symptoms in both women and men. It is not uncommon for men with low levels of testosterone to see a significant decline in their sex drive or to experience difficulties achieving and maintaining an erection.
As testosterone is also closely related to muscle strength and bone density, low levels can also lead to a reduction in muscle mass and weight gain. These symptoms also increase the risk of diabetes, osteoporosis and heart disease.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has described depression as a leading cause of ill health worldwide. ONS research illustrates that approximately 17% of men in the UK have symptoms of anxiety or depression. Anxiety, irritability and depression are common amongst both men and women with low levels of testosterone.
In 2014, researchers from Saint Louis University published a review looking at 16 trials which focused on low testosterone and depression. They found that the effects of testosterone treatment on mood were most significant in men under 60. The data also shows that treatment was more effective on participants with low baseline testosterone levels than in those who presented normal levels of testosterone before starting treatment.
Researchers from TU Dresden, a leading German university, looked at 27 clinical trials which involved more than 1,800 men to try to determine whether testosterone treatment could be used to successfully alleviate the symptoms of depression. Their analysis of the available evidence has been published in the Jama Psychiatry journal and it shows that testosterone treatment is linked with a substantial reduction in depressive symptoms in trial participants.
Additionally, data demonstrates that, when directly compared with a placebo, trial participants who received testosterone treatment were 130% more likely to see at least a 50% improvement in their depressive symptoms. Additional trials are currently required to determine a variety of moderators including dosages, efficacy and safety, however current research suggests that benefits can be seen within six weeks in both younger and older participants.
Conclusions from scientific studies have been mixed. However, although it is not currently possible to categorically state that there is a direct link between testosterone and depression, in some cases testosterone therapies can help with mood disorders.
Although the UK health watchdog Nice does not currently recommend testosterone therapies to treat depression, if it is convincingly shown to be an effective antidepressant then that viewpoint could be set to change.
If you think you may be suffering from low testosterone, don’t hesitate to get in contact with us where we can check your testosterone levels and discuss treatment options available to you!
This article has been researched and written based on scientific evidence and fact sheets that have then been crossed checked by our team of doctors and subject matter experts.
References, sources and studies used alongside our own in-house research have been cited below, most of which contain external clickable links to reviewed scientific paper that contain date stamped evidence.
Our team of healthcare experts and GMC registered doctors are licensed to UK GMC standards. We strive to provide you with the latest evidence based, researched articles that are unbiased, honest and provide you with accurate insights, statistics and helpful information on the discussed topic to ensure you gain a better understanding of the subject.
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If you know your total testosterone reading from a previous blood test input the results to the left above to see if your testosterone levels are normal.
You may have low testosterone depending on the symptoms you have, please contact us to find out how we can help.
The Total Testosterone Level You Entered Is Incorrect. Figure Must be in nmol/L you can use our converter here.
Your testosterone levels appear to be in the normal range.
You must be over 38, have had your ovaries removed or have suffered with premature menopause to warrant further hormone tests.
Please contact us to discuss your hormones, we need your total testosterone levels to validate your hormone deficiency. You can order a blood test here.
You may have low testosterone depending on the symptoms you have, please contact us to find out how we can help.
You appear to have higher than normal testosterone levels, please contact us for further investigation.
You appear to have normal testosterone levels. Contact us if you have any concerns.
Mike Kocsis has an MBA with a focus on healthcare administration and is an entrepreneur and medical case manager for Balance My Hormones Ltd which offers medical services in the UK and Europe. Mike has over 20 years of experience in the healthcare sector, much of that working with people who have hormone imbalances. Mike has appeared on podcasts and radio and is an expert speaker on the subject of hormone imbalance. He specialises in Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) and Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and has helped thousands of people suffering from hormone imbalances recover and regain control of their lives. You can follow him on LinkedIn and on the Balance My Hormones YouTube Channel.
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Male hypogonadism is a condition in which your body fails to produce sufficient male sex hormone, testosterone, which plays many crucial roles in the body. It can affect men of any age; however, it is more prevalent in middle to old aged men. Data shows that 35% of men older than 45 years have primary […]
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