Men - Depression, or Low Testosterone?

Diseases & Conditions Depression
1
Hi all,
 
I was diagnosed some time ago with major depression.  I, like a lot of people try to be a good "consumer" so I do as much research as I can.  During a recent physical (including bloodwork), I was advised that my testosterone level was in the 400 range which is very low for someone almost 50.  When I compare symptoms between depression and low testosterone, there are many identical symptoms.  So my question is, has anyone out there gone through this thought process, and how do you determine treatment? 
 
Thanks in advance!
2
Hi
Welcome to Healing Well.
Obviousley, I have not experienced your problem myself but I have read about the link between low testosterone levels and depression. Have you spoken to your docotor about this and any treatment you could be having?
It is a known problem I think in men as I have seen a lot of articles on it.

Let us know how you get on and if you get any treatment for this.
Take care
Victoria

cherish all your happy moments....they make a fine cushion for old age

3

Thanks Victoria for the warm welcome.  I am a newbie to forums and such, this so still learning the ropes. 

Yes, I am in the process of gathering my information for my next Dr's appointment as there is plenty out there via the web.  It appears that treating low testosterone and depression can be a what came first scenario, chicken or the egg?  I am not overly fond of taking too much medication, so I am trying to determine the root cause and get proper treatment.

I currently take Effexor XR 150 MG which has its side effects.  I also tried the Androgen patch, which resulted in terrible itching and blistering.  I have been looking into other treatments for low testosterone.  Deep muscle injections don't appeal to me however there are testosterone implants that are seemingly good for up to 5-6 months. I am just not sure if this is done here in the U.S.

I will most certainly share what I find out.

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Hi HangingInThere,  Welcome to Healing Well forum, we are happy to have you join our community here.  I dont know much about testosterone levels unfortunally however, WebMD has many articles on this very subject.  I am going to post one for you.  I am sure you have most likely done your research on this...and hopefully someone will come along to post that has dealt with this themselves.  Please do lets us know how it goes...take care

http://www.webmd.com/content/article/81/96972.htm

Elisha

http://www.healingwell.com/donate


 

5
Thank you both! I have travels over the next 2 days so I will not be online, but shall be when I return. I will keep this board advised as to what I learn. Later!