Depression, a mood disorder that involves sadness and loss of interest or pleasure in life, is one of the most common mental disorders. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), more than 16 million Americans aged 14 and older suffer from major depressive disorder.
Testosterone has been touted as an effective treatment for men with low levels of this male hormone, but studies on its effectiveness are still being conducted. In fact, even experts aren’t sure if testosterone replacement therapy works at all. But some evidence does suggest that it could be useful in treating depression, especially in cases where other treatments have failed.
If you’re considering trying testosterone as a treatment for your depression, here’s what you need to know about its efficacy, side effects, and dosage recommendations. Find the best testoprime reviews online.
What is testosterone deficiency?
Low testosterone can cause symptoms like fatigue, decreased sex drive, and erectile dysfunction, but there are many factors that can contribute to low levels of this hormone besides just aging. Some of these include certain medications, medical conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and thyroid problems, and lifestyle choices, including alcohol consumption, sleep deprivation, and obesity.
The main symptom associated with low testosterone is sexual dysfunction. Other possible symptoms include increased body fat, loss of muscle mass, loss of bone density, and decreased energy levels. As the Mayo Clinic explains:
When testosterone production drops too much over time, the result may be lessened desire for sex and overall sexual activity. Low testosterone may also reduce a man’s ability to get or keep an erection, which can lead to difficulty with vaginal intercourse.
How testosterone affects the brain
This hormone plays a role in several important functions in the human body, including metabolism, growth, and reproduction, but it also affects mood, behavior, and cognition. Testosterone helps regulate the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter in the brain that regulates motivation, attention, and pleasure. This neurotransmitter may play a role in depression.
Testosterone also affects memory function, which could explain why people who use it see improvements in their cognitive abilities, including improved verbal fluency and short-term memory recall.
Is testosterone replacement therapy safe?
In general, testosterone replacement therapy can be considered safe, although it must be used under the supervision of a doctor. It doesn’t appear to increase the risk of heart attack or stroke in men who already have high cholesterol, but it can increase the risk of prostate cancer in those with a family history of the disease. However, it can lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, possibly due to its effect on insulin sensitivity.
As mentioned earlier, however, testosterone replacement therapy should only be used after trying other treatments first, and not when it might interfere with other medications. When used alone, it shouldn’t be taken by anyone younger than 18 years old and it should never be used by women or children.
What is the right dose of testosterone for depression?
There isn’t enough research on how much testosterone is needed to treat depression effectively. The best way to find out is through clinical trials, but until then, researchers recommend starting with 50 mg of testosterone per day.
It’s important to note that the testosterone used in these tests is synthetic rather than natural. Synthetic versions of the hormone can be absorbed differently and affect the brain differently from natural versions, so it’s unclear whether the same results would occur with natural testosterone.
Once you start taking the medication, the dose will gradually increase every two weeks, depending on how well you respond to it. You should always seek advice from a physician before increasing your dose beyond 100 mg a day.
Where do I get my testosterone?
Since testosterone is made in the testicles, the ideal source is semen produced during masturbation. If you don’t produce any yourself, you can buy it online in either liquid or gel form. There are also topical forms available, but they should only be used under a doctor’s supervision because they won’t necessarily reach the bloodstream.
It’s important to remember that testosterone is considered an “androgenic” drug, meaning that it increases male characteristics and characteristics that are typically associated with masculinity. That means that it can potentially make you gain weight and decrease your sex drive.
Are there any side effects of testosterone?
While there are risks involved with taking testosterone, most are mild and temporary. Common side effects include acne, oily skin, hair loss, and acne outbreaks in women. Long-term effects include enlarged breasts, deepening voice, and increased facial hair.
Other potential side effects that have yet to be studied long-term include:
Increased blood pressure
Erectile dysfunction
Heart valve damage
High cholesterol
Prostate enlargement
Gynecomastia
Increased risk of type 2 diabetes
Increased risk of prostate cancer
Osteoporosis
Vitamin D deficiency
Liver toxicity
For more detailed information about the potential side effects of testosterone, check out our article on the pros and cons of testosterone therapy.