Post by Tim Wescott on Apr 8, 2004 10:51:46 GMT -5
Low Testosterone Linked to Depression in Men
Men with low levels of the male hormone testosterone are more
than four times as likely to become depressed as other men,
according to study findings released on Monday.
All of the testosterone-deficient men included in the study
had a condition known as hypogonadism, which is also
characterized by a decrease in muscle strength, loss of
bone mass, fatigue, and declining interest in sex.
Since testosterone levels tend to peak early in life and
decrease as men age, the rate of hypogonadism is highest
in older men, reaching 30 percent among men older than 55.
Study author Dr. Molly M. Shores explained that these findings
suggest that giving testosterone to men who are depressed
and have low levels of the hormone could improve their mood.
However, she noted that the results of past studies suggest
that the solution for some men's blues may not be so simple.
Previous research has shown that testosterone helps correct
depression in HIV-positive men who are also hypogonadal,
and adding the hormone to antidepressant therapy may
improve mood better than drugs alone, she said.
However, Shores noted that the only study to examine
whether testosterone helps treat depression in older,
hypogonadal men found that the hormone worked no
better than an inactive drug.
"Further studies are needed before any clear recommendations
can be given on the role of testosterone for treatment of
depression in older men," Shores, based at the University
of Washington in Seattle, told Reuters Health.
"For men with major depression, treatment should continue
to consist of standard antidepressant treatment that has
been proven to be effective in numerous studies," she
stressed.
There is no evidence to suggest that men who are depressed
and have relatively normal levels of testosterone may benefit
from supplements of the hormone, added Shores, who is
also affiliated with the Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health
Care System.
During the study, Shores and her team followed 278 men 45
and older for two years, noting who developed depression.
A total of 23 men were diagnosed with hypogonadism.
Roughly 20 percent of the men with testosterone deficiency
developed depression during the study period, compared with
only 7 percent of men with normal hormone levels, the authors
report in the Archives of General Psychiatry.
Shores explained that there are many possible reasons why
testosterone deficiency may be linked to depression. The
symptoms of hypogonadism -- such as fatigue, muscle loss,
and decreased libido -- could trigger a low mood, she noted,
while changes in hormone levels themselves may also cause
depression.
She added that she hopes these findings inspire other
researchers to investigate further the role of testosterone
in depression, as well as the risks and benefits of testosterone
therapy in older men.
Men with low levels of the male hormone testosterone are more
than four times as likely to become depressed as other men,
according to study findings released on Monday.
All of the testosterone-deficient men included in the study
had a condition known as hypogonadism, which is also
characterized by a decrease in muscle strength, loss of
bone mass, fatigue, and declining interest in sex.
Since testosterone levels tend to peak early in life and
decrease as men age, the rate of hypogonadism is highest
in older men, reaching 30 percent among men older than 55.
Study author Dr. Molly M. Shores explained that these findings
suggest that giving testosterone to men who are depressed
and have low levels of the hormone could improve their mood.
However, she noted that the results of past studies suggest
that the solution for some men's blues may not be so simple.
Previous research has shown that testosterone helps correct
depression in HIV-positive men who are also hypogonadal,
and adding the hormone to antidepressant therapy may
improve mood better than drugs alone, she said.
However, Shores noted that the only study to examine
whether testosterone helps treat depression in older,
hypogonadal men found that the hormone worked no
better than an inactive drug.
"Further studies are needed before any clear recommendations
can be given on the role of testosterone for treatment of
depression in older men," Shores, based at the University
of Washington in Seattle, told Reuters Health.
"For men with major depression, treatment should continue
to consist of standard antidepressant treatment that has
been proven to be effective in numerous studies," she
stressed.
There is no evidence to suggest that men who are depressed
and have relatively normal levels of testosterone may benefit
from supplements of the hormone, added Shores, who is
also affiliated with the Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health
Care System.
During the study, Shores and her team followed 278 men 45
and older for two years, noting who developed depression.
A total of 23 men were diagnosed with hypogonadism.
Roughly 20 percent of the men with testosterone deficiency
developed depression during the study period, compared with
only 7 percent of men with normal hormone levels, the authors
report in the Archives of General Psychiatry.
Shores explained that there are many possible reasons why
testosterone deficiency may be linked to depression. The
symptoms of hypogonadism -- such as fatigue, muscle loss,
and decreased libido -- could trigger a low mood, she noted,
while changes in hormone levels themselves may also cause
depression.
She added that she hopes these findings inspire other
researchers to investigate further the role of testosterone
in depression, as well as the risks and benefits of testosterone
therapy in older men.
