Anxiety and depression while on testosterone

[rayrock1]

Been on trt for 4 years now. Testosterone level 522, estradiol at 36. dosing EOD 90mg a week. I have been developing depression and anxiety more than usual last 3 months. I was also on 400iu of HCG i9n the past but discontinued as it made my anxiety worse. I was wondering if I should be asking my doctor about DHT or
Pregnenolone use? thanks for your insights

 

[Systemlord]

I have been developing depression and anxiety more than usual last 3 months.

Depression and anxiety isn’t always caused by a lack of hormones, sometimes it can be other causes, like stress, divorce and working too many hours and not getting enough sleep.

I hope you’re not looking for hormones as a cure all. You have to put in the work, the hormones won’t do the work for you.

 

[Seagal]

Been on trt for 4 years now. Testosterone level 522, estradiol at 36. dosing EOD 90mg a week. I have been developing depression and anxiety more than usual last 3 months. I was also on 400iu of HCG i9n the past but discontinued as it made my anxiety worse. I was wondering if I should be asking my doctor about DHT or
Pregnenolone use? thanks for your insights

Thread 'Bioavailable testosterone is associated with symptoms of depression in adult men' Bioavailable testosterone is associated with symptoms of depression in adult men

Where do you live; could it be seasonal depression?

 

[Nelson Vergel]

I agree with @Systemlord

Here are things that have worked for me when I go through depression while on TRT (provided that thyroid function is good):

1- Go for a walk daily.

2- Minimize social media and TV news exposure.

3- Get therapy through telemedicine Apps like BetterHelp.com

4- Go to the gym to vent

5- Make sure I get enough quality sleep

6- When everything fails, get on Lexapro

7- When Lexapro and all of the above fail, try IV ketamine or psychedelic therapy.

Testosterone Replacement Therapy in the Treatment of Depression

Depression is a common disorder that affects millions globally and is linked to reduced quality of life and mortality. Its pathophysiology is complex and there are several forms of treatment proposed in the literature with differing side effect profiles. ...

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

 

[Nelson Vergel]

Ways to Deal with Depression and Anxiety

Depression is so much more than just "the blues"! It's a very real disorder (major depressive disorder) that affects nearly 15 million American adults, or just under 7% of the U.S. population. Though it's more prevalent in women, it can affect men almost to the same extent. Depression can...

www.excelmale.com

 

[Nelson Vergel]

Pregnenolone reduces depression- Placebo controlled study

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of pregnenolone for bipolar depression by Brown, E Sherwood; Park, John; Marx, Christine E; Hynan, Linda S; Gardner, Claire; Davila, Domingo; Nakamura, Alyson; Sunderajan, Prabha; Lo, Alexander; Holmes, Traci Neuropsychopharmacology. 2014...

www.excelmale.com

 

[Phil Goodman]

Good replies so far (especially from Systemlord and Nelson). I would reiterate the exercise implementation, particularly activities like heavy lifting or intense aerobics at least a few times/week. Lots of studies have shown it is as or more effective than antidepressants. It also greatly helps with anxiety.

Other than that, I’d recommend looking into your diet. Inflammation is a huge driver of anxiety and depression, and diet is a huge driver of inflammation. If you can stick with a strict run of the AIP diet for about 30 days I think you’ll be amazed at how much different you feel.

When people get great results from hormones across so many different aspects of life it’s tempting to think that finding the right hormonal approach can fix pretty much anything, but there are lots of other tools that can and should be utilized. In addition to the things I mentioned above, Nelson also mentioned time outdoors which can help a lot and should be a habit for people even if they already feel great. Meditation is another good deal. It can help with depression, but the benefits are really noticeable on the anxiety front.

If you can provide more details about your situation we may be able to provide more targeted advice. Hope you start to move in a positive direction soon. Depression is the absolute worst.

 

[Mr_Fusion]

Good replies so far (especially from Systemlord and Nelson). I would reiterate the exercise implementation, particularly activities like heavy lifting or intense aerobics at least a few times/week. Lots of studies have shown it is as or more effective than antidepressants. It also greatly helps with anxiety.

Other than that, I’d recommend looking into your diet. Inflammation is a huge driver of anxiety and depression, and diet is a huge driver of inflammation. If you can stick with a strict run of the AIP diet for about 30 days I think you’ll be amazed at how much different you feel.

When people get great results from hormones across so many different aspects of life it’s tempting to think that finding the right hormonal approach can fix pretty much anything, but there are lots of other tools that can and should be utilized. In addition to the things I mentioned above, Nelson also mentioned time outdoors which can help a lot and should be a habit for people even if they already feel great. Meditation is another good deal. It can help with depression, but the benefits are really noticeable on the anxiety front.

If you can provide more details about your situation we may be able to provide more targeted advice. Hope you start to move in a positive direction soon. Depression is the absolute worst.

I've struggled with depression most of my life and the most beneficial to me is consistently practicing daily meditation, exercising outdoors, and proper diet.