High rates of depression are found in men with borderline testosterone blood levels.

[Nelson Vergel]

J Sex Med. 2015 Jun 30. doi: 10.1111/jsm.12937. [Epub ahead of print]

High Rates of Depression and Depressive Symptoms among Men Referred for Borderline Testosterone Levels.

Westley CJ1, Amdur RL2, Irwig MS2,3.



Abstract

INTRODUCTION:
Men referred for borderline testosterone levels represent an increasingly common clinical scenario, yet there is little literature on this population.

AIM:
We hypothesized that men referred for borderline testosterone levels would have higher rates of depression and depressive symptoms than the general population.

METHODS:
Subjects included 200 adult men (mean age of 48 years old) referred for borderline total testosterone levels between 200 and 350 ng/dL (6.9-12 nmol/L). Collected data included demographic information, medical histories, medication use, signs and symptoms of hypogonadism, and assessments of depressive symptoms and/or a known diagnosis of depression or use of an antidepressant.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
The main outcome measure was a combination of known depression, current use of an antidepressant, and/or depressive symptoms according to the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9) with scores ≥10 considered positive.

RESULTS:
Depression and/or depressive symptoms were present in 56% of the subjects. This rate was significantly higher than rates of 6-23% (PHQ-9 scores ≥10) seen in general populations. Antidepressant use was 25%. The population was notable for high rates of overweight/obesity and physical inactivity. Common symptoms were erectile dysfunction, decreased libido, fewer AM erections, low energy, and sleep disturbances.

CONCLUSIONS:
While sexual and nonspecific symptoms (i.e., fatigue) likely prompted measurements of testosterone in this selected population, clinicians should recognize the high rates of depression and depressive symptoms in men referred for borderline testosterone levels. Clinicians should consider screening for depression/depressive symptoms and overweight and unhealthy lifestyle risk factors in men referred for tertiary care for potential hypogonadism.

 

[Re-Ride]

56% of the study group consisting of men 48 yrs and older who had "borderline low T" defined as 200-350 were found to have depression. This is a rate of depression -- two to ten times greater-- than non "low T" of the same age.

25% of the study group as a whole was actually on anti-depressant.

What of the majority of men presenting with depression who are never offered sex hormone testing at all but merely written scripts for ant-depressants and sent on their way?

Add their numbers in and epidemic levels of low T related depression are implied. When the incentive to sale $$$$$$ in high profit designer ant-depressants is factored in the nature of the AMA-Big Pharma complex once again rears its ugly head.