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* Third, over 10% of men in the trial reported major depressive disorder or had severe depressive symptoms. TRT did not improve depressive symptoms in these men with major depressive disorder. Thus, TRT does not represent an effective treatment option for most men with clinical depressive disorders.




Shalender Bhasin, MB, BS: The Scientist Behind the Science:



“The TRAVERSE Trial is the largest and one of the longest randomized trials of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in middle-aged and older men with hypogonadism. The TRAVERSE trial’s findings have several important clinical implications,” according to lead author of Depressive Syndromes in Men With Hypogonadism in the TRAVERSE Trial: Response to Testosterone-Replacement Therapy,” Shalender Bhasin, MB, BS, of the Research Program in Men’s Health: Aging and Metabolism, Boston Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School in Boston, Mass.

“First, a majority of middle-aged and older men with hypogonadism enrolled in TRAVERSE (50.8%) reported significant depressive symptoms. So middle-aged and older men with hypogonadism should be evaluated for depressive symptoms because depression adversely affects quality of life, ability to function in daily life, and increases the risk of substance use and self-harm.

Second, the trial, by virtue of its large size and relatively long duration, provided the first high-quality evidence that TRT improves mood and energy in men with hypogonadism and low mood.

Third, over 10% of men in the trial reported major depressive disorder or had severe depressive symptoms. TRT did not improve depressive symptoms in these men with major depressive disorder. Thus, TRT does not represent an effective treatment option for most men with clinical depressive disorders.

Fourth, the trial dispelled a widely held dogma in the field that mid- or late-life onset, low-grade, persistent depressive disorder (LG-PDD, previously called dysthymia) is specifically associated with testosterone deficiency and improves with TRT. The prevalence of late life LG-PDD in the study participants was very low (about 1.5%).

The TRAVERSE trial’s findings should facilitate a more informed appraisal of the benefits and risks of testosterone treatment by middle-aged and older men with hypogonadism and their clinicians.”
 

hCG Mixing Calculator

HCG Mixing Protocol Calculator

TRT Hormone Predictor Widget

TRT Hormone Predictor

Predict estradiol, DHT, and free testosterone levels based on total testosterone

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer

This tool provides predictions based on statistical models and should NOT replace professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your TRT protocol.

ℹ️ Input Parameters

Normal range: 300-1000 ng/dL

Predicted Hormone Levels

Enter your total testosterone value to see predictions

Results will appear here after calculation

Understanding Your Hormones

Estradiol (E2)

A form of estrogen produced from testosterone. Important for bone health, mood, and libido. Too high can cause side effects; too low can affect well-being.

DHT

Dihydrotestosterone is a potent androgen derived from testosterone. Affects hair growth, prostate health, and masculinization effects.

Free Testosterone

The biologically active form of testosterone not bound to proteins. Directly available for cellular uptake and biological effects.

Scientific Reference

Lakshman KM, Kaplan B, Travison TG, Basaria S, Knapp PE, Singh AB, LaValley MP, Mazer NA, Bhasin S. The effects of injected testosterone dose and age on the conversion of testosterone to estradiol and dihydrotestosterone in young and older men. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2010 Aug;95(8):3955-64.

DOI: 10.1210/jc.2010-0102 | PMID: 20534765 | PMCID: PMC2913038

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