Could HRT Treatment Be a Solution to Depression in Men?
Depression is a problem that faces millions of people all over the world. It’s estimated that over 16 million adults in the United States alone have at least one major depressive episode in a given year. For some people it can last a few days, others a few weeks, and for some it can last years or their entire life. Depression takes on a number of different forms and has various causes, and it affects both men and women. Because there are so many different forms of depression, it’s often hard to know how to treat it. If you’re a man who is suffering from depression, one solution that could improve your mental health is hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
Causes and Signs of Depression
First, it’s important to understand the causes of depression and to recognize the signs in yourself. There is no single cause of depression, meaning you can have it for several reasons. It could be due to low self-esteem, a chronic illness, family history, certain life factors, or an anxiety disorder. For men, one possible reason is due to a low testosterone level, which is where an HRT treatment would come in.
There are a few common symptoms that people with depression are likely to have. You could have trouble sleeping, there could be severe changes in your diet, you could have a lack of energy throughout the day, a loss of interest in things you once found enjoyable, or even thoughts of suicide. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, you should talk to a doctor as soon as you can. They will help you to figure out if it’s depression you’re dealing with and to find out the root cause.
What is HRT Treatment?
HRT treatment is used when someone has lower levels of testosterone than they should. Most men will develop less testosterone as they age, but for some men this production dips abnormally low. HRT treatment aims to introduce more testosterone hormones into your body to balance out the deficit in production.
If the cause of your depression is a low testosterone level, then HRT treatment may be right for you. This treatment can take the form of injections, patches you can apply to your back, arms, buttocks or stomach, or a topic gel. Again, you will want to consult with your doctor to ensure that an HRT treatment is the right step for you and that you take the recommended course of action.
Don’t Suffer Through Depression
Depression is a problem that can ruin your life. It’s important that once you start feeling the symptoms of depression, you take steps to address your symptoms. For some people this is HRT treatment, while for others it may require other medications or therapy. Each person is different and will require their own course of treatment to address the root cause of their depression.
Depression is a serious medical issue that shouldn’t be ignored or taken lightly. So, if you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of depression such as fatigue, changes in appetite, or thoughts of suicide, talk to your doctor or psychiatrist.