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Hormone Therapy for Depression

Depression affects millions of people regardless of age and gender, and is often due to some form of hormonal imbalance or deficiency. Certain hormonal changes later in life can lead to depression for men as well as women. In such cases, hormone therapy can help. It is important to know how this type of treatment works. Understanding more about hormone therapy will help you and your doctor make an informed decision for you.

  1. Hormone Therapy for Menopause-Related Depression

    • Both men and women experience hormonal changes during middle age that can cause depression. For aging women, menopause can lead to the symptoms of depression, states the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

      Estrogen and progestin are hormones that can be used to help aging women cope with symptoms of depression, by restoring a hormonal balance within the brain and body. These hormones can be prescribed by a physician in pill, cream or patch formulations.

      Usually, hormone therapy for menopause-related depression is used short-term, in conjunction with an antidepressant such as Prozac (fluoxetine) or Paxil (paroxetine) for maximum effectiveness.

    Testosterone and Depression in Men

    • For aging men, hormone therapy can be beneficial for alleviating depression symptoms. Declining levels of testosterone can cause mood changes and depression in aging men, states the Mayo Clinic.

      Testosterone replacement therapy may help treat the symptoms and physiological causes of depression for men who have naturally declining levels of testosterone. Injections, creams and patches are used to deliver testosterone into the male body, and can improve both mood and energy symptoms of depression.

    Hormone Therapy and Depression: Other Considerations

    • Aging is the primary natural cause of hormonal imbalance that can lead to depression in men and women. Still, certain illnesses such as type 2 diabetes and AIDS can cause serious depression, and these can be treated effectively with hormones such as testosterone.

      Dehydroepiandrosterone, or DHEA, is another potential hormone therapy for depression. According to the National Institutes of Health, clinical trials strongly suggest that this supplement--available at certain pharmacies to consumers over 18 years of age--can help with depression symptoms.

      As with any depression treatment, hormone therapy is an issue to discuss carefully with your doctor. If depression is not related to a hormonal change or deficiency, more traditional therapy such as antidepressant medication or counseling may prove more effective. Opening a dialogue with your physician about hormone therapy for depression is vital in getting the help you may need.

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