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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Mr. SadPuppyDog on October 9, 2002, at 11:54:18
http://www.depressionet.com.au/archives/news_181000hhfd.html
Hormone Hope For Depressed
By: TANYA TAYLOR MEDICAL REPORTER
Wednesday 18th October 2000
From Section: News
Publication: Herald Sun
© Herald Sun. Reproduced by Permission--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tens of thousands of Australian women were taking antidepressant drugs unnecessarily because of low testosterone levels, according to a women's health expert.
The hormone, normally associated with male libido, is an important mood regulator in women and is also vital for bone health and general wellbeing.But Jean Hailes Foundation research director Susan Davis said menopausal women were often misdiagnosed with depression when their testosterone levels slumped.
"Women are being put on anti-depressants because they are feeling miserable," Dr Davis said.
"But increasingly we are having psychiatrists referring us patients after having checked their testosterone levels. They are saying that this may not just be depression, it may be hormonal."
Speaking on World Menopause Day, Dr Davis said at least 20 per cent of women over 40 who were taking anti-depressants should not be: "That equates to a lot of women using what is basically a Ban-Aid therapy."
The Jean Hailes Foundation plans to investigate the effect of testosterone on libido, depression, bone density and general health in post-menopausal women.
Dr Davis said she was looking for about 50 women who had had their ovaries removed, were in a relationship, were using estrogen patches but were not taking anti-depressants.
She said the women would recieve either testoserone patches - unavailable outside clinical trials - or a placebo.
Dr Davis said that around the time of menopause, testosterone levels could drop by more than 50 per cent. But she said conventional tests and hormone replacement focused on estrogen levels.
"During the normal menstrual cycle the ovaries produce three important hormones: estrogen, testosterone and progesterone," she said.
"Women who undergo the removal of their ovaries, and in some cases hysterectomy, lose their natural supply of testosterone ... this also happens spontaneously in some women.
Anyone wanting to take part in the Jean Hailes testosterone trial should phone 9562 7555.
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