Giving testosterone to men with chronic heart failure makes them feel less depressed and improves mobility, according to a study at the University of Sheffield Medical School, UK.
The study analysed 48 men with stable chronic heart failure to see if there was a link between heart failure, testosterone levels and depression.
The relationship between heart failure and depression was strong, with 17 of the men being diagnosed as clinically depressed. But no link was found between the men’s natural blood levels of testosterone and depression. Of the 48 men, 20 volunteered to participate in the second stage of the study and receive either testosterone injections (Sustanon 100) or an inactive placebo every 2 weeks over a 3-month period.
Of those who received testosterone injections, four had been diagnosed as clinically depressed. After treatment, these four men plus one other reported feeling more confident and less tearful. Their scores on a measure of depression, the Beck Depression Inventory, improved on average from 7.3 to 5.7, researchers say.
The other five men who received testosterone felt no mental change. But all 10 were able to walk with more ease, because they had less muscle wasting, a symptom of heart failure.
Although testosterone treatment did not improve heart function, the effect on the patient’s mental and physical state was important, researchers say.
An antidepressant might have a better effect on the patients’ mood, but it could not improve their physical well-being like testosterone, they pointed out.
Testosterone boosts mood in men with heart disease - The Almagest
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