Does Intake Of Androgel Induce Panic Attacks And Anxiety ?

Posted on Tue, 26 Jul 2011

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 Answered on

Last reviewed on

Question : I am 69 and have been taking Androgel for past 9 years at 5g per day. On occasion, would double the dose ... a few times a month for 2-3 days. For the past year or so, I am getting more and more anxiousness, panic attacks. I do not drink alcohol or smoke. My wife says that it's time for me to diminish or cease Androgel. She says that my anxiety and mood swings are related to that Is she right?

Answered by Dr. V. Kumaravel (20 hours later)

Hi,

Thanks for the query.

I do understand from the provided details that you had been taking Androgel (Testosterone) for the past 9 years. Mood swings are well documented with testosterone therapy. Having said I am more concerned about your prostate now.

Are you testing your prostate size, PSA levels and hemoglobin regularly? These parameters are to be monitored at periodic interval. If not done please do get these tests done. It should be part of your annual physical each year.

I would also like to know why was androgel prescribed for you. was it for andropause? If it was for andropause you can consider stopping androgel.

Wish you good health.

Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. V. Kumaravel (46 minutes later)

Thank you. Yes, I have my PSA checked yearly and I get a rectal exam. I get regular blood work also , so I presume that he checks hemoglobin. When I started Androgel it was for andropause but my doctor always said that the tetesterone lab test where just so-so reliable. Rather, its was "how you felt".

I was thinking of reducing my Androgel to 2.5 per day and see if my anxiety/mood with become OK. Although, I don't know if its prudent at my age to stay on Androgel....on the other hand, if I stop it entirely, will I still have a sex life ?? I'm afraid of that part. Thanks and hope you can respond.

Follow up: Dr. V. Kumaravel (5 minutes later)

p.s. if I stop androgel completely, does that mean that my body will not produce testeterone anymore and i will become completely impotent....

Answered by Dr. V. Kumaravel (20 minutes later)

Hi,

Thanks for the Follow-up

I do understand that testosterone was given for the probable diagnosis of andropause and you had been monitored regularly.

You need not be worried about your sexual functions, as anxiety itself will reduce your sexual performance. Options would be to gradually decrease under the guidance of a physician. It is important to see what happens to your mood swings and sexual functions.

Wish you good health.

Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar