Suggest Remedy For Depression In A Person With Prostate Cancer

Posted on Tue, 13 Jan 2015

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

Tue, 13 Jan 2015 Answered on

Tue, 10 Feb 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I HAVE A FRIEND WHO HAS HAD CA OF PROSTATE. TX OF CHEMO. HE IS SO DEPRESSED,CRYING.WHEN TESTRONE SPELLING WRONG...OR MALE HORMONE IS GONE. COULD THIS CAUSE HIS DEPRESSION PROBLEM?

Answered by Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (29 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes

Detailed Answer:
Sorry to hear about your friend's medical condition.

Depressed mood can be a result of low testosterone. It is one of the several symptoms of testosterone deficiency in males.

Now the important thing here is that cancer of the prostate directly does not lower testosterone. Some forms of chemotherapy can though. But the typical scenario in this context is the use of 'hormonal ablation' using a form of treatment called GnRH analogues to intentionally lower testosterone levels. If your friend received this treatment then it is likely his blood testosterone levels are very low. It would be worthwhile checking them too.

The best time to test is the early morning before 9 am. Fasting is not necessary. It is advisable to also simultaneously check
CBC
CMP
SHBG
FSH
LH
Ferritin
Prolactin

This gives a comprehensive idea of the problem.

It would be relevant to see an endocrinologist in person to see if bone density testing (DXA) is warranted because low testosterone levels over time can cause low bone density. This results in a greater risk for fractures. Medications are available to prevent bone loss in this circumstance

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