Original Article Link/Full Article With Sources Located at --> https://area1255.blogspot.com/2017/11/androgens-for-depression-are-they....
This article is of full rights and ownership of Area-1255 BT LTD, Jason De'Russo/Russo and can not be used without expressly asking the owners consent. This article is also offered in an expanded form as a full book with the same name. Information is posted on the website.

Once again, in respect of this forum and its members, full text is available here for Members to see.

Androgens for Depression : Are they Nature's Intended Prozac?

INTRODUCTION

Throughout the years I've heard, and seen, questions like ''Can androgens cure Depression?'' and 'is Testosterone the solution to Depression', posed in and around the Fitness community. These types of discussions are indirectly supported at the Gym, and bathed in success stories of the affirmative where you hear one brotha' saying that his Depression ''resolved'' after the use of Proviron. Another saying that Masteron gave him euphoria. Mesterolone is ''just like Effexor''.

In fact, I'm willing to bet there aren't any more than a few persons per thousand who don't agree that androgen-like compounds provide a strongly noticeable boost in Mood. That's actually the high-point after all, for compounds like Masteron which have immense psychological effects, mainly offering a sometimes ridiculous boost in optimism, libido & mental drive [1] [2] [3].

...But let's not get started in saying that androgens are next Psychiatric breakthrough for that matter, there's still a lot of research to be explored...which we will hit in this article.

CHAPTER ONE : The Discovery of the Androgen

Androgens were first discovered in 1936 [4] [5]. Though the idea of male sex hormones and Testosterone have been inferred since the late 1800's, when the Harvard Professor Brown-Sequard first described his inadvertent use of it as an ''elixir'', the actual confirmatory research did not happen until University of Chicago's Professor of Physiological Chemistry - Fred Koch, obtained a large degree of the substance from bull testicles. In 1927, he injected it into castrated roosters, and confirmed the findings of Mr.Sequard's rejuvenating tonic [6] [7] [8].

Further research engulfed this mystery substance with curiosity and passion, tack on additional experimentation by other scientists in Amsterdam and Europe, and now you have a full scale steroid research program that finally materialized in the 1930's because now science had the capabilities.

Now they were able to isolate a pure form of testosterone and begin study on the effect this substance would have on humans. So in
1935 we had an extract of the hormone that we now know as testosterone. Later on that year they were able to chemically synthesize this hormone from
cholesterol. Around 1939 the Nobel prize in chemistry was given jointly to two scientists, Butenandt and Ruzicka. They partially sythesized testosterone
from a cholesterol base, and thus began the "golden age" of steroid chemistry that occurred in the period from this time into the 1950's.

This synthesized compound of testosterone as it was called, or more accurately a whole family of this compounds derivatives were ''officially'' discovered and classified between 1936 and 1950 [9].

Since these years, a whole heck of a lot of research has been done.

The prominent role of Testosterone in maintaining and gaining muscle mass was elucidated and defined [10].
The role of Testosterone in body fat and metabolism was made clear [11].
The role of Testosterone in general health and male vitality was a cornerstone in endocrine research [12].
The role of steroid derivatives and Testosterone metabolites was seen as having important roles in heart health [13].
The hormones role in cellular health was engaged [14].

CHAPTER TWO : Androgen's Two-Sided Establishment

For years there has always always been a clear two-sided establishment to the Androgen "craze". Health Officials actually attempted to underplay the benefits of androgens for a while [15] but they were vastly overshadowed by the tragic reality of Men with lower Testosterone dying from all sorts of diseases and disorders [16] and the reality of determined bodybuilders showing that even supraphysiological levels artificially administered isn't all bad.

If a strong built Physique isn't reason enough then the heart benefits of Testosterone being in the upper range, certainly are [17].

Of course, this doesn't stop "trendy" Western Doctors from trying to go on an illegitimate anti-masculinity crusade.

Then on the other side we have health officials.
Who...

Have falsely claimed that Testosterone is responsible for rage and wife-beating [18], a claim that was later debunked [19].
Claimed that Testosterone accelerates aging, a claim also debunked [20].
Tried to ban all Testosterone/prohormone supplements due to a superimposed perception of "danger" or risk to the public [21].
Attempted to say that Testosterone is the reason for disagreement in the world [22].
Claimed that Testosterone can cause premature death [23].

CHAPTER THREE : Never-land for the Androgen

There was a real crusade, an even stronger one than the one that ignited in the early 90's, a powerful law passed along with an anti-supplement campaign which left the old market in ruins [24]. Of course, both bodybuilders and their inevitable suppliers never actually run out of business. Demand creates opportunities and motivation finds the way to them. Circumstances change and laws are fought. In the meantime, products are re-labeled, chemists get more advanced and conflicts in the media continue [25].

Interestingly, during this time where the heat is on against androgens, Doctors ALSO play along and release even more damning statements "cautions" on Testosterone products and testosterone-like products [26].

...But then, it isn't all unfairly hammered against Testosterone - in 2004, the very year when all this shit was going down, Foxnews hopped on to a new study proving that low Testosterone can lead to memory loss [27].

Further studies vindicate Testosterone and reassure the public of its innocence [28].

CHAPTER FOUR : Androgen's Return from Exile

After years of slamming prohormones with new bills and harshly upping the anti-doping campaigns, things settle down in the Government a bit.

A new wave of research is commenced and Men everywhere are reaping the benefits of Testosterone Replacement Therapy [29].

The idea that it was ever even considered to be such a BAD THING is quickly being forgotten (although not by all) and instead reality vs convenience is the justification for the Testosterone revolution. Maybe, its second revolution.

Harvard comes forth with new articles - showing that the nations Top Universities are on for the truth and will show that Testosterone is of paramount importance in the Young and Aging Male [30].

CHAPTER FIVE : The Scales Tip Two Ways : Synthetic VS. Natural Androgens

Much of the biggest debate of course, remained with the conflict in research based on differential effects between natural and synthetic androgen substances. This confused some researchers, as they had assumed that 'bioidentical' hormones would produce similar results, yet it was deemed a milestone for the actual research, and the facilitation thereof.

So when you get one result from a natural androgen, and another result from a synthetic one [31], research has to be done to properly redefine the roles for these compounds, or at least find out where, the science went wrong. If that be the case of course. After redefinition, it was then that the proper roles can be elucidated for each set of substances, in order to continue researching where the continuance of androgen research can be applied. This goes for chronic disease states formerly or presently treated with androgens (i.e muscle catabolism, ALS, wasting disorder, Cancer and Depression), as well as future promises promoted by androgen research [32].

What was found is that the problem wasn't fully the difference between natural and synthetic, organic and man-made, endogenous or exogenous, but rather with the pharmacokinetics of the drugs, was a more common issue. Some of these synthetic compounds had issues with the liver (Deca, Winstrol, Trenbolone), and others simply had bioavailability issues, limiting human research. That didn't stop researchers from using them in in vivo studies though, nor in in vitro studies using the deceased. Ironic, but not inconceivable. These cases proved the test of time, and that androgens still remained a beyond promising treatment for many disease states - including Depression [33].

CHAPTER SIX : Enlightening the Androgen

If the phase of Androgen research continuously expanded, so would anabolic steroid users also have more to say [34]. Experiences, illegal or not, always end up providing useful feedback for Universities, Doctors, even the FDA. They won't admit it, necessarily, but it ends up doing them a great service - even if a bad decision follows.

As far as all the negativity, and to be perfectly honest - "negative" mood effects of high Androgen levels or steroid abuse in research are actually not that well-aligned. There are disagreements among researchers and Health Professionals - but perhaps most of all - the studies are clear.

IT IS NOT STEROIDS OR TESTOSTERONE THAT CAUSE THE MOOD SYMPTOMS.

It is the concurrent ABUSE - of both Testosterone AND Stimulants [35].

So let's explain WHY.

Long-term anabolic steroid use alters brain structure, cognition and receptor concentration [36], stimulants diminish brain activity over time [37] and decrease receptor concentration [38]. The combination of brain shrinkage, high blood pressure associated with concurrent steroid + stimulant use and decreased brain receptors leads to demeaning mental "side-effects" ...if you want to call them that.

Therefore, its NOT Testosterone or Androgens that cause any problems but the use of HARDCORE modified steroids like Nandrolone (Deca) along with stimulants or simply long-term use of them at all that leads to brain problems.

Which leads to behavior problems.

Which actually...

Justifies the case for ANDROGENS because NANDROLONE is NOT technically an androgen; its a Progestin-based steroidal compound.

CHAPTER SEVEN : Cognitive Benefits of the Androgen

If Mood is King for motivation, Cognition is the sword of winning.

Androgens are the equipment, the mindset and part of the Courage.

What more would one need?

So in studies, Testosterone improves Cognition.
Low levels of Testosterone are a risk-factor for BOTH Depression and Memory Loss [39].
Low Testosterone contributes to the development of Dementia [40].
So in all clarity, Testosterone and androgens in general (including DHT, androstanedione, and 3-alpha-diol; two important metabolites) are PRO-MEMORY/COGNITIVE substances [41].

CHAPTER EIGHT : Androgen's Can Play Risky or Risk-none

Androgens weren't just seen as risky because some of their synthetic counterparts could interact with the liver in a negative fashion, but rather, because of the hypothalamic suppression of natural hormone production. It was these reasons that put up a red-light on androgen research for a wider range of conditions. However, these days TRT is well-established and proves effective for even SSRI-resistant Depression, yet it suppresses the hypothalamus. Does that mean its dangerous? Not really. Just that one has to understand the risks, which are more of a major inconvenience, but after some time, mean infertility and other possible issues.

Dosing is very important, though. These compounds at lower doses tended to not have a big risk, not even much suppression, but the amount of 'low' we are talking about was too low for therapeutic value. Thus, it can't be assumed that using a Testosterone compound at super or ultra-low doses is the answer, because that would be a failed action-plan. Immediately. That also means, that somehow, for Depression at least, androgens would have to fall under a specific non-suppressing category to be ideal, of which there are basically none.

So, how the hell do we treat Depression with androgens, that don't exist?
The only way to play that card is with an androgen well-known, but not old-fashioned by any means, and by acceptance, that suppression goes with the territory.

Proviron, also known by its drug name, ingredient name; Mesterolone, is just about the only tablet that fits this profile.

Its even been studied in large pools of people in official research conditions, and has proven itself.

If you wanted to define another way this title fits in - let's look at Behavior in relevance to Depression.

Those who take too little risks never succeed, never get what they want, are often consumed by Fear/Anxiety and are more apt to desperation. Those who take too many risks, without calculation, too often, often come into contact with dangerous people, or results. But Androgens help to find a balance between risk-taking, and cautiousness, research suggests. This also is accepted in Adolescents, who sometimes are accused of taking "too many risks".

CHAPTER NINE & Conclusions : Are Androgens Suited for the Role?

Presented within this article are many bits of research along with Professional insights and my own conclusions based on such. There is no bias here. We (Area-1255) always go over the details fairly, the news, the research, all of it. Wherever there is room for open-analysis, we are there.

We do not have need to discriminate but see things as they are.

It is imperative to know that logic and common sense will allow many to come to these same conclusions - even if you don't have access to a computer or to research, personal observation and experience as to the health of those at the top of the hormonal mileau (such as Athletes) enjoy fabulous health benefits.

You will not often see an Olympian, or a bodybuilder in a "bad mood".

Assuming things are stable in their lives, you can guarantee they are living on their own natural ecstasy.

Perhaps of even larger importance, studies show even WOMEN benefit from Testosterone in treatment-resistant Depression [42]. That's right. So any of those athletic/fit women out there know the "true" reason why they have a better mood and enjoy life more. It can't be any clearer than it is examplified in human behavior.

More Androgens/Testosterone = better mood for all.

...But we should draw a line somewhere.

They are not necessarily cures and brain chemistry varies per person.

Therefore, we also should not ASSUME that Testosterone is the answer in everyone who suffers from Depression, but we owe it to ourselves to at least make it a consideration.

~Jason De'Russo/AMx ReBorN/D.Steckler of Area-1255.~