The problem of depression and obesity among clergy is frightening. Some clergy and denominations (United Methodist, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and Southern Baptists) are openly addressing this problem and some addressed these matters long ago. My recent research into hormones and mental illness Led me to an important discovery related to depression, obesity, poor work performance, loss of height, being grumpy, and other health problems in men.

My research has dug into testosterone and mental illness in men. According to the Harvard Gazette 1/9/03, we have known that major depression in men with low T-score can be relieved. However, the treatment never caught on due to the painful injections and the development of new drugs to fight depression.

Better means of testosterone treatment were developed in recent years with the gel being the latest and best method approved since 2000. Studies have been done in men with depression and low T-scores who did not find antidepressants very helpful. The findings were amazing!

The “Jan. 1, 2003, issue of the American Journal of Psychiatry’, states that in any given year 8 percent of American men over 30 years old will experience an episode of major depression. A substantial minority of these men will get only partial help, or none at all, from popular antidepressants. . . Given the size of this population, together with the increased availability and convenience of testosterone gels, it would seem important to assess carefully the benefits and risks of adding hormone replacement to antidepressant drugs.”

Quote from the  Harvard Gazette.  “A recent study estimates that as many as 13 million men in the United States over age 45 may have Low T.”

Beyond the obvious importance of this hormone in men, a lower than normal level of it does contribute to muscle loss and fat gain, tiredness, fatigue, or loss of energy, depressed mood or moodiness. Similarly, the symptoms of sleep apnea include weight gain, tiredness, and depression. Contrary to the general perspective of many people, a majority of those with obstructive sleep apnea are not overweight.

It is not only related to “Obesity, but also to Diabetes, Hypertension (high blood pressure), 1-lyperlipidemia (high cholesterol), Asthma/COPD.” Having Low T can also increase your chance of having osteoporosis. It has also been reported that 30% to 50% of men with HIV/AIDS may have low testosterone.”

Other symptoms of a low T-score also include “a recent deterioration in your ability to play sports. falling asleep after dinner, and a recent deterioration in your work performance.” Studies have shown that increasing the T-score of a depressed man with low T has a positive impact on both the physical and psychological aspects of depression. More study still needs to be done.

This knowledge also shows how inadequate books like Dr: Phil Weight Loss are because there is more to weight loss than poor knowledge, and emotional issues. Despite the obvious subject people think about when they hear the name of this hormone, these additional medical facts are important for the health of our clergy.

Additionally, when a below normal testosterone level in men is not detected early, it leads to osteoporosis. This hormone is crucial to making a solid backbone. Very often there is an additional problem of not enough vitamin D. When this is the case, the doctor will prescribe Ergocalciferol a very high dose of vitamin D. A lack of this vitamin hinders the body’s absorption of vitamin C. Vitamin D deficiency also has symptoms such as increased risk of getting sick, depression, bone pain, weak bones, muscle weakness, insomnia, low energy/fatigue, and irritability or mood swings.

Likewise, when a below normal estrogen level is not discovered soon, it leads to osteoporosis as well. While primary doctor’s test for these hormone levels, it is unfair to expect them to know endocrinology more deeply. A good endocrinologist will order a bone density scan, blood work and possibly other tests to investigate the whole situation. Very often several medications are added to the hormone supplements.

So along with the testosterone treatment is added the following meds. Taking FOSAMAX 70mg for 15 weeks does make a significant impact within 6 weeks. Also, two Calcium Citrate with D tablets a day does help with this. However, it may take from 2 - 3 years for a person to regain a healthy bone density.

For more on Depression see: