Hiya David, I am wondering about a course of action for a man, age 40, who had a pituitary adenoma about 8 years ago. He had surgery to remove the adenoma. It eventually came back but is so small and not growing that no one is very concerned about it. He currently gets testosterone cyproniate shots once a week and really wants to stop, but he says that if he goes longer than 3 weeks he starts feeling the affects of low T, particularly depression. It isn't clear (to him or his doctors apparently) whether he makes no T or just very little. He also takes levothyroxine, folic acid, and bupropion, which his is titrating off of with his doc. He's a vegetarian and has had no other major medical issues; he has struggled with his weight throughout his life. Wondering about general support? I'd like to let him know whether their are herbal options at all, frankly, so that he can decide if he wants to go down this path. Lex

well nothing will actually replace the testosterone shots, but herbs like Ashwagandha, Epimedium, Red Ginseng, and possibly a standardized Tribulus extract might be of some help. Is he vegan or vegetarian, does he get adequate B-12 ? If he coming off of Wellbutrin then depression will be even more likely and antidepressant herbs would be indicated depending on what type of depression he has.

Thanks. Right, I was thinking support versus replace the testosterone would be the way! He does get adequate B-12, not a vegan and eats plenty of dairy and eggs plus takes a multi-vitamin (I have no idea if it's a good one). He's never had love B-12 on any blood work. In terms of going off the Wellbutrin...seems like an odd time if he wants to cut back the testosterone, but I have been in the same spot--sometimes you just want off a thing. What do you mean by what type of depression? I'll inquire and research. Thanks!