Connect
Bloodwork and Depression/Anxiety
I went in for a physical a while back. I’ve known for a while now that I’ve been stuck in depression and then added anxiety while going through divorce. I asked to have my blood levels checked. They only checked Thyroid and Hemoglobin even though I asked for a thorough check up. The tests came back low but barely within range on one. I finally had to go to a health store and pay to have my bloodwork done. That found alarming low levels of B12, B6, Vitamin D and extremely low testosterone of 125. Now I had to pay to give myself testosterone shots and another med to help start producing it again. I’m not sure it’s working. I should be able to do this through my insurance instead of out of pocket. I do now realize it was causing by depression and anxiety because it started going away as I took the vitamins and testosterone. Why don’t Drs look at these things first? So many people are suffering at my age of 54 and are being told it’s normal. Please start with those tests before giving out depression and anxiety meds. Sometimes that’s not the issue. I had brain fog. I was tired all the time. My man boobs were horrible. It is all slowly getting better but only because I initiated these tests. Please tell me why Drs don’t check these things more often. I’m guessing lack of training or awareness. I would love to hear from others dealing with similar issues.
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Depression & Anxiety Support Group.
Connect
I regret to say that I find this all the time! My theory is that, with Dr shortages, practicing doctors are overloaded and they are pressured to take 15 min with each patient, etc. But, my theory doesn't keep me from getting very irritated, and sometimes just damn Mad! I feel your frustration.
P
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@colonel212121
Welcome to Mayo connect. It is frustrating when providers are conversative in their approach. They usually start by only checking for common problems.
I would not start self-medicating myself based on blood test from a Health Store.
Have you shared the test results with you provider? They may rerun blood tests or make sure there is not another reason for results. And if new blood test confirm result, future medication may be covered by insurance.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
6 ReactionsFind Integrative Internal Medicine Doctor who deals with natural hormones and anti- aging protocols. You may need to upgrade your medical insurance coverage. I was shocked by the care a friend who chose a very cheap Medicare advantage policy received. He had to beg for three years, just to get a vitamin D3 blood test. It came back extremely low normal. At the least, University hospital Internal Medicine Clinics will do a good job, and certainly order important tests.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 Reactions@colonel212121
Found a few additional resources that be of interest:
In Mayo Connect's Men's Health Blog, there is an article on Testosterone Therapy.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/mens-health-1/newsfeed-post/testosterone-therapy/
You may also want to check out the Men's Health group:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/mens-health-1/
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionHealth food stores do blood tests and interpret them? When did they start this?
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionSorry. It’s a place called Relive Health in Lakeville MN. They do Health, Wellness and Anti-Aging
I agree with you. You can’t really have a regular Dr anymore.
I am working with them on it now. I had to do something because I just wasn’t feeling right and the anxiety meds did not help anything. My B6, B12 and D are now back into the normal range. They are retesting my testosterone next week. I was down to 125
Thank you! I am now working with one of the local Drs. I will check out the articles.
First, I would look for a new provider. I know of one Internal Medicine physician who if you told him you didn't feel well he would start with the basics - Complete metabolic panel, CBC with differential, Lipid panel and check Vitamin levels......there in the results may lay the culprit to not feeling well. But these physicians are few and far between. I have become increasingly disappointed in the with the doctors with whom I have encountered for evaluation/treatment all the way from Family Practice to Specialty (then Specialty to the Specialty). The United States as being the best in the world has one of the poorest health care systems!