# Testosterone and bone health for women

> Testosterone may strengthen women’s bones but generic Wellbutrin causes depression.
- Title: Testosterone and bone health for women · Seattletimes
- Summary: Testosterone may strengthen women’s bones but generic Wellbutrin causes depression. Testosterone helps women’s bone density but switching to generic…
- Keywords: testosterone, bone density, wellbutrin, generic drugs, depression, osteopenia, hormone replacement therapy, menopause, Seattletimes
- Source: Seattletimes — https://seattletimes.com/life/wellness/will-testosterone-strengthen-womens-bones
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: testosterone, bone density, wellbutrin, generic drugs, depression, osteopenia, hormone replacement therapy, menopause, news, local
## Reader experience with hormone therapy
A reader started hormone replacement therapy with estradiol/testosterone pellets and compounded progesterone capsules.

> I started hormone replacement therapy with estradiol/testosterone pellets in my hips and compounded progesterone capsules
## Hormone therapy benefits
After five years of hormone replacement therapy, the reader’s DEXA scan showed normal bone density with no osteopenia.

> I’d had osteopenia in my right hip for years, but after five years of HRT, my DEXA scan was normal: no more osteopenia
## Testosterone and bone health
Scientists found testosterone levels in middle-aged women link to higher bone mineral density in spines.

> Investigators analyzing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES 2011-2016) found a link between testosterone levels in middle-aged women and bone mineral density in their spines
## Generic Wellbutrin side effects
Switching to generic bupropion caused depression, anxiety and palpitations within a week.

> Within a week, I began feeling more depressed than ever. I had an upset stomach and anxiety that I had not experienced before. I was even having palpitations
## Cost and access issues
Brand-name Wellbutrin XL costs more than $3,000 while generic bupropion costs less than $10 per month.

> Brand-name Wellbutrin XL 300 milligrams could cost more than $3,000. Generic bupropion costs less than $10 for a month’s supply
## Customs shutdown risk
Customs and Border Protection will shut down pharmaceutical imports in less than three months.

> Customs and Border Protection has announced that it will shut down pharmaceutical imports in less than three months
## Key takeaway

Testosterone helps women’s bone density but switching to generic Wellbutrin can trigger depression.