Random depression since 15?

[Scarface94]

I'm an 18 year old male. Ever since about age 15, the exact same time I started getting acne, I have been experiencing problems that pregnant women experience. At 15 all of the sudden my digestive system is soooooo slow. I can eat something and not poop it out until like 2 days later. I am VERY depressed and never used to be, I have a great home life. I am really sensitive to things people say, my friends have been like "dude what's your problem lately?" because the little things they say set me off. I got REALLY dry hair, no conditioner helps it or anything, it's a fluffy mess when it dries. I also can't think of the proper words to say, when it feels like it's at the tip of my tongue. I just am not articulate anymore when I used to be.

I also crave random things and my taste has changed, like I'm more sensitive to foods than I used to. I'm also ALWAYS bored. I used to love video games and other things, but I never enjoy them as much anymore. I eat lots of fruits and veggies as well as drink a lot of water. I'm an 18 yr old male, ill be 19 in 2 months. Is all this caused by hormones from puberty? If so, will it ever end?

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Usually puberty ends by 16-17 years in males.

[Scarface94]

How did I get low thyroid function out of the blue at 15 when I got acne during puberty? I really think it's puberty because it's way too coincidental that it happened at that time in my life. I say that because that was when I was getting taller at a fast rate and my voice deepened, followed by all the problems I mentioned in the paragraph above.

My sex drive also got insanely high which I forgot to mention and I get really attracted to girls so I do not have low testosterone. I'm not craving things because I'm depressed and not because of dehydration. Certainly not because i have hypoglycemia. I think hormonal imbalance is why but because I'm still in puberty.

My question is, when does puberty end for a male? I'm going to be 19 in about 2 weeks.

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi!
I read through your post and feel that you could be suffering from a combination of medical problems and lack of motivation in life. Dry hair, dry scalp, constipation, feeling depressed etc can be signs of low thyroid function. Low testosterone is another possibility. Other causes could be anemia and diabetes.

Apart from this adolescents of your age need a drive or motivation in life. You must hae a goal (professional, personal, social etc) and work towards it. Join an activity class that can de-stress you (yoga, music, dance, gym etc). Simple walking, cycling, swimming too helps.

Craving for certain food types can be due to hypoglycemia, dehydration, hormonal imbalance, and depression.

Since I cannot examine you, you must consult your GP and school/college counselor to get to the bottom of this.

I sincerely hope you will find this information useful in your journey towards better health.

Hope you get well soon! Good Luck and take care!