Lower Testosterone Linked with Depression and Depressive Symptoms

First Posted: Jul 06, 2015 06:11 PM EDT

Lower testosterone may be linked with depression. Scientists have discovered that men referred for tertiary care for borderline testosterone levels had much higher rates of depression and depressive symptoms than those of the general population.

"In an era where more and more men are being tested for 'Low T'-or lower levels of testosterone-there is very little data about the men who have borderline low testosterone levels," said Michael S. Irwig, one of the researchers, in a news release. "We felt it important to explore the mental health of this population."

In this latest study, the researchers examined 200 adult men between the ages of 20 and 77. The mean age of the men was 48 years. All of them were referred for borderline total testosterone levels between 200 and 350 ng/dL. Information gathered included demographics, medical histories,medication use, signs and symptoms of hypogonadism, and assessments of depressive symptoms and/or a known diagnosis of depression or use of an antidepressant."

In fact, the scientists found depression and/or depressive symptoms were present in 56 percent of the subjects. Furthermore, one quarter of the men in the study were taking antidepressants; the men also had high rates of obesity and low rates of physical activity. The most common symptoms among the men were erectile dysfunction, decreased libido, fewer morning erections, low energy and sleep disturbances.

Obviously, more research needs to be done in order to confirm findings. However, researchers recommend that clinicians should consider screening for depression and depressive symptoms, overweight and unhealthy lifestyle factors in men who are referred for tertiary care for potential hypogonadism.

The findings are published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine.

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TagsTestosterone, Sex, Depression, Antidepressants