Effects of androgen and leptin on behavioral and cellular responses in female rats

► The cause of affective symptoms in conditions with androgen excess is unknown. ► Exogenous androgens decrease locomotor activity indicating anxiety-like behavior. ► Androgens regulate the androgen receptor by decreasing hypothalamic expression. ► Androgens increase leptin synthesis in adipose tissue. ► Androgen drives central leptin signaling and may regulate anxiety-related behavior.