The Effect of Testosterone Levels on Mood in Men: A Review

BackgroundThe effects of both high and low levels of testosterone are wide ranging and can include changes in mood, often overlapping with symptoms of mood disorders.ObjectiveWe sought to review the literature on the correlation of high and low levels of testosterone on mood disorders in men.ResultsBased on limited studies, high levels of testosterone are related to increased rates of depression as well as hypomania, whereas low levels of testosterone are related to depressive disorders in certain subpopulations of patients. There is insufficient evidence to conclude that low testosterone level routinely leads to major depressive disorder in men.ConclusionsPhysicians should consider screening for low testosterone levels in certain subgroups of depressed men.