Testosterona y salud mental: una revisión

Testosterone is a steroid hormone synthesized from cholesterol in the Leydig cells of the testes, and in lower concentrations in the theca cells of the ovary and the zona reticularis of the adrenal glands. Testosterone is involved in the differentiation of the brain and the testes and in the development of primary and secondary sexual characteristics. This hormone also modulates the expression of certain behaviours and personality traits, especially those related to the maintenance of social status and reproduction. For example, high levels of testosterone are associated with aggressiveness, competitiveness, dominance, sexual libido, seeking mate, etc. However, testosterone has also been associated with some disorders related to mental health, mainly the mood disorders (anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder), psychotic disorders (schizophrenia), and personality disorders. The aim of this study was to conduct an exhaustive review of the main research on the matter and to provide an overview on the role of testosterone in the incidence of those disorders.