Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Depression: Overview

Depression: Overview

Depression is a prevalent mental illness marked by persistent sadness and lack of interest in previously enjoyable activities. It can take several forms, including major depression, persistent depressive disorder, and bipolar I and II disorders. Symptoms range from emotional changes like chronic worry to physical changes like sleep disturbances and suicidal thoughts. From a neurobiological perspective, depression is believed to be triggered by abnormalities in the brain's prefrontal cortex,...

Testosterone: Functions and Regulation

Testosterone: Functions and Regulation

The intricate hormonal interplay essential for male reproductive health begins with the release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) by the hypothalamus. This hormone prompts the pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). LH targets the Leydig cells in the testes, stimulating them to produce and release testosterone. In concert with testosterone, FSH acts on the Sertoli cells within the seminiferous tubules to facilitate the release of...

Menopause

Menopause

Menopause, a natural biological process marking the end of a woman's fertility, typically occurs between the fifth and sixth decade of life. This phase is characterized by the exhaustion of the ovarian follicle pool, leading to less responsive ovaries despite the high levels of Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH). The consequential decrease in estrogen production results in symptoms like hot flashes, heavy sweating, headaches, hair loss, muscle pains, vaginal...

Disorders of the Male Reproductive System

Disorders of the Male Reproductive System

Men's health issues are increasingly recognized as significant, with several conditions posing common threats. Among these, testicular cancer is especially prevalent in younger men, particularly those aged 20 to 35 years. The disease often manifests as a painless mass in the testicles, sometimes accompanied by a sensation of heaviness or a dull ache.
Prostate disorders are another major concern. These conditions can impair urinary flow due to the prostate's location around the urethra. Symptoms...

Depressive Disorders: MDD and Dysthymia

Depressive Disorders: MDD and Dysthymia

Depressive disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by pervasive feelings of sadness, diminished pleasure in life, and a significant impact on daily functioning. These conditions are most prevalent in individuals during their 30s and affect women at twice the rate of men. Contrary to popular belief, younger individuals are generally more susceptible to these disorders than older adults. Two key types of depressive disorders include Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and...

Depressive Disorders: Etiology

Depressive Disorders: Etiology

Depressive disorders result from a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors, each contributing uniquely to the development and persistence of the condition. Understanding these factors provides critical insight into the multifaceted nature of depression.
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Quality of life, mood, and sexual function: a path analytic model of treatment effects in men with erectile dysfunction and depressive symptoms.

International journal of impotence research·2004

Same author

Transdermal testosterone treatment in women.

Current psychiatry reports·2003

Same author

Efficacy and safety of sildenafil in estrogenized women with sexual dysfunction.

Current psychiatry reports·2003

Same author

Relationship between depression and other medical illnesses.

JAMA·2001

Same author

Treatment of erectile dysfunction in men with depressive symptoms: results of a placebo-controlled trial with sildenafil citrate.

The American journal of psychiatry·2001

Same author

Testosterone level, androgen receptor polymorphism, and depressive symptoms in middle-aged men.

Biological psychiatry·2001

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 17, 2026

An Unpredictable Chronic Mild Stress Protocol for Instigating Depressive Symptoms, Behavioral Changes and Negative Health Outcomes in Rodents

An Unpredictable Chronic Mild Stress Protocol for Instigating Depressive Symptoms, Behavioral Changes and Negative Health Outcomes in Rodents

Published on: December 2, 2015

Normative hypogonadism and depression: Does 'andropause' exist?

¹Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY 10032, USA. sns5@columbia.edu

International Journal of Impotence Research

|January 6, 2006

Summary

Aging men often experience declining testosterone levels, leading to hypogonadism. This review examines the link between androgens, or testosterone deficiency, and depression in older men.

More Related Videos

Treatment Model for Young Patients with Psychogenic Erectile Dysfunction and Resultant Infertility

Treatment Model for Young Patients with Psychogenic Erectile Dysfunction and Resultant Infertility

Published on: May 30, 2025

Establishment of Rat Models Mimicking Gender-affirming Hormone Therapies

Establishment of Rat Models Mimicking Gender-affirming Hormone Therapies

Published on: January 10, 2025

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 17, 2026

An Unpredictable Chronic Mild Stress Protocol for Instigating Depressive Symptoms, Behavioral Changes and Negative Health Outcomes in Rodents

An Unpredictable Chronic Mild Stress Protocol for Instigating Depressive Symptoms, Behavioral Changes and Negative Health Outcomes in Rodents

Published on: December 2, 2015

Treatment Model for Young Patients with Psychogenic Erectile Dysfunction and Resultant Infertility

Treatment Model for Young Patients with Psychogenic Erectile Dysfunction and Resultant Infertility

Published on: May 30, 2025

Establishment of Rat Models Mimicking Gender-affirming Hormone Therapies

Establishment of Rat Models Mimicking Gender-affirming Hormone Therapies

Published on: January 10, 2025

Area of Science:

Endocrinology
Geriatrics
Men's Health

Background:

Testosterone levels progressively decline with age, affecting at least 25% of men over 70.
Age-associated hypofunctioning of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, termed 'andropause', is linked to symptoms in elderly men.
Symptoms may include sexual dysfunction and depression, though direct correlations with testosterone levels are challenging to establish.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the relationship between androgens and depression in aging men.
To explore the concept of 'andropause' and its potential impact on mood.

Main Methods:

Literature review of cross-sectional and longitudinal studies.
Analysis of evidence regarding testosterone replacement therapy and its effects.
Examination of the link between HPG-axis dysfunction and depressive illness.

Main Results:

Testosterone deficiency (hypogonadism) is common in older men.
Testosterone replacement may improve muscle strength, bone density, and erectile function.
Evidence linking HPG-axis dysfunction to depression is limited; androgens are not consistently antidepressant.

Conclusions:

While andropause is associated with various symptoms in aging men, its direct link to depression is not well-established.
Further research is needed to clarify the role of androgens in mood disorders in older men.
Testosterone replacement shows benefits for physical symptoms but not consistently for depression.