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Updated: Jun 13, 2026
13:18
Robotically Delivered fMRI-Guided Personalized Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Therapy for Treatment-Resistant Depression
Published on: April 10, 2026
Low-dose transdermal testosterone augmentation therapy improves depression severity in women
Karen K Miller1, Roy H Perlis, George I Papakostas
1Neurendocrine Research Program in Women's Health, Neuendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA. kkmiller@partners.org
CNS Spectrums
|April 17, 2010
Summary
Low-dose testosterone augmentation therapy shows promise for women with treatment-resistant depression. This pilot study found significant improvements in depressive symptoms and fatigue, suggesting a potential new treatment option.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Endocrinology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Major depressive disorder (MDD) often shows inadequate response to antidepressant monotherapy in women.
- Testosterone augmentation is effective in hypogonadal men with treatment-resistant depression (TRD).
- The efficacy of low-dose testosterone in women with TRD remains unstudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential efficacy of low-dose transdermal testosterone as an augmentation therapy for women with treatment-resistant depression.
Main Methods:
- An 8-week open-label pilot study.
- Nine women with treatment-resistant depression received low-dose transdermal testosterone (300 mcg/day).
Main Results:
- Statistically significant improvement in Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) scores observed at 2 weeks, sustained throughout the 8-week study.
- Two-thirds of participants achieved a 25% reduction in MADRS scores (response).
- One-third achieved remission (final MADRS score <10).
- Significant decrease in fatigue levels (MADRS lassitude item) by 38% from baseline to 8 weeks.
Conclusions:
- Preliminary data suggest low-dose transdermal testosterone may be an effective augmentation strategy for women experiencing treatment-resistant depression.
- Further research is warranted to confirm these findings.
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