Low Testosterone Levels Linked to Depression, Says Study

It is known that low testosterone levels can decrease bedroom activity of couples; however, a new study has shown that men with low testosterone levels are also more prone to depression.

The study, published in the journal Sexual Medicine, found that depression is prevalent in men who suffer from lower levels of testosterone, a condition called hypogonadism. 

The adverse effects of hypogonadism include lowered levels of sperm production, red blood cell count, decreased fat distribution and bone density and low sex drive, according to Healthline. 

The Daily Mail explains that the researchers assessed 200 adult men aged 20 - 77 with low testosterone levels for medical histories, medication use and demographics, and were asked for any history of depression or antidepressant use.

Normal male testosterone levels were defined by the researchers to be around 300 to 1200 nanograms per decileter (ng/dL). All the subjects in the study had around 200-350 ng/dL.

The researchers found that 56 percent of the participants had depressive symptoms or had depression. Furthermore, around 25 percent of the males in the study were already taking antidepressants.

A Live Science adds that the participants in the study were also obese or overweight. Due to this, scientists referenced a new statistics study that 5 percent of U.S. adults who were obese or overweight were depressed.

Testosterone is mainly a male hormone that aids in puberty among boys. It helps build muscles, grow hair, deepen the voice and changes the size of the man's reproductive organs. According to WebMD, testosterone is the main component of the male libido. Testosterone levels start during adolescence, peak during adulthood and wanes as men age.  

"In an era where more and more men are being tested for "Low T" - or lower levels of testosterone - there is very little data about the men who have borderline low testosterone levels," said Dr. Michael Irwig, lead author of the study from George Washington University.

"We felt it important to explore the mental health of this population," he said.

According to the researchers, males who have been suffering from hypogonadism and are being medicated for it should be checked for any signs of depression or depressive symptoms.

Furthermore, lifestyle factors such as obesity and bad eating habits should also be assessed during the design and implementation of the treatment.