help button home button Endocrine Society JCEM
HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS

This Article
Right arrow Full Text
Right arrow Full Text (PDF)
Right arrow Submit a related Letter to the Editor
Right arrow Alert me when this article is cited
Right arrow Alert me when eLetters are posted
Right arrow Alert me if a correction is posted
Right arrow Citation Map
Services
Right arrow Email this article to a friend
Right arrow Similar articles in this journal
Right arrow Similar articles in PubMed
Right arrow Alert me to new issues of the journal
Right arrow Download to citation manager
Right arrow Request Copyright Permission
Citing Articles
Right arrow Citing Articles via HighWire
Right arrow Citing Articles via Google Scholar
Google Scholar
Right arrow Articles by Barrett-Connor, E.
Right arrow Articles by Kritz-Silverstein, D.
Right arrow Search for Related Content
PubMed
Right arrow PubMed Citation
Right arrow Articles by Barrett-Connor, E.
Right arrow Articles by Kritz-Silverstein, D.
Right arrowPubmed/NCBI databases
*Compound via MeSH
*Substance via MeSH
Medline Plus Health Information
*Depression
Hazardous Substances DB
*ESTRADIOL
*TESTOSTERONE
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism Vol. 84, No. 2 573-577
Copyright © 1999 by The Endocrine Society


Original Studies

Bioavailable Testosterone and Depressed Mood in Older Men: The Rancho Bernardo Study

Elizabeth Barrett-Connor, Denise G. von Mühlen and Donna Kritz-Silverstein

Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0607

Address all correspondence and requests for reprints to: Dr. Elizabeth Barrett-Connor, Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0607.

A cross-sectional population-based study examined the association between endogenous sex hormones and depressed mood in community-dwelling older men. Participants included 856 men, ages 50–89 yr, who attended a clinic visit between 1984–87. Total and bioavailable testosterone, total and bioavailable estradiol, and dihydrotestosterone levels were measured by radioimmunoassay in an endocrinology research laboratory. Depressed mood was assessed with the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Levels of bioavailable testosterone and bioavailable estradiol decreased with age, but total testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, and total estradiol did not. BDI scores increased with age. Low bioavailable testosterone levels and high BDI scores were associated with weight loss and lack of physical activity, but not with cigarette smoking or alcohol intake. By linear regression or quartile analysis the BDI score was significantly and inversely associated with bioavailable testosterone (both P’s = 0.007), independent of age, weight change, and physical activity; similar associations were seen for dihydrotestosterone (P = 0.048 and P = 0.09, respectively). Bioavailable testosterone levels were 17% lower for the 25 men with categorically defined depression than levels observed in all other men (P = 0.01). Neither total nor bioavailable estradiol was associated with depressed mood. These results suggest that testosterone treatment might improve depressed mood in older men who have low levels of bioavailable testosterone. A clinical trial is necessary to test this hypothesis.




This article has been cited by other articles:


Home page
J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab.Home page
F. R. Sattler, C. Castaneda-Sceppa, E. F. Binder, E. T. Schroeder, Y. Wang, S. Bhasin, M. Kawakubo, Y. Stewart, K. E. Yarasheski, J. Ulloor, et al.
Testosterone and Growth Hormone Improve Body Composition and Muscle Performance in Older Men
J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., June 1, 2009; 94(6): 1991 - 2001.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Eur J EndocrinolHome page
B Lapauw, S Goemaere, H Zmierczak, I Van Pottelbergh, A Mahmoud, Y Taes, D De Bacquer, S Vansteelandt, and J M Kaufman
The decline of serum testosterone levels in community-dwelling men over 70 years of age: descriptive data and predictors of longitudinal changes
Eur. J. Endocrinol., October 1, 2008; 159(4): 459 - 468.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Age AgeingHome page
A. Lehtonen, R. Huupponen, J. Tuomilehto, S. Lavonius, S. Arve, H. Isoaho, I. Huhtaniemi, and R. Tilvis
Serum testosterone but not leptin predicts mortality in elderly men
Age Ageing, July 1, 2008; 37(4): 461 - 464.
[Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
NEJMHome page
A. Saini, M. Ardine, A. Berruti, and T. C. Long
Major Depressive Disorder
N. Engl. J. Med., April 24, 2008; 358(17): 1868 - 1869.
[Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Arch Gen PsychiatryHome page
O. P. Almeida, B. B. Yeap, G. J. Hankey, K. Jamrozik, and L. Flicker
Low Free Testosterone Concentration as a Potentially Treatable Cause of Depressive Symptoms in Older Men
Arch Gen Psychiatry, March 1, 2008; 65(3): 283 - 289.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Clin. Chem.Home page
F. Giton, S. Urien, C. Born, J. Tichet, J. Guechot, J. Callebert, F. Bronsard, J. P. Raynaud, and J. Fiet
Determination of Bioavailable Testosterone [Non Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG)-Bound Testosterone] in a Population of Healthy French Men: Influence of Androstenediol on Testosterone Binding to SHBG
Clin. Chem., December 1, 2007; 53(12): 2160 - 2168.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Clin TrialsHome page
E. T. Schroeder, C. Castaneda-Sceppa, Ying Wang, E. F. Binder, M. Kawakubo, Y. Stewart, T. Storer, R. Roubenoff, S. Bhasin, K. E. Yarasheski, et al.
Hormonal regulators of muscle and metabolism in aging (HORMA): design and conduct of a complex, double masked multicenter trial
Clinical Trials, October 1, 2007; 4(5): 560 - 571.
[Abstract] [PDF]


Home page
Eur J EndocrinolHome page
B. B Yeap, O. P Almeida, Z. Hyde, P. E Norman, S A P. Chubb, K. Jamrozik, and L. Flicker
In men older than 70 years, total testosterone remains stable while free testosterone declines with age. The Health in Men Study
Eur. J. Endocrinol., May 1, 2007; 156(5): 585 - 594.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Arch NeurolHome page
M. S. Okun, H. H. Fernandez, R. L. Rodriguez, J. Romrell, M. Suelter, S. Munson, E. D. Louis, T. Mulligan, P. S. Foster, B. V. Shenal, et al.
Testosterone Therapy in Men With Parkinson Disease: Results of the TEST-PD Study.
Arch Neurol, May 1, 2006; 63(5): 729 - 735.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Arch Gen PsychiatryHome page
M. Bloch, D. R. Rubinow, K. Berlin, K. R. Kevala, H.-Y. Kim, and P. J. Schmidt
Monoamines and neurosteroids in sexual function during induced hypogonadism in healthy men.
Arch Gen Psychiatry, April 1, 2006; 63(4): 450 - 456.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Clin. Chem.Home page
F. Giton, J. Fiet, J. Guechot, F. Ibrahim, F. Bronsard, D. Chopin, and J.-P. Raynaud
Serum Bioavailable Testosterone: Assayed or Calculated?
Clin. Chem., March 1, 2006; 52(3): 474 - 481.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Eur Heart JHome page
C. J. Malkin, P. J. Pugh, J. N. West, E. J.R. van Beek, T. H. Jones, and K. S. Channer
Testosterone therapy in men with moderate severity heart failure: a double-blind randomized placebo controlled trial
Eur. Heart J., January 1, 2006; 27(1): 57 - 64.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Endocr. Rev.Home page
J. M. Kaufman and A. Vermeulen
The Decline of Androgen Levels in Elderly Men and Its Clinical and Therapeutic Implications
Endocr. Rev., October 1, 2005; 26(6): 833 - 876.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab.Home page
P. B. Gray, A. B. Singh, L. J. Woodhouse, T. W. Storer, R. Casaburi, J. Dzekov, C. Dzekov, I. Sinha-Hikim, and S. Bhasin
Dose-Dependent Effects of Testosterone on Sexual Function, Mood, and Visuospatial Cognition in Older Men
J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., July 1, 2005; 90(7): 3838 - 3846.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
BrainHome page
A.-M. Bao, A. Hestiantoro, E. J. W. Van Someren, D. F. Swaab, and J.-N. Zhou
Colocalization of corticotropin-releasing hormone and oestrogen receptor-{alpha} in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus in mood disorders
Brain, June 1, 2005; 128(6): 1301 - 1313.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med.Home page
F. Laghi, A. Antonescu-Turcu, E. Collins, J. Segal, D. E. Tobin, A. Jubran, and M. J. Tobin
Hypogonadism in Men with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Prevalence and Quality of Life
Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med., April 1, 2005; 171(7): 728 - 733.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J Geriatr Psychiatry NeurolHome page
C. A. Orengo, L. Fullerton, and M. E. Kunik
Safety and Efficacy of Testosterone Gel 1% Augmentation in Depressed Men With Partial Response to Antidepressant Therapy
J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol, March 1, 2005; 18(1): 20 - 24.
[Abstract] [PDF]


Home page
Arch Gen PsychiatryHome page
M. M. Shores, K. L. Sloan, A. M. Matsumoto, V. M. Moceri, B. Felker, and D. R. Kivlahan
Increased Incidence of Diagnosed Depressive Illness in Hypogonadal Older Men
Arch Gen Psychiatry, February 1, 2004; 61(2): 162 - 167.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
The OncologistHome page
C. A. Thompson, T. D. Shanafelt, and C. L. Loprinzi
Andropause: Symptom Management for Prostate Cancer Patients Treated With Hormonal Ablation
Oncologist, October 1, 2003; 8(5): 474 - 487.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab.Home page
A. Colao, C. Di Somma, S. Spiezia, M. Filippella, R. Pivonello, and G. Lombardi
Effect of Growth Hormone (GH) and/or Testosterone Replacement on the Prostate in GH-Deficient Adult Patients
J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., January 1, 2003; 88(1): 88 - 94.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. PsychiatryHome page
H. G. Pope Jr., G. H. Cohane, G. Kanayama, A. J. Siegel, and J. I. Hudson
Testosterone Gel Supplementation for Men With Refractory Depression: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Am J Psychiatry, January 1, 2003; 160(1): 105 - 111.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Hum ReprodHome page
P. T. Ellison, R. G. Bribiescas, G. R. Bentley, B. C. Campbell, S. F. Lipson, C. Panter-Brick, and K. Hill
Population variation in age-related decline in male salivary testosterone
Hum. Reprod., December 1, 2002; 17(12): 3251 - 3253.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Journals of Gerontology Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical SciencesHome page
J. K. Anderson, S. Faulkner, C. Cranor, J. Briley, F. Gevirtz, and S. Roberts
Andropause: Knowledge and Perceptions Among the General Public and Health Care Professionals
J. Gerontol. A Biol. Sci. Med. Sci., December 1, 2002; 57(12): M793 - 796.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab.Home page
P. Kunelius, O. Lukkarinen, M. L. Hannuksela, O. Itkonen, and J. S. Tapanainen
The Effects of Transdermal Dihydrotestosterone in the Aging Male: A Prospective, Randomized, Double Blind Study
J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., April 1, 2002; 87(4): 1467 - 1472.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. PsychiatryHome page
S. N. Seidman, A. B. Araujo, S. P. Roose, D.P. Devanand, S. Xie, T. B. Cooper, and J. B. McKinlay
Low Testosterone Levels in Elderly Men With Dysthymic Disorder
Am J Psychiatry, March 1, 2002; 159(3): 456 - 459.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab.Home page
H. A. Feldman, C. Longcope, C. A. Derby, C. B. Johannes, A. B. Araujo, A. D. Coviello, W. J. Bremner, and J. B. McKinlay
Age Trends in the Level of Serum Testosterone and Other Hormones in Middle-Aged Men: Longitudinal Results from the Massachusetts Male Aging Study
J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., February 1, 2002; 87(2): 589 - 598.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Journals of Gerontology Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical SciencesHome page
A. M. Matsumoto
Andropause: Clinical Implications of the Decline in Serum Testosterone Levels With Aging in Men
J. Gerontol. A Biol. Sci. Med. Sci., February 1, 2002; 57(2): M76 - 99.
[Full Text]


Home page
J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab.Home page
A. Vermeulen
Androgen Replacement Therapy in the Aging Male--A Critical Evaluation
J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., June 1, 2001; 86(6): 2380 - 2390.
[Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab.Home page
G. A. Laughlin and E. Barrett-Connor
Sexual Dimorphism in the Influence of Advanced Aging on Adrenal Hormone Levels: The Rancho Bernardo Study
J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., October 1, 2000; 85(10): 3561 - 3568.
[Abstract] [Full Text]


Home page
J Geriatr Psychiatry NeurolHome page
H. C. Margolese
The Male Menopause and Mood: Testosterone Decline and Depression in the Aging Male--Is There a Link?
J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol, July 1, 2000; 13(2): 93 - 101.
[Abstract] [PDF]


Home page
BMJHome page
D. C Gould, R. Petty, and H. S Jacobs
For and against: The male menopause---does it exist? • For • Against
BMJ, March 25, 2000; 320(7238): 858 - 861.
[Full Text]


Home page
Arch Gen PsychiatryHome page
J. G. Rabkin, G. J. Wagner, and R. Rabkin
A Double-blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Testosterone Therapy for HIV-Positive Men With Hypogonadal Symptoms
Arch Gen Psychiatry, February 1, 2000; 57(2): 141 - 147.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Arch Gen PsychiatryHome page
W. R. Yates
Testosterone in Psychiatry: Risks and Benefits
Arch Gen Psychiatry, February 1, 2000; 57(2): 155 - 156.
[Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab.Home page
S. Grinspoon, C. Corcoran, T. Stanley, A. Baaj, N. Basgoz, and A. Klibanski
Effects of Hypogonadism and Testosterone Administration on Depression Indices in HIV-Infected Men
J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., January 1, 2000; 85(1): 60 - 65.
[Abstract] [Full Text]


Home page
JWatch PsychiatryHome page
Depression and Low Bioavailable Testosterone
Journal Watch Psychiatry, April 1, 1999; 1999(401): 22 - 22.
[Full Text]


Home page
JWatch GeneralHome page
Low Bioavailable Testosterone and Depression
Journal Watch (General), February 23, 1999; 1999(223): 5 - 5.
[Full Text]




HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS
Endocrinology Endocrine Reviews J. Clin. End. & Metab.
Molecular Endocrinology Recent Prog. Horm. Res. All Endocrine Journals
Copyright © 1999 by The Endocrine Society