303. Testosterone and Mood -A New Paper

Feb 9, 2025

Dr. Kelly Casperson delves into a groundbreaking study that shows how transdermal testosterone therapy can enhance mood and cognitive function in peri- and postmenopausal women. The findings challenge existing beliefs about the hormonal decline during menopause, revealing gradual testosterone drops. Mood improvements from therapy often surpass cognitive benefits, posing testosterone as a safer alternative to SSRIs for mood issues. Engaging discussions highlight the critical link between libido and mood, stressing the call for further research into hormonal therapies for women.

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INSIGHT

Testosterone Boosts Mood and Cognition

Testosterone therapy improves mood and cognitive symptoms in peri- and postmenopausal women.
Mood improvement is more significant than cognitive improvements, with libido also positively affected.

INSIGHT

Gradual Testosterone Decline Explains Symptoms

Testosterone declines gradually with age, not sharply at menopause.
Hormonal changes during menopause increase risks of depression and cognitive impairments.

ADVICE

Prioritize Hormones Over SSRIs First

Hormone therapy should be first-line treatment for mood symptoms in perimenopausal women without clinical depression.
SSRIs show no clear benefit in these cases according to NICE guidelines.

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In this conversation, Dr. Kelly Casperson discusses a significant study on the effects of transdermal testosterone therapy on mood and cognitive symptoms in peri- and postmenopausal women. She emphasizes the importance of addressing hormonal changes and their impact on women's mental health, particularly during menopause. The study reveals that testosterone therapy can lead to improvements in mood and cognitive function, challenging the notion that there is insufficient data on testosterone's benefits for women. Dr. Casperson also critiques the study's limitations and calls for further research in this area, while engaging with her audience on related questions and concerns.

Takeaways

Testosterone therapy can improve mood and cognitive symptoms in women.
The study involved 510 women with persistent low libido and mood symptoms.
Mood improvements were more significant than cognitive improvements.
Testosterone does not drop off a cliff with menopause; it declines gradually.
Hormonal changes during menopause can lead to increased risk of depression and cognitive impairment.
Testosterone therapy may be a safer alternative to SSRIs for mood issues in perimenopausal women.
The study highlights the need for more research on testosterone's effects in women.
Libido is closely linked to mood; improving one can enhance the other.
Transdermal testosterone is generally safe and easy to administer.
Women should be informed about their options for hormone therapy.

Study LINK

Glynne S, Kamal A, Kamel AM, Reisel D, Newson L. Effect of transdermal testosterone therapy on mood and cognitive symptoms in peri- and postmenopausal women: a pilot study. Arch Womens Ment Health. 2024 Sep 16. doi: 10.1007/s00737-024-01513-6. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39283522.

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