Androgen levels in reproductive age of female patients with depression in psychological clinics in Khorram Abad

Abstract

Background: Women suffer more often from depression than men. Social research suggests that high androgen levels cause aggressive behavior in men and women, and consequently cause depression. The purpose of this study was to determine serum levels of androgens, especially testosterone, in patients with depression. Material and methods: In this case-controlled study, we measured serum testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate levels in 30 women with depression and 30 control subjects of the same age, weight, body mass index (BMI) and menstruation cycle. Results: Total testosterone and free testosterone levels were significantly higher in patients with depression (202.3 ng/dl and 0.4 ng/dl respectively) than in the control group (140.3 ng/dl and 0.1 ng/dl respectively). There was no significant difference in dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate levels. Conclusions: This study may indicate a role of androgen, especially testosterone in the pathogenesis of depression.