The Role of Testosterone and Estrogen in Depression and Inflammation

Abstract

Depression, a prevalent global disorder, significantly diminishes quality of life and elevates mortality rates. Its multifactorial etiology encompasses hormonal dysregulation and inflammation. While diverse treatment modalities exist, hormonal therapy represents one such option. Notably, both testosterone and estrogen exhibit anti-inflammatory and neuroactive properties, crucial for sexual maturation, reproduction, cognition, mood regulation, and optimal brain function. Moreover, clinical conditions characterized by reduced levels of sex hormones, including menopause and hypogonadism, are frequently comorbid with depression. This review elucidates the roles of estrogen and testosterone, their respective receptors, the involvement of inflammation, their intricate relationships with depressive pathology, and available therapeutic interventions.

Cite this article as: Taşdemir NE, Erbaş O. The Role of Testosterone and Estrogen in Depression and Inflammation. JEB Med Sci 2025;6(1):1-7.

The authors declared no conflicts of interest with respect to the authorship and/or publication of this article.

The authors received no financial support for the research and/or authorship of this article.