Testosterone Therapy: A Potential New Ally Against Depression?

Last updated: May 1, 2026

Last updated: May 5, 2026

Soarawee Weerasopone, Urologist

Bangkok hospital Headquarter, Bangkok

Samitivej Sriracha hospital, Chonburi

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For many men, depression is more than just feeling “blue” — it’s a heavy mix of persistent low mood, negative thoughts, and physical fatigue. While standard antidepressants are the go-to treatment, they only show modest effects for some, and about 30% of patients don’t find lasting relief even after trying multiple medications.

During my fellowship at Baylor College of Medicine with Professor Mohit Khera, he often reminded me that low testosterone can quietly drive depression in men. That insight is exactly why I wanted to write this post.

As a urologist specializing in Men’s Health, I often remind my patients that testosterone is far more than a “sex hormone” — it is a systemic hormone that influences mood, energy, and cognition. In my earlier post, I explained why testosterone is the ultimate barometer of a man’s overall health. A major 2019 study published in JAMA Psychiatry suggests that this same “Testosterone Barometer” may also be a key factor in improving men’s mental health.

What the Research Found

Researchers analyzed 27 different clinical trials involving nearly 1,900 men to see if testosterone treatment could help lift depressive symptoms. The results were published in JAMA Psychiatry and they are striking.

1. It Actually Works

The study found that testosterone treatment was associated with a significant reduction in depressive symptoms. In fact, the treatment was twice as likely to result in a major (50% or more) reduction in depression scores compared to a placebo. These results are comparable to the effectiveness of many current antidepressants.

2. Higher Doses May Be Key

The benefits were most noticeable when men received higher-dosage regimens. Specifically, the treatment remained clinically significant whenever dosages greater than 0.5 g (500 mg) per week were administered.

3. It’s Not Just for “Low-T”

Surprisingly, the antidepressant effects did not depend on how much testosterone a man had to begin with. Both hypogonadal (clinically low testosterone) and eugonadal (normal testosterone) men showed improvement, as did both younger and older men.

Is It Safe and Easy to Use?

• High Acceptability: Men in the studies were no more likely to drop out of testosterone treatment than those taking a placebo, suggesting the treatment is generally well-tolerated and serious side effects are rare.
• Flexible Options: The positive effects were seen across different methods of application, including gels (transdermal), injections (intramuscular), and oral medications.
• Quick Onset: While every person is different, some men began to see improvements in as little as 3 to 6 weeks.

The Bottom Line

While testosterone is not currently a “standard” treatment for depression, this evidence suggests it could be a powerful adjunct therapy (used alongside other treatments) for men struggling with their mood. Every patient is different, and Testosterone Therapy (TTh) should always be started under the guidance of a qualified urologist or men’s health specialist, with proper lab testing and monitoring.

If you are a man over 40 experiencing persistent low mood, fatigue, brain fog, or loss of motivation — and traditional antidepressants have not worked fully — it may be worth checking your testosterone levels. Your internal “barometer” may be telling you something important.

Could your testosterone levels be the missing piece of your mental health puzzle?

“If you are concerned about your testosterone levels or struggling with low mood, Dr. Soarawee offers confidential consultations at Bangkok Hospital Headquarters. Book a consultation here.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can testosterone therapy really help with depression?

Yes. A 2019 meta-analysis in JAMA Psychiatry of 27 clinical trials involving nearly 1,900 men found that testosterone treatment was associated with a significant reduction in depressive symptoms. Men on testosterone were about twice as likely to experience a 50% or greater reduction in depression scores compared to placebo — results comparable to many standard antidepressants.

Q2: Do I need to have low testosterone for it to help my mood?

No. One of the most striking findings of the JAMA Psychiatry study was that the antidepressant effect did not depend on baseline testosterone levels. Both hypogonadal (clinically low testosterone) and eugonadal (normal testosterone) men experienced improvements, as did both younger and older men. However, treatment should always be individualized and monitored by a urologist.

Q3: How long does it take for testosterone therapy to improve mood?

Every patient is different, but some men in the studies began to see improvements in depressive symptoms in as little as 3 to 6 weeks. Effects were observed across various delivery methods — gels (transdermal), intramuscular injections, and oral medications — with higher doses showing stronger clinical effects.

Q4: Should I replace my antidepressant with testosterone therapy?

No. Testosterone therapy is not a replacement for standard antidepressant treatment or psychotherapy. Current evidence supports its role as an adjunct (add-on) therapy for men with persistent depressive symptoms, particularly when combined with comprehensive care. Always consult both your urologist and mental health professional before making changes to your treatment plan.

Medically written & reviewed by: Dr. Soarawee Weerasopone (Dr. Pom) — Board-Certified Urologist, Bangkok Hospital Headquarters.
International Fellow: Baylor College of Medicine (USA) · Juntendo University (Japan) · Chang Gung Memorial Hospital (Taiwan).

Disclaimer: This content is written and reviewed by Dr. Soarawee Weerasopone, a board-certified urologist at Bangkok Hospital Headquarters. It is intended for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any medical treatment.