Low-dose transdermal testosterone augmentation therapy improves depression severity in women.
BACKGROUND
Inadequate response to antidepressant monotherapy in women with major depressive disorder is common. Testosterone administration has been shown to be an effective augmentation therapy in depressed hypogonadal men with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor-resistant depression. However, the effects of low-dose testosterone as augmentation therapy in women with treatment-resistant depression have not been studied.


METHODS
Low-dose transdermal testosterone (300 mcg/day, Intrinsa, Procter and Gamble Pharmaceuticals) was administered to nine women with treatment-resistant depression in an 8 week open-label pilot protocol.


RESULTS
There was a statistically significant improvement in mean Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) scores at 2 weeks, sustained through the 8 week period. Two-thirds of subjects achieved a response to the treatment (decrease in MADRS score of 250%) and 33% achieved remission (final MADRS score <10) after 8 weeks of therapy. Mean levels of fatigue, as measured by the MADRS lassitude item, significantly decreased at all time points with a mean 38% decrease from baseline to 8 weeks.


CONCLUSIONS
These preliminary pilot data suggest that low-dose transdermal testosterone may be an effective augmentation therapy in women with treatment-resistant depression. Further studies are warranted. CNS Spectr. 2009;14(12):688-694
Miller
Karen K
KK
Neurendocrine Research Program in Women's Health, Neuendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA. kkmiller@partners.org
Perlis
Roy H
RH
Papakostas
George I
GI
Mischoulon
David
D
Losifescu
Dan V
DV
Brick
Danielle J
DJ
Fava
Maurizio
M
D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000328:Adult; D000728:Androgens / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000097:blood; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D003863:Depression / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004357:Drug Synergism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011863:Radioimmunoassay / Q000379:methods; D012044:Regression Analysis; D013739:Testosterone / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000097:blood; D013997:Time Factors
D000728:Androgens; D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D013739:Testosterone
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