Scientists from Ben-Gurion University in Israel report a link between low testosterone levels and a higher risk of anxiety disorders, with findings published in Molecular Psychiatry. The study adds to a growing body of work exploring how hormones influence mood and mental health in both humans and animals.
In a series of laboratory experiments, researchers observed male mice showing elevated anxiety behavior alongside notably reduced levels of TACR3, a receptor located in the hippocampus. The hippocampus is a brain region essential for learning, memory, and emotional regulation, and changes here can ripple through cognitive and affective processes.
Earlier work has connected TACR3-related gene mutations with congenital hypogonadism, a condition that can limit physical development and activity. Lower activity levels often correlate with reduced production of sex hormones such as testosterone. Observational data from various studies indicate that young men with diminished testosterone may experience slower sexual maturation, which can be accompanied by depressive symptoms and heightened anxiety. These insights help frame a broader conversation about how hormonal balance intersects with mental health across the lifespan.
Applying a cross-correlation approach, a computational technique that assesses how one property depends on another, the researchers found that reduced TACR3 activity can trigger a compensatory rise in TACR3 receptors on the surface of cells. This adaptive response, however, appears to dampen synaptic plasticity, the brain’s ability to adjust the strength of connections between neurons and reorganize neural networks in response to experience. Such disruptions in synaptic flexibility are linked to the emergence of anxiety-related behaviors in the study.
Crucially, the study notes that the adverse effects of insufficient TACR3 activity may be mitigated by administering testosterone. Testosterone injections appeared to attenuate the anxiety-linked changes, prompting the researchers to consider hormonal therapy as a potential avenue for treating anxiety disorders. The team emphasizes that further clinical work is needed to understand safety, dosing, and long-term outcomes in humans, but the results point toward a promising direction for future research.
Some psychologists have highlighted the interplay between hormonal status and mood disorders, suggesting that hormonal factors should be considered in comprehensive mental health assessments. The current work from Ben-Gurion University contributes to this evolving narrative by linking TACR3 signaling, hormone levels, and neural plasticity to anxiety risk. The researchers stress that while animal models provide valuable clues, human studies are essential to translate these findings into practical treatments and preventive strategies.