Age-Related Alterations in Endocrine Markers Do Not Match Changes in Psychosocial Measures: Findings From the Men’s Health 40+ Longitudinal Study

Abstract

While life expectancy continues to increase, aging can bring several distinct endocrine and psychosocial changes. The study aimed to investigate the interplay between biopsychosocial factors of healthy aging in specifically healthy aging men. Ninety-seven healthy aging men were investigated at two time points spanning 4 years. Participants completed questionnaires measuring several psychosocial dimensions and gave saliva samples for hormone quantification during a laboratory appointment. The study applied a random intercept mixed-model approach. Age-related changes were found in most endocrine markers (cortisol, testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate, and progesterone), except for estradiol. Psychosocial measures remained stable, except for increased social support. Further, changes in endocrine and psychosocial measures were independent of each other. The results suggest that in healthy aging men, age-related endocrine changes occur, but do not necessarily determine a change in psychosocial measures. Potentially, preventive interventions can be derived from these results.

The role of saffron (Crocus sativusL) on testosterone and depression in andropause middle-aged and elderly men: a systematic review

“…In a systematic search, we read the studies and classified them into two groups based on their findings: The association between low serum testosterone and the occurrence of depression in middle-aged and elderly men has been studied in four studies (Barrett-Connor et al , 1999; Chen et al , 2020; Lacker et al , 2020; T’Sjoen et al , 2004). The effect of saffron on testosterone levels and depression severity in middle-aged and elderly animals has been studied in six studies (Modaresi et al , 2008; Orio et al , 2020; Vafaei et al , 2020; Alaei et al , 2014; Monchaux De Oliveira et al , 2021a, 2021b).…”

“…The association between low serum testosterone and the occurrence of depression in middle-aged and elderly men has been studied in four studies (Barrett-Connor et al , 1999; Chen et al , 2020; Lacker et al , 2020; T’Sjoen et al , 2004).…”

“…Low testosterone levels in middle-aged and elderly men with depression An association between testosterone levels and depression in older men has been studied in four studies. Three of them were cross-sectional (Barrett-Connor et al, 1999;Chen et al, 2020;T'Sjoen et al, 2004), and one was a prospective cohort (Lacker et al, 2020). All studies have shown that serum testosterone levels decrease along with aging.…”

“…Two studies have reported the reduction of testosterone levels is significantly associated with the severity of depression (Barrett-Connor et al, 1999;Chen et al, 2020). At the same time, two studies found no relationship between testosterone levels and mental health in middle-aged and older men (Lacker et al, 2020;T'Sjoen et al, 2004).…”

“…The effect of testosterone reduction on depression among middle-aged or older men Only four observational studies have measured the association of serum testosterone levels with mental health and depression scores (Barrett-Connor et al, 1999;Chen et al, 2020;Lacker et al, 2020;T'Sjoen et al, 2004) (Table 3). Two studies have reported the reduction of testosterone levels is significantly associated with the severity of depression (Barrett-Connor et al, 1999;Chen et al, 2020).…”