The role of sex and sex-related hormones in cognition, mood and well-being in older men and women

Abstract

a b s t r a c tAlterations in hormone levels during aging impact on cognition and mood. Serum concentration levels of testosterone (TT), estradiol (E2), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) and prolactin (PRL) were assessed in 120 community-dwellers (51+ years of age, males and females), in a cross-sectional approach. Performance clusters based on executive functioning (GENEXEC), memory (MEM), mood and well-being were obtained. In males, higher PRL levels associated with worse cognitive performance, lower well-being, and higher scores in depression scales, and lower E2 with poorer cognition and higher depressive mood. DHEAS positively associated with GENEXEC and MEM. Nutritional status significantly associated with PRL (positively) and with DHEAS (negatively). Findings indicate that besides the more exhaustively studied E2 and TT, variations in the levels of sex-related hormones such as PRL, FSH, LH and DHEAS are of interest for the mental health aging profile particularly in men.

Effect of Sleep Extension on the Subsequent Testosterone, Cortisol and Prolactin Responses to Total Sleep Deprivation and Recovery

“…The influence of TSD on the three hormonal axes is short-lived because the concentrations of these hormones returned to basal values after one night of recovery sleep. The slight effect on prolactin concentrations could be interesting because higher prolactin concentrations are associated with deteriorated cognitive performance, lower well-being and higher scores in depression scales, particularly men aged 65 years old (55). In this population, low testosterone concentrations could also be involved in the deterioration of cognition and sleep quality (2).…”

Analysis of the relationship between the blood concentration of several metals, macro- and micronutrients and endocrine disorders associated with male aging

“…This is accompanied by a reduction in the number of Leydig cells in the gonads, Sertoli cell dysfunction, impaired blood circulation in the testicles and changes in the stroma (Deslypere and Vermeulen 1984;Snyder 2001). Aging men also experience a reduction in the concentration of estradiol (E 2 ), which may have a negative effect on bone density and cognitive function (Kaufman and Vermeulen 2005;Castanho et al 2014). Moreover, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) level decreases, which is known as adrenopause (Baulieu et al 2000).…”

Stress at the place of work and cognitive functions among women performing intellectual work during peri- and post-menopausal period

“…In turn, estrogens exert a beneficial effect on cognitive functions, especially in the area of verbal memory and capability to assimilate new concepts [22]. Contemporary literature provides evidence for relationships between the level of prolactin, glucocorticoids and oxytocin on, among others, the intensity of neurogenesis [23], or relationships between the level of prolactin and the results of memory tests or tests concerning cognitive function [24]. Thirdly, the level of prolactin increases as a result of the stress response of the body.…”