Open AccessCorrelation between serum testosterone levels and peripartal mood states
Author(s) -
Hohlagschwandtner Maria,
Husslein Peter,
Klier Claudia,
Ulm Barbara
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
acta obstetricia et gynecologica scandinavica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.401
H-Index - 102
eISSN - 1600-0412
pISSN - 0001-6349
DOI - 10.1034/j.1600-0412.2001.080004326.x
Subject(s) - medicine , testosterone (patch) , mood , obstetrics , pregnancy , depression (economics) , gestation , anger , population , free testosterone , gynecology , endocrinology , androgen , hormone , sex hormone binding globulin , psychiatry , genetics , macroeconomics , economics , biology , environmental health
Background. We conducted a prospective study at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital of Vienna to investigate associations between serum testosterone levels and maternal peripartal mood states. Methods. Two hundred and fifty‐two pregnant women at term (38 to 40 weeks’ gestation) took part in the study. Blood samples for plasma testosterone levels and other biochemicals were obtained prepartum, and on the 1st and 3rd day postpartum. Mood was assessed with the McNair Profile of Mood States (POMS) at term pregnancy and daily from the first day after delivery until discharge from the hospital. Results. The final study population consisted of 193 women. Serum testosterone levels correlated significantly with maternal depression scores, both pre‐ and post partum (at term r =0.148, p =0.04; 1st day postpartum r =0.156, p =0.03; and 2nd day postpartum r =0.186, p =0.02, respectively). Testosterone concentrations also correlated with anger prepartum ( r =0.164, p =0.02) and on the third day after delivery ( r =0.188, p =0.02). No significant correlation between testosterone concentration and fatigue and vigor both pre‐ and post partum, respectively were found. Conclusion. Serum testosterone levels correlate with depression and anger in the first postpartum days.