Correlation between serum testosterone levels and peripartal mood states

Background. We conducted a prospective study at the Department of Obstetric s 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 le vels 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 d ischarge from the hospital. Results. The final study population consisted of 193 women. Serum testoster one levels correlated significantly with maternal depression scores, both p re- 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). Testosteron e concentrations also correlated with anger prepartum (r= 0.164, p=0.02) an d on the third day after delivery (r=0.188, p=0.02). No significant correla tion between testosterone concentration and fatigue and vigor both pre- and post partum, respectively were found. Conclusion, Serum testosterone levels correlate with depression and anger i n the first postpartum days.