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Can Testosterone Affect Cognitive Function? 

Systematic review finds modest, population-dependent effects on mood and cognition in adult men 

  • By

  • Henry Thomas

  • February 27, 2026

  • 3 min

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  • 1

    Testosterone therapy may provide modest benefits for mood and select cognitive outcomes in adult men, though effects are inconsistent.

  • 2

    In men with treatment-resistant depression, testosterone therapy significantly reduced depressive symptoms compared to placebo.

  • 3

    Cognitive improvements from testosterone therapy were domain specific, with benefits noted in verbal memory and visuospatial processing.

  • 4

    Quality of life and sexual function improved consistently across studies, while anxiety outcomes were mixed.

  • 5

    Testosterone therapy should be reserved for men with documented androgen deficiency and monitored under endocrinologic supervision.

Original Source(s)

Can Testosterone Affect Cognitive Function? 

  • by Henry Thomas

  • February 27, 2026

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