Stress-Induced Testosterone and Cortisol Outputs, Stressful Life Events, and Prospective Relation to Depression: A Longitudinal Study

Saliva testosterone and cortisol were measured six times in participants undergoing a standardized laboratory stressor. Greater testosterone output prospectively predicted lower depressive symptoms among those with greater cortisol output and increase in stressful life events. This suggests that various hormone systems may interact with psychosocial factors in affecting future depression.