On the Effects of Testosterone on Brain Behavioral Functions

The document reviewed the complex effects of testosterone on brain behavioral functions, highlighting both organizational and activational influences. It noted that studies, primarily on rodents and some on humans, produced controversial and puzzling results due to variables like dosing, timing, and application routes. The assessment methods for psychometric parameters were criticized for lacking validity and reproducibility. Testosterone's metabolism, including its conversion to dihydrotestosterone and estradiol, added to the complexity of its actions. Additionally, recent interest was noted in testosterone's non-genomic effects on behavior, which bypass nuclear receptors. The review aimed to summarize the understanding of testosterone's role in brain function, particularly regarding sex differences.