Can hormone manipulation treat OCD?

Hormone manipulation might potentially be useful for treating Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), although research in this area is not yet extensive. Andrew Huberman discusses how hormones impact neuromodulators and neurotransmitters closely related to the neural circuits involved in OCD. Given that many hormone therapies have already been FDA approved and are available in generic forms, there is a significant opportunity to explore these as treatments for OCD,1 especially since the development of many OCD symptoms coincides with puberty, a period of intense hormonal activity.

Additionally, some initial studies have looked into the relationship between OCD and hormones like cortisol, testosterone, and DHEA. For example, one study found elevated levels of cortisol and DHEA in females with OCD, while males had increased cortisol but reduced testosterone levels. These hormonal imbalances might influence the symptoms of OCD, potentially through impacts on GABA transmission, which is closely related to anxiety levels and neural circuit balance2 3.

Overall, while the use of hormonal manipulation in the treatment of OCD presents a promising avenue, more research is clearly needed to explore these relationships further and to validate efficacy and safety.