Effects of estrogens and androgens on mitochondria under normal and pathological conditions

•Mitochondrial defects have been found in neurodegenerative diseases.•Androgens and estrogens protect mitochondria against degenerative events.•Actions of estrogens and androgens on mitochondria may be mediated by respective receptors.•Tibolone exerts estrogenic actions in the brain and preserves mitochondrial function.