A new study revealed that men with very low baseline serum testosterone concentrations faced heightened risks of both cardiovascular death and all-cause mortality.
Low testosterone might associated with other health problems as well that may increase the risk of dying. (Photo: Getty Images)
New Delhi,UPDATED: May 15, 2024 15:27 IST
A new study has found that having low levels of testosterone might affect men's risk for heart disease and early death.
Testosterone is a hormone primarily produced in the testes in men and ovaries in women. It plays a crucial role in developing male secondary sexual characteristics, such as muscle mass, bone density, and body hair.
Additionally, it influences libido, mood, and energy levels. In women, it helps maintain muscle and bone strength and contributes to overall well-being.
Published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, the systematic review and meta-analysis examined 11 studies involving 24,000 male participants.
The researchers aimed to clarify the impact of sex hormones on key health outcomes in ageing men, by highlighting previous inconsistent findings.
Lead author Professor Bu Yeap from UWA's Medical School said the findings revealed that men with very low baseline serum testosterone concentrations faced heightened risks of both cardiovascular death and all-cause mortality.
"Our research underscores the importance of understanding the impact of sex hormones on health outcomes, particularly in ageing men," Dr Yeap said.
Notably, the risk of all-cause mortality increased for men with testosterone levels below 7.4 nanomoles per litre (or less than 213 ng/dL), regardless of LH concentration.
In men, LH (Luteinizing Hormone) stimulates the Leydig cells in the testes to produce testosterone.
The risk of cardiovascular death increased for men with testosterone concentrations below 5.3 nanomoles per litre (or less than 153 mg/dL).
"Men with low testosterone, high LH, or very low estradiol concentrations had increased all-cause mortality. SHBG concentration was positively associated and DHT concentration was nonlinearly associated with all-cause and CVD mortality," the researchers concluded.
The study suggested that one reason low testosterone might be associated with worse health because lower testosterone leads to people having less muscle mass and greater fat accumulation, which are both risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
Low testosterone might associated with other health problems as well that may increase the risk of dying.
Published By:
Daphne Clarance
Published On:
May 15, 2024
English (US) ·