A recent study published in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine suggests that low testosterone levels in men may be linked to a shorter life span. Researchers from the University of Western Australia, along with collaborators from Australia, North America, and Europe, conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 11 studies involving more than 24,000 subjects. The study found that low baseline levels of testosterone in men were associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality, with very low levels also linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular death.
The researchers examined associations of sex hormones with mortality and cardiovascular disease risk in aging men and found that men with low total testosterone concentrations had higher risks for all-cause mortality. They also discovered that men with a testosterone concentration below a certain level had an increased risk of cardiovascular death. The study utilized mass spectrometry, considered the most accurate method of testosterone measurement, for their analysis. The researchers obtained raw data from nine of the included studies to perform a more sophisticated analysis of the combined data.
Dr. Yu-Ming Ni, a cardiologist and lipidologist, cautioned that it is uncertain whether low testosterone causes cardiovascular disease and emphasized the need for further research. He referenced a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine which found that treatment of hypogonadism with testosterone replacement was not associated with higher rates of heart disease. Dr. S. Adam Ramin, a urologist, urologic oncologist, and medical director of Urology Cancer Specialists, highlighted the importance of testosterone for various bodily functions beyond sexual desire. He recommended natural ways to boost testosterone levels, such as losing belly fat, getting sufficient sleep, avoiding processed foods, and engaging in cardiovascular exercise.
Ramin also suggested specific lifestyle changes, including alcohol avoidance, adequate water consumption, and egg consumption. He mentioned that DHEA supplementation and vitamin D3 intake may help men with low testosterone levels. However, he stressed the importance of medical supervision to rule out any potential risks, such as prostate cancer. Additionally, he advised against supplements with estrogenic compounds and bioflavonoids for men with low testosterone. Overall, the study sheds light on the potential implications of low testosterone levels for men’s health and longevity, urging further exploration of this relationship.
