Testosterone--its what's good for you
Some hormones get lots of publicity both good and bad. But testosterone may be the forgotten hormone when it comes to overall well-being.
In a recent population-based cohort study, there was a demonstrated link between low levels of testosterone and increased risk for mortality from all causes in adult men of all ages.
The study out of Germany showed the survival times of men with low testosterone levels to men with higher testosterone levels were significantly lower.
From the analysis the researchers concluded that men with testosterone levels lower than 8.7 nmol/L had a 2-fold increased risk of death.
During the follow-up period of the participants, 226 deaths occurred in the study population. After adjusting for age and other risk factors, the researchers determined that participants with low testosterone had a significantly higher risk for all-cause mortality than their normal-testosterone counterparts.
In a more specific breakdown of causes of mortality, the researchers found that men with low testosterone levels were at increased risk for death from cancer and cardiovascular disease but not respiratory disease.
The men in the low testosterone group tended to be older and had higher prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, and metabolic syndrome but it is still unclear whether low testosterone was a cause or effect of the cardiovascular risk factors.
This study underscores the importance of treating men with low testosterone levels even in the absence of symptoms, but in order to do this, we have to begin checking testosterone levels on a more routine basis and recognize the importance of replacement therapy.
Another problem that arises is many insurance companies do not pay for testosterone replacement therapy and the newest gels are very expensive preventing many patients from adequate therapy.
In a recent population-based cohort study, there was a demonstrated link between low levels of testosterone and increased risk for mortality from all causes in adult men of all ages.
The study out of Germany showed the survival times of men with low testosterone levels to men with higher testosterone levels were significantly lower.
From the analysis the researchers concluded that men with testosterone levels lower than 8.7 nmol/L had a 2-fold increased risk of death.
During the follow-up period of the participants, 226 deaths occurred in the study population. After adjusting for age and other risk factors, the researchers determined that participants with low testosterone had a significantly higher risk for all-cause mortality than their normal-testosterone counterparts.
In a more specific breakdown of causes of mortality, the researchers found that men with low testosterone levels were at increased risk for death from cancer and cardiovascular disease but not respiratory disease.
The men in the low testosterone group tended to be older and had higher prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, and metabolic syndrome but it is still unclear whether low testosterone was a cause or effect of the cardiovascular risk factors.
This study underscores the importance of treating men with low testosterone levels even in the absence of symptoms, but in order to do this, we have to begin checking testosterone levels on a more routine basis and recognize the importance of replacement therapy.
Another problem that arises is many insurance companies do not pay for testosterone replacement therapy and the newest gels are very expensive preventing many patients from adequate therapy.
Labels: men's health, testosterone
posted by Anonymous at 5:46 AM
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