Healthy living
Anti-ageing
Male hormones mean longer life
Men with higher levels of testosterone could outlive their counterparts with lower levels, according to a US study
Testosterone is the male sex hormone that enhances libido and energy and triggers the development of facial hair and muscle mass in boys.
The study - the first of its kind – looked at 800 men over the age of 51 and followed them for an 18-year period. The team at San Diego School of Medicine told a meeting of the Endocrine Society in Toronto that the men with high levels of testosterone had a lower risk of getting heart disease and diabetes.
Men with low levels were more likely to have high blood pressure, low levels of good cholesterol (HDL) and high blood sugar levels. They also tended to be fatter round the waist. These are all factors that make heart disease and diabetes more likely. Their chance of dying in the 18-year period was also 33 per cent greater.
"We have followed these men for an average of 18 years and our study did show there may be an association between low testosterone levels and higher mortality," said Dr Gail Laughlin from the school’s Department of Family and Preventative Medicine.
Although hormone levels may play their part in determining life span, the team were keen to emphasise that lifestyle changes, such as exercise and weight control programmes, should be the first step toward improving longevity.
'It is very possible that lifestyle determines what level of testosterone a patient has,' said lead researcher Dr Elizabeth Barrett-Connor. 'It may be possible to alter the testosterone level by lowering obesity.'
Now trials are planned to discover whether testosterone supplements can safely be used to improve male health.
Information on this site is for interest only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should consult your own doctor about any specific health concerns.
