Low levels of testosterone (a male hormone) are classified as below 300 ng/dl. Low testosterone (hypogonadism) symptoms include erectile dysfunction, loss of interest in sex, and decreased muscle and strength. Low testosterone levels also increase the risk of osteoporosis and depression. Now research reports that low testosterone is more common in middle-aged men than previously thought. The results suggest that nearly 4 in 10 middle-aged men may have low levels of testosterone
The study, published in the International Journal of Clinical Practice, investigated the prevalence of low testosterone in middle-aged men. Researchers at the Malcom Randall VA Medical Center in Gainesville, Florida analyzed the blood samples of 2,162 men aged 45 or older, visiting their primary care physicians in the U.S, as part of the Hypogonadism in Males study. The researchers assayed the participants' blood for testosterone levels. Symptoms of hypogonadism and reason for visit were also obtained from the participants.
The researchers found that 867 participants, or 38.7 percent, had low levels of testosterone. Findings also revealed that participants with high cholesterol levels, diabetes, high blood pressure, prostate disease and asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were significantly more likely to have low testosterone. Obese subjects had the highest risk of low testosterone. They were more than twice as likely to have low testosterone levels.
"The prevalence of hypogonadism was 38.7% in men aged > or = 45 years presenting to primary care offices," the study authors write.
REFERENCES:
1. Mulligan T et al. Prevalence of hypogonadism in males aged at least 45 years: the HIM study. Int J Clin Pract 2006 Jul;60(7):762-9.
Posted by Elaine Gavalas on November 8, 2006 02:37 PM
