Low testosterone may have negative health effects later in life

This study aimed to discover weather low testosterone levels are linked to increased risk of death. 

Hypogonadism is a condition where the gonadal organs (testes in men and ovaries in women) produce little or no sex hormones (testosterone or estrogen, respectively). Testosterone levels gradually decline with age in men. Men often experience sexual symptoms such as decreased sexual interest and erectile dysfunction. However, the effect on men’s health and whether it increases the risk of death is not fully known. 

A total of 2599 men took part in this study. They were part of the European Male Aging Study and were recruited from 8 different European countries. The men completed a postal health questionnaire, which included questions about their sexual health. They also attended a research clinic for a check-up, and had a blood test for testosterone levels. The researchers wanted to investigate whether sexual symptoms and low testosterone increased the risk of death.

The men were followed up 4 years later. 2452 men survived, and 147 men died within this time. The men who died were generally older and had significantly lower testosterone levels. They also suffered from more sexual symptoms compared to the men who survived. The risk of death was 5 times greater in men with low testosterone and sexual symptoms. Of note, the risk of death was lower in men with low testosterone only (2 times greater risk).

Low testosterone in later life combined with the presence of sexual symptoms is linked to significantly higher risk of death. 

While this study found a link between low testosterone and risk of death, other studies have not found any links. Due to these inconsistencies, more studies are needed. 

Talk to your doctor about treatment options for low testosterone or sexual symptoms mentioned above.