In a national, U.S. study of 2,161 men, researchers evaluated the relationship between total testosterone levels, age, weakness, and chronic disease. Researchers concluded that men with low and moderate levels of testosterone are at significantly higher risk of developing 2 or more chronic diseases including; type 2 diabetes, arthritis, cardiovascular disease, stroke, emphysema, high blood pressure, and depression.
The risk of total testosterone (TT) deficiency in men increases with age and is associated with many age-related conditions including bone loss, declining muscle mass and mortality. However, the medical community has not done a good job of defining what normal levels of testosterone are, leading to problems of under diagnosis. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the association between total testosterone deficiency and chronic disease in a large and diverse population across different age groups.
Researchers used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), a large-scale study designed to assess the health and nutrition of adults and children in the United States. The survey combines interviews and physical examinations and contains extensive data related to chronic disease, testosterone levels and muscle strength. The results of participants in 2011 and 2012 were included if they were at least 20 years old and had completed all of the following:
- Demographic data and body measurements
- Questionnaire for chronic disease diagnoses
- Blood samples for serum total testosterone levels
- Strength data using a handgrip dynamometer
- Physical exam and/or laboratory assessments for cardiovascular disease risk factors
Using the data from the survey, scientists calculated the prevalence of the following chronic conditions; arthritis, cardiovascular disease, depression, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high triglycerides, pulmonary disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes. Then the researchers evaluated how the prevalence of having two or more of these conditions varied in young, middle-aged, and older men with and without testosterone deficiency.
Results of the study showed all men over the age of 20 with low and moderate levels of testosterone had a significant higher risk of developing 2 or more chronic diseases. Surprisingly, the greatest risk was seen in men between the ages of 20 and 39 and in men over the age of 60. The results also showed there was a dose-response relationship, meaning men that were experiencing declining levels of testosterone but had not yet reached a clinically defined low level of TT were at significant risk for multiple chronic diseases.
It is important that all men over the age of 20 have their testosterone levels tested and monitored over time by physicians that specialize in the field of anti-aging and regenerative medicine. The anti-aging experts at the Anti-Aging and Wellness Clinic know that low levels of testosterone are strongly associated with many age-related disorders including: metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The professionals at the Anti-Aging and Wellness Clinic use medically supervised bio-identical hormone replacement therapy to slow the aging process and rejuvenate their male clients. Restoring your level of testosterone can result in improved insulin levels, reduced cholesterol, reduced body fat, increased muscle mass, reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines, increased energy, improved cognitive function, increased libido and a reduced risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome. Contact us today and let us help you optimize your hormone levels and reverse the signs and symptoms of aging.
References:
- Peterson, Mark D. et al., Deficiency, Weakness, and Multimorbidity in Men. Scientific Reports, vlm 8, April 12, 2018. Article number 5897. Doi:10.1038/s41598-018-24347-6
