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Higher fat mass linked to greater decline in testosterone among men
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Midlife declines in testosterone were not linked to lower lean mass in both men and women, according to recent study findings published in Obesity.
“While the findings from this study suggest that higher testosterone concentrations may have favorable effects on body composition in older men, these do not directly support the pharmacological raising of testosterone levels which may have adverse consequences for cardiovascular health,” the researchers wrote.
David Bann, MD, MRes , BSc, of the University College London, and colleagues evaluated data from the 1946 British birth cohort study on 440 men and 560 women with testosterone measured at 53 years and/or 60 to 64 years to determine if midlife declines in testosterone are related to fat and lean mass in both sexes.
Greater android fat mass, android:gynoid ratio and appendicular lean mass were found among men, whereas women had a greater fat mass index and gynoid fat mass (P < .02 for all). Higher sex-hormone binding globulin were found among women compared with men (P < .001). In both men and women, mean free testosterone declined by about 26% from 53 years to 60 to 64 years.
Lower fat mass among men aged 60 to 64 years was associated with higher total and free testosterone concentrations at 53 years and 60 to 64 years. Lower fat mass in both men and women was associated with higher sex-hormone binding globulin at both ages. Lean mass in both men and women was not associated with declines in testosterone.
“Our findings suggest sex-divergent relationships between testosterone and fat mass and their distribution but do not support the hypothesis that midlife declines in testosterone lead to lower lean mass,” the researchers wrote. “Further prospective observational and experimental studies are required to strengthen causal inferences and investigate the possible adverse cardiometabolic effects of testosterone in women.” – by Amber Cox
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.
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