Scientists find potential link between early death and low testosterone levels

A new study has found that men with low testosterone levels are more likely to die early. While the death amongst men was from many causes, mostly, they died of heart disease.

The study was published in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

Men with low testosterone: What is the study about?

In the study led by a team of researchers from the University of Western Australia, the results of 11 high-quality study were combined in a meta analysis of the effects of testosterone levels on a male lifespan.

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Low testosterone causing disease or disease causing low testosterone

The fundamental limitation of the new study is that it is not able to figure out if the low testosterone directly causes an increased risk of death.

The condition among prostate cancer patients helps unravel the relationship between low testosterone and possible death.

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When the cancer spreads, the patient is given drugs that drastically lower testosterone levels.

Despite improving prostate cancer, this treatment increases the risk of heart attack and stroke in the patients, and thereby death.

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So while low testosterone may be a marker of disease, it is also reported to be an indicative factor in the development of future disease and possible death.

Given the risks associated with low testosterone levels, men are clinically recommended to avoid things that reduce T-levels. That is, men must adopt a healthy lifestyle and avoid putting on weight.

But when levels are low, treatment to replace the missing testosterone could be an option.

(With inputs from agencies)