A study by researchers from Cambridge University has shown that high levels of testosterone in men may increase the risk of heart disease.
Researchers analyzed data from more than one million adults and found that men with high levels of this hormone due to genetic factors face a 17% higher risk of developing coronary artery disease.
However, experts warn that these findings do not mean that taking testosterone supplements indiscriminately is safe, especially those purchased online, given the potentially serious health risks.
Testosterone is an approved treatment for hypogonadism, a condition in which the body doesn't produce enough of the hormone, typically leading to fatigue and impaired sexual function. Studies indicate that only about 0.5% of men suffer from this condition, and that testosterone levels decline by approximately 1% annually after age 40, usually without noticeable changes.
Despite this, the testosterone supplement market has seen significant growth in recent years. Companies market these supplements to men under 30, claiming they help reduce fatigue, promote muscle growth, and improve erections.
Emily Morby, co-author of the study, said, "Men are increasingly turning to testosterone supplements, partly due to greater awareness of hypogonadism and as a result of marketing campaigns and social media, especially among young men." She added, "Our study suggests that high testosterone levels increase the risk of coronary artery disease, which can lead to heart attacks and heart failure."
Morby emphasized that "the medical need to take testosterone is different from using it to improve performance, as in the first case the benefits outweigh the risks, while in the second that may not be the case."
Professor Ken Ong, one of the study's authors, called for strict national guidelines to regulate the use of supplements.
