CONTEXT: Although it is known that serum testosterone (T) concentrations decline with age, the relative contributions of changes in health and lifestyle to that decline have not been adequately assessed. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to establish the relative importance of aging, health, and lifestyle in contributing to male T decline. DESIGN: A prospective cohort study of health and endocrine functioning in randomly selected men with a baseline visit (T1, 1987-1989) and two follow-up visits (T2, 1995-1997; T3, 2002-2004) was conducted. SETTING: An observational study of men residing in greater Boston, Massachusetts, was conducted. PARTICIPANTS: Participants included 1667 men aged 40 to 70 at baseline; follow-up was conducted on 947 (57%) and 584 (35%) at T2 and T3, respectively. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Main outcome measures included total serum T, calculated free T (FT), and SHBG. RESULTS: There were substantial declines in total serum T and FT levels associated with aging alone. However, many health and lifestyle changes were associated with accelerated decline. A 4- to 5-kg/m2 increase in body mass index or loss of spouse was associated with declines in total serum T comparable to that associated with approximately 10 yr of aging. Results were similar for FT, but fewer factors were associated with SHBG after age was taken into account. CONCLUSIONS: Both chronological aging and changes in health and lifestyle factors are associated with declines in serum T. Comorbidities and lifestyle influences may be as strongly associated with declining T levels as is aging itself over the short- to midterm. These results suggest the possibility that age-related hormone decline may be decelerated through the management of health and lifestyle factors.
CONTEXT: Although it is known that serum testosterone (T) concentrations decline with age, the relative contributions of changes in health and lifestyle to that decline have not been adequately assessed. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to establish the relative importance of aging, health, and lifestyle in contributing to male T decline. DESIGN: A prospective cohort study of health and endocrine functioning in randomly selected men with a baseline visit (T1, 1987-1989) and two follow-up visits (T2, 1995-1997; T3, 2002-2004) was conducted. SETTING: An observational study of men residing in greater Boston, Massachusetts, was conducted. PARTICIPANTS: Participants included 1667 men aged 40 to 70 at baseline; follow-up was conducted on 947 (57%) and 584 (35%) at T2 and T3, respectively. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Main outcome measures included total serum T, calculated free T (FT), and SHBG. RESULTS: There were substantial declines in total serum T and FT levels associated with aging alone. However, many health and lifestyle changes were associated with accelerated decline. A 4- to 5-kg/m2 increase in body mass index or loss of spouse was associated with declines in total serum T comparable to that associated with approximately 10 yr of aging. Results were similar for FT, but fewer factors were associated with SHBG after age was taken into account. CONCLUSIONS: Both chronological aging and changes in health and lifestyle factors are associated with declines in serum T. Comorbidities and lifestyle influences may be as strongly associated with declining T levels as is aging itself over the short- to midterm. These results suggest the possibility that age-related hormone decline may be decelerated through the management of health and lifestyle factors.
Authors: Manthos G Giannoulis; Finbarr C Martin; K Sreekumaran Nair; A Margot Umpleby; Peter Sonksen Journal: Endocr Rev Date: 2012-03-20 Impact factor: 19.871
Authors: Thomas G Travison; Rebecca Shackelton; Andre B Araujo; Susan A Hall; Rachel E Williams; Richard V Clark; Amy B O'Donnell; John B McKinlay Journal: J Am Geriatr Soc Date: 2008-05 Impact factor: 5.562
Authors: Susan A Hall; Gretchen R Esche; Andre B Araujo; Thomas G Travison; Richard V Clark; Rachel E Williams; John B McKinlay Journal: J Clin Endocrinol Metab Date: 2008-07-29 Impact factor: 5.958