Testosterone is the ultimate masculinity hormone. If the values ​​in men are too low, it not only has a negative impact on sexuality, but also on their health. According to a new study, above certain values ​​the risk of dying earlier increases.

Testosterone is the most important male sex hormone. In men, it is produced primarily in the testicles and not only affects sexuality, but also, among other things, bones, muscles, fat and sugar metabolism and blood formation. Testosterone is also important for blood vessels and heart health. A lack of testosterone can, among other things, cause

lead.

But that’s not enough. A new study published in the journal “Annals of Internal Medicine” shows that low testosterone levels are also associated with a risk of dying earlier.

To do this, researchers at the University of Western Australia evaluated data from eleven studies involving more than 24,000 subjects. They primarily examined the connections between low testosterone levels, the risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality.

It turned out that men with a low testosterone concentration of

generally have a higher risk of dying earlier.

Men with a low testosterone concentration

had an increased risk of dying from cardiovascular disease.

For comparison: For men, the normal range of testosterone is between

According to Munich Clinic, a value

in need of treatment. For values ​​between

It goes on to say that hormone replacement therapy may also be appropriate.

“This study confirms what I discuss with my patients about the risks of low testosterone,” Adam Ramin, director of Urology Cancer Specialists in Los Angeles, told Medical News today. Although most people think of testosterone in the context of sexual function, this male hormone has many functions, he warns.

Although a deficiency leads to low sexual desire and erection difficulties, there are also

associated with it, confirms Ramin. Testosterone deficiency can also lead to heart attacks, strokes and death.

Instead of hormone replacement therapy, there are also ways to increase testosterone levels naturally. According to Ramin, it is important to lose belly fat, sleep at least six hours every night and avoid processed foods.

He also recommends:

Taking vitamin D and DHEA, a pre-hormone of testosterone, can also help increase testosterone levels. However, DHEA must be taken under medical supervision to ensure that there is no prostate cancer.  

But the study also received critical voices. For example, one critic complained that the cause of the testosterone deficiency in the test subjects was not examined in more detail in the study: “There are many reasons for this

Yu-Ming Ni, a cardiologist at Orange Coast Medical Center in California, told Medical News today. “Unless this is clarified in future research, it is uncertain whether low testosterone levels cause cardiovascular disease, and it would be unwise and potentially dangerous to assume that treating low testosterone levels with hormone replacement will reduce heart disease.” , he continued.

Other causes of testosterone deficiency include: