Both Estrogen And Testosterone Play A Role In “Male Menopause”

Both Estrogen And Testosterone Play A Role In Male Menopause

A recent study suggests that both testosterone and estrogen play an important role in the way men deal with sex drive and extra fat as they age. Estrogen which is a female hormone is apparently very important for men as well and too small amounts of it can lead to symptoms that are similar to “male menopause”.

The study involved 400 male volunteers with ages between 20 and 50. They were given shots every month to reduce their testosterone levels to pre-puberty levels. They were then given testosterone patches, dummy testosterone patches and shots that prevent the transformation of testosterone to estrogen. The study was looking for the effects differing levels of both hormones had on strength and body composition.

After the 4 months, researchers concluded that body size and strength were directly related to testosterone. Body fat and body mass had a direct relation with estrogen levels. They also found that both hormones are important in keeping up a normal sex drive and performance.

The results of this study were similar to a study that researched the effects of male and female hormones in animals.

The term “male menopause” describes the small decline of testosterone levels as they reach middle age. While more testing is needed the study could change the way doctors prescribe testosterone to older men, thus preventing loss of strength, mobility, heart disease and other problems.

Posted by George Daniels on Sunday September 15 2013, 8:24 AM EST. Ref: ctvnews. Link. All trademarks acknowledged. Filed under Featured News, Health. Comments and Trackbacks closed. Follow responses: RSS 2.0