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Published on: August 13, 2019
Low serum testosterone and estradiol predict mortality in elderly men
Asa Tivesten1, Liesbeth Vandenput, Fernand Labrie
1Wallenberg Laboratory for Cardiovascular Research, Bruna Stråket 16, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, S-413 45 Göteborg, Sweden. asa.tivesten@medic.gu.se
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
|April 30, 2009
Summary
Low serum testosterone and estradiol levels in elderly men are linked to increased mortality risk. Men with low levels of both hormones face the highest risk of death.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Gerontology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Age-related testosterone decline may impact aging symptoms, but evidence on testosterone and male mortality is conflicting.
- No large prospective studies have investigated the link between serum estradiol and mortality in men.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between serum testosterone and estradiol levels and all-cause mortality in elderly men.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of serum sex steroids using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in 3014 older men (mean age 75 years) from the MrOS Sweden cohort.
- Follow-up for all-cause mortality over a mean period of 4.5 years.
Main Results:
- Low serum testosterone levels (quartile 1) were associated with a 65% increased mortality risk (HR, 1.65).
- Low serum estradiol levels (quartile 1) were associated with a 54% increased mortality risk (HR, 1.54).
- Men with low levels of both testosterone and estradiol had a nearly doubled risk of death (HR, 1.96).
Conclusions:
- Low serum testosterone and estradiol levels in elderly men are associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality.
- The highest mortality risk is observed in men with low levels of both testosterone and estradiol.
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