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Cardiometabolic risks during anabolic hormone supplementation in older men
1Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA.
Obesity (Silver Spring, Md.)
|June 21, 2013
Summary
Testosterone and growth hormone (GH) therapy in older men showed mixed effects on individual cardiometabolic risk factors but did not worsen overall risk after 4 months. Long-term cardiovascular effects require further study.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Gerontology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
Background:
- Aging is associated with declining levels of testosterone and growth hormone (GH).
- Hormone replacement therapy aims to restore youthful levels, but cardiometabolic risks are a concern in older adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the cardiometabolic risks and benefits of testosterone and GH replacement therapy to youthful levels in aging men.
- To assess changes in body composition and key cardiometabolic risk factors.
Main Methods:
- A 16-week, double-masked, partially placebo-controlled study involving 112 men aged 65-90.
- Administration of transdermal testosterone and subcutaneous recombinant GH (rhGH) at varying doses.
- Measurements included body composition (DEXA), hormone levels, and cardiometabolic markers (blood pressure, lipids, insulin sensitivity, adiponectin).
Main Results:
- Individual cardiometabolic factors showed mixed changes: some improved (fat mass, triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol), while others worsened (systolic blood pressure, insulin sensitivity, adiponectin).
- Composite cardiometabolic risk scores (CRCSs) significantly improved.
- Changes in Body Mass Index (BMI) were more strongly associated with cardiometabolic risk than individual changes in fat or lean mass.
Conclusions:
- Testosterone and rhGH therapy in healthy older men led to diverse effects on individual risk factors but did not increase overall cardiometabolic risk after 4 months.
- Further investigation is needed on the long-term cardiovascular effects of these anabolic therapies, particularly in populations with existing health limitations.
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