How Andropause May Affect Men’s Cholesterol

Some studies show that men’s cholesterol levels can become elevated as a result of low testosterone. Age may play a part as well.

Men’s Cholesterol and Cardiovascular Disease

One study, called the Massachusetts Male Aging Study (MMAS), looked at men who ranged in age from 40 to 70. Male hormones were examined to determine whether there was a link between men’s cholesterol and cardiovascular disease or CVD. It was found that high-density lipoprotein cholesterol or HDL-C levels were higher in men who had cardiovascular disease versus those who did not suffer from CVD.

Low Testosterone and High Cholesterol

Some studies show that there’s a direct relationship between low testosterone and high cholesterol. Both conditions share a few things in common: they can increase a man’s risk for heart disease, heart attack and stroke. However, there is promise in reducing those risks with testosterone therapy. Balancing out the levels of testosterone can promote healthier ranges of cholesterol.

Cholesterol is a fat that’s found in the blood. Some of it also comes from the food you eat. In men, it helps the body produce testosterone. Leydig cells, which are found in the testicles, use cholesterol in the blood and make testosterone. However, when andropause hits, those cells can begin to produce less testosterone.

Lipoprotein cholesterol or LDL is what’s considered to be “bad” cholesterol as it can build up and harden in the arteries. This can raise one’s risk for heart disease. High-density lipoprotein, or HDL, on the other hand, is considered “good” cholesterol. Its role is to lead LDL away from the arteries to the liver, where it is broken down. This type of cholesterol can lower the risk of heart disease.

Triglycerides are also an issue as they are a type of fat in the blood. If the levels are high, it can lead to obesity.

Testosterone Therapy for Better Cholesterol

Testosterone therapy can help with a few different conditions. It can result in certain side effects as well, but it’s effective in regulating men’s cholesterol levels. At the same time, research findings are mixed. Some have determined it can lower HDL and LDL levels while others found that neither good nor bad cholesterol is affected by testosterone therapy.

In most cases, testosterone therapy is administered to men who have hypogonadism, a medical condition that results in the body’s decreased production of testosterone. It’s also given to men to treat their levels of testosterone once they are older and their testosterone levels naturally decline.

With conflicting findings among studies examining the relationship between testosterone therapy and cholesterol levels, it’s wise for men to consume a healthy diet, get plenty of exercise and take their prescription medications. Following doctors’ advice is essential to keeping one’s blood pressure and cholesterol under control.

Predictors of Cardiovascular Disease Explored

A study performed by Dr. Ronald M. Kraus of the Children’s Hospital Oakland Research Institute and researchers from Harvard and Sweden explored LDL cholesterol and why some have heart disease and others live to old age. They examined blood samples from both men and women in Sweden and analyzed their cholesterol. They found that the following three scenarios predicted who would develop cardiovascular disease:

• High levels of smaller and medium LDL and low HDL levels
• Low HDL levels alone
• High LDL levels

Dr. Kraus found that men were more likely to be affected by heart disease when the first two scenarios were true. He also determined that the third one was only somewhat of a predictor that men would develop heart disease.

When it comes to hormonal balance, it’s essential to listen to your doctor and lead a healthy lifestyle to help maintain healthy testosterone levels, even through andropause changes, and ultimately keep your cholesterol in check and reduce your risk of heart disease.