A new published study, lead by researchers at Prince Henry’s Institute in Melbourne, provides strong evidence that the benefits of a testosterone boost are real in at least a proportion of men over 55yrs of age.

Whilst many people talk about ‘grumpy old man’ syndrome and ‘HRT’ for men the evidence has been limited as to which men might benefit from a testosterone hormone boost.

Testosterone is the male hormone that is responsible male characteristics such as beard growth and for maintaining bone, muscle and sexual health throughout life.

The levels of testosterone fall in men as they grow older and for a small number with the lowest levels this may pose health risks. Lower than normal levels of testosterone have may affect energy levels, strength and sex drive. There is also substantial research evidence linking lower levels of testosterone to osteoporosis, diabetes and heart disease.

International studies suggest that up to 10% of older men have low testosterone levels and this would equate to almost a quarter of a million Australian men aged over 55yrs old. Many men and their doctors are unaware that they are affected and are therefore untreated. Existing health conditions may also rule out some men with low testosterone levels as suitable candidates for boosting therapy.

The new study by investigators at Prince Henry’s Institute, has shown that a hormone patch has real health benefits for those older men that have low levels of the hormone testosterone. 60 Victorian men took part in the study. For a whole year they wore a patch, similar in concept to stop smoking patches, but in this case containing either the hormone testosterone or a placebo.

Clinical Research Fellow at Prince Henry’s Institute , Dr Carloyn Allan, commented ‘”Boosting the testosterone levels of men who have low levels of this hormone can reduce their chance of developing extra fat around their belly. We know that carrying extra fat around the belly is linked to a higher risk of heart disease and diabetes. “

Testosterone therapy is increasingly being advertised and offered to men but current evidence supports its use in only a limited number of cases. Attempting to restore an older man’s testosterone levels back to the levels he had as a younger man could prove problematic. Some researchers are concerned that not enough is known about the potential health risks.

For more information contact Ian Muchamore, Science Communication, on +61 3 9594 4049 or 0415 551 705

Further Information

The paper will be published in the January 2008 edition of the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (JCEM). An E Published final version is available online and copy can be supplied to journalists.

The research was conducted by Prince Henry 's Institute, in conjunction with Andrology Australia and Monash Medical Centre, Southern Health. Researchers are available for interview.

Australian Bureau of Statistics 2006 census data indicates that there are 2,282,092 men over 55 years old in Australia. If 10% have a testosterone deficiency this would represent 228,209 men.

Participants who took part in the study are also available for interview.

To find out more about Prince Henry’s Institute’s wide reaching research and to understand how you may support future health and wellbeing, please contact the Prince Henry’s Institute on 03 9594 4372

For further information contact: Ian Muchamore (03) 9594 4049


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