Testosterone is the hormone that controls your sexual drive and urges. It is a hormone that eventually aids the development and growth of the muscles, bone mass, etc. In recent years, many researchers have studied that there is a possible link between cholesterol and testosterone.
Men have used testosterone therapy for alleviating different kinds of medical conditions. But there are many side effects of the same, including acne, enlarged prostate, inadequate sperm production, etc. One of the major side effects of this therapy is also fluctuations in the cholesterol levels. The various studies conducted in this perspective show mixed results.
Studies indicate that testosterone does not reduce the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels — while others reveal that it impacts both of them.
There are also contradictor studies on the impact testosterone has on the triglyceride levels. Some reveal that it largely impacts the triglyceride levels, while others don’t support the same.
Yet, there is no denying that there is a link between cholesterol and testosterone!
About testosterone therapy
This therapy is given usually when misters suffer from a health issue called hypogonadism or the lack of testosterone. The body simply doesn’t make enough of it. However, the lack of this critical hormone indicates that the overall development and maintenance of your male attributes or traits are going to be affected.
Apart from this, the hectic lifestyles men lead, lack of proper diet, etc. has resulted in a natural reduction of testosterone levels in men. Though this decline is gradual — it is very much evident. Studies have shown that men now have a lower sexual urge as compared to a few decades back.
About cholesterol
Cholesterol is a component that is somewhat similar to fat in the body — only it exists in the bloodstream. This cholesterol helps in producing healthier cells, but when there is too much of the LDL, it leads to plaque in the artery walls — a process called atherosclerosis. Building up of this plaque then results in a reduction of blood flow. This is reared to as coronary artery when it happens to an artery in the heart. It further leads to angina or chest pain. In case a bulk of this plaque ruptures, clot forms around it which blocks the artery causing heart attacks.
Testosterone and HDL
The good cholesterol or HDL cholesterol fights the LDL or “bad” cholesterol along with other harmful fats and takes it out of the bloodstream to the liver. From here, the liver fliers out the same and reduces risks of heart problems.
Men who have too much testosterone medications could be reducing levels of this good fat or HDL. While the impact of the HDL differs from person to person — especially the dosage — it does impact your overall health.
Researchers revealed that men who had acute diseases would have a more drastic drop in HDL levels as compared to men who didn’t. Considering that more men are now opting for these testosterone supplements, necessary precaution should also be taken for their general health — especially HDL.
Medically reviewed by Rishabh Verma, RP
