Urology Specialist Assoc. Dr. Emre Salabaş stated that constant fatigue, decreased muscle strength, fat around the abdomen, sleep problems and difficulty concentrating may be signs of low testosterone and said, "Low testosterone may affect not only sexual health but also the general health of the person."
A new study has revealed that men with very low testosterone levels may have a higher risk of developing cancer and dying due to cancer in the following years. However, the study did not find a direct relationship between low testosterone and prostate cancer risk.
In the activity where the data of approximately 24 thousand 500 men were evaluated, findings from 11 separate studies were brought together. The participants' initial hormone levels and whether they were diagnosed with cancer or died due to cancer during a follow-up period of at least 5 years were examined. Age, lifestyle and similar factors were also taken into account in the evaluations.
Evaluating the research results, Biruni University Faculty of Medicine Hospital Urology Specialist Assoc. Dr. Emre Salabaş said that low testosterone level is not only a problem limited to sexual reluctance and loss of energy, but can also be an indicator of deterioration in general health.
Salabaş said, "This research does not mean that every man with low testosterone will get cancer. The study reveals a relationship, but it has not been proven that low testosterone directly causes cancer. Low hormone levels can be seen with obesity, diabetes, inactivity, chronic diseases, sleep disorders and deterioration in general health. Therefore, it would be more accurate to consider low testosterone as a warning given by the body."
Explaining that the testosterone hormone has an effect on male reproductive and sexual health, as well as muscle mass, bone density, fat distribution, energy level and metabolism, Salabaş continued as follows:
"A significant decrease in testosterone levels may not only manifest itself in sexual reluctance or erection problems. Constant fatigue, reluctance, decrease in muscle strength, fat around the abdomen, sleep problems, difficulty in concentration and mood changes may also be observed. Since these symptoms can also occur in different diseases, the diagnosis should not be made based on complaints alone."
No direct link to prostate cancer identified
Stating that there was no finding in the study that low testosterone directly increases the risk of prostate cancer, Salabaş said that the relationship between testosterone and prostate cancer has been discussed for many years.
Salabaş said, "While very low testosterone levels were found to be associated with general cancer risk and cancer-related deaths, the same relationship could not be shown for prostate cancer. This result reveals that prostate cancer is a very complex disease that cannot be explained only by testosterone levels."
Emphasizing that the diagnosis of testosterone deficiency should not be made based on a single measurement result, Salabaş pointed out that hormone levels can change during the day.
Salabaş said, "Testosterone measurement should preferably be done in the morning. If the first result is low, the measurement should be repeated on a different day. The patient's age, weight, medications used, chronic diseases and current symptoms should be evaluated together. It is not right to start treatment based on laboratory results alone."
Stating that if low testosterone symptoms persist for a long time, a urologist should be consulted, Salabaş stated that complaints such as sexual reluctance, erectile dysfunction, unexplained fatigue, muscle loss and weakness should not be ignored. - ISTANBUL