Low Testosterone Offers Clues to This Disease

A recent study found that men with low testosterone levels were associated with a 60 percent higher risk that prostate cancer could progress to a more aggressive state over time. Prostate cancer is the second-most common cancer in men in the U.S.

Researchers at The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center studied 924 men with prostate cancer who were not undergoing active treatment, but were in a “watchful waiting” mode, and found that testosterone levels would be a useful clinical marker to inform treatment. “Watchful waiting” is sometimes the preferred strategy if the cancer is low-risk, so that men do not have to suffer the side effects of prostate cancer treatment, which can have a negative impact on their sex life and bladder control.

The findings were published in The Journal of Urology.

“These findings suggest that while low testosterone is not clearly associated with moderate progression , it may increase the risk of higher-grade ‘extreme’ progression. Future studies should focus on prospective validation of our findings to elucidate the biological relationship between androgens and prostate cancer progression,” Tarek Lawen, MD, first author, concluded.

This year, the American Cancer Society estimates that more than 300,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. If detected early, men have the best chance at a good outcome.

Symptoms of Low Testosterone

Men with low T may experience some of these symptoms, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

• Low sex drive
• Loss of morning or spontaneous erections
• Trouble attaining or maintaining an erections
• Depression mood
• Decrease in muscle strength and mass
• Decrease in endurance
• Concentration and memory issues
• Increased body fat