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Ageing men with higher levels of testosterone lose less muscle, study shows

Thursday 27th October 2011

Men with higher levels of testosterone lose less muscle as they age, a new study has revealed.

Research published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that higher levels of testosterone were linked to reduced loss of lean muscle mass in older men.

This was particularly so in those who were losing weight. In this group, higher testosterone levels were also associated with less loss of lower body strength.

Men typically lose more muscle mass and strength than women as they get older, suggesting that sex steroids and testosterone may contribute to body composition and changes in physical function.

Over-65s with higher levels of testosterone lost less muscle mass, particularly in their arms and legs, than those with lower levels of the hormone.

Furthermore, males who had higher testosterone levels before they lost weight also lost less leg function. They were able to stand up from a chair more easily than those who had lower testosterone levels before they lost weight.

In the study, researchers measured body composition using dual x-ray absorptiometry scans, while physical performance was tested through exercises designed to assess grip strength, lower extremity power, walking speed and the ability to rise from a chair without the use of arms.

Lead author Erin LeBlanc, from Kaiser Permanente Northwest in Portland, commented: "The amount of testosterone men have in their bodies may contribute to how much muscle and strength they lose as they get older.

"Our study adds evidence to the growing body of literature that suggest higher levels of endogenous testosterone may be favourably associated with some key components of healthy ageing in men."

According to fitness entrepreneur Steve Halsall, older people should focus on achieving mobility, flexibility, a good heart and strong bones when exercising.

However, before starting any regime, they should get the go-ahead from a medical or fitness professional who could carry out basic fitness testing such as blood pressure, lung function and heart rate monitoring.

Written by James Puckle