Cholesterol lowering and T

Is there any truth that taking Lipitor to lower cholesterol levels will drop your T levels if you are taking replacement T?<br> <br>

I found several studies in the National Library of Medicine that indicate that statin therapy to lower cholesterol has no effect on testosterone production. Here's an example:<br> <br> Does statin therapy influence steroid hormone synthesis?<br> <br> Bohm M, Herrmann W, Wassmann S, Laufs U, Nickenig G.<br> <br> Klinik fur Innere Medizin III, Universitatskliniken des Saarlandes, Kirrberger Strasse, 66421 Homburg, Germany. boehm@med-in.uni-saarland.de<br> <br> Statins reduce cholesterol and isoprenoid de novo biosynthesis as well as receptor mediated uptake of cholesterol for steroidogenesis. The present randomized placebo-controlled trial investigated whether pravastatin (40 mg/day) reduces the plasma concentrations of steroid hormones as well as of gonadotropins. Patients (n = 22; 15 males, 7 females) were treated with pravastatin (40 mg/day) or placebo. Levels of total and LDL cholesterol, the steroid hormones estradiol, testosterone, cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS) as well as FSH and LH were studied. Pravastatin led to a significant reduction of total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. There was no significant change in estradiol, testosterone, cortisol or DHEAS plasma concentrations. There was no compensatory change in FSH or LH. It is concluded that pravastatin does not alter steroid hormones or gonadotropins in a clinically applicable dose, which significantly reduces total and LDL cholesterol.

I did a google search on the net and almost every single report I saw stated the opposite. That statins reduce T. Do a google search for statins and testosterone and you will see almost every single reports states the will save you from a heart attack but lower you T level. It sucks!

Hi Derek,<br> <br> There may be lots of reports on Google but I always try to find ones that are backed up by clinical research. I'd be happy to look at some of the ones that appear to be legitimate. Can you post some URLs to websites that might be backed by medical or scientific studies?

Hi Derek, Sorry you had such a problem posting links. I looked at this Johns Hopkins study, <a href="http://www.jhu.edu/~gazette/2005/25apr05/25statin.html" target="_blank">http://www.jhu.edu/~gazette/2005/25apr05/25statin.html</a> and it was pretty inconclusive. It basically says that men may be able to produce less testosterone while taking statins than when not. This indicates to me that there is little effect on supplemental testosterone in the body. The key finding is that men on statins should monitor their testosterone level and take supplemental testosterone when it is shown to be low. Does this make sense? I think this whole area is pretty new and more studies are needed before the effects of statins are well understood. It's too bad that more men don't try to lower their cholesterol with good old diet and exercise -- this would also probably boost their testosterone production as well.

If you go to google and seach in qoutes "statins and testosterone" , you will see many reports. Even reports from John Hopkins and the like.<br> <br>

I took Pravochol for several years with no aparent side effects. Last November, my cardiologist decided to change to Crestor. I took 20mg Crestor for 5 months . . . before I realized that two rather serious side effects began shortly after I switched statins. 1. Very painful muscle aches - very localized - only in my right foot and both elbows. 2. A rapidly progressing case of erectile dysfunction. The cardiologist discounted my theory that both were due to Crestor - after all, there is little documentation . . . except anecdotal. Less than 1% of those taking Crestor have similar side effects. Luckily, my regular doctor suggested that I suspend statin therapy for a week and see what happens. My life style is built around exercise and proper eating. Within days, the myalgia had lessoned considerably, so I trashed the Crestor and went back to Pravachol. It took about five weeks, but the muscle aches completely abated - didn't realize how painful they were until they were gone. What about my ED? Well, I haven't been as lucky with that. Bloodtests revealed low serum testosterone and VERY low free testosterone levels. I have been on T Replacement for 3 months, and I can see improvement as dosage is adjusted. I was very allergic to Androderm patch - switched to Testosterone Cypionate injections - 100 mg per week - and found that after the 4th day, my levels went through the floor. Finally settled on Testim gel - 100mg applied daily (2 tubes instead of 1). It is working fairly well, and my energy level is great! Before I started T-Replacement therapy, I was very moody and fell asleep the moment I relaxed. What really bothers me is that statin manufacturers hide the fact that statins can affect erectile function - probably by lowering testosterone. Had I not been agressive, I would have had no treatment at all.<br> <br> Good luck.