Weak and sagging muscles Labor Men Due to Lack of Sex Hormones

Testosterone is a hormone found in men and functioning in the formation of male reproductive tissues such as testis and prostate. Recent research suggests that falling levels of this hormone due to aging also leads to reduced muscle mass and strength of men.

Loss of muscle mass and strength will cause weakness and impaired mobility, fractures and the risk of falls. With age, men lose more muscle mass and strength than women.

"Our research shows that levels of sex hormones, particularly testosterone, can affect changes in body composition and physical function associated with age," said Dr. Erin LeBlanc, lead investigator from Kaiser Permanente Northwest in Portland, Oregon, USA as reported by HelathDay.com, Tuesday (11/01/2011).



The study involved nearly 1,200 men aged 65 who measured the level of sex hormones and then monitored for 4.5 years. Body composition checked by high-tech scanners and physical capabilities were evaluated through exercises that require less rated power, such a strong grip, walking speed, and ability to get up from a chair without using hands.

"Our research found that men aged 65 years and over who have high testosterone levels lose more muscle mass, especially in the arms and legs, rather than similarly aged men with lower testosterone levels," said LeBlanc.

"Men who have higher testosterone levels before weight loss is also less loss of leg strength and get up from a chair more easily than men who have lower testosterone levels before weight loss. The amount of testosterone in his body he can be a marker of how much muscle and strength which will disappear when age increases, "said LeBlanc.

One other expert was not surprised by these findings. He also added that there is no reason to suggest an old man taking additional testosterone supplementation.

This study confirms that higher testosterone levels in older men associated with less loss of muscle mass due to aging.

"This is a prospective epidemiologic study, not controlled trials, so that other variables may exist. For example, patients with low testosterone were more likely to have diabetes," said Dr. Stuart Weinerman, division chief of endocrinology at North Shore-LIJ Health System in New Hyde Park , NY.