Higher testosterone levels in elderly men linked less muscle mass lose as they age

A recent study found that higher testosterone levels may help older men preserve muscle mass and delay frailty as they age. According to researchers, higher levels of testosterone were associated with reduced loss of lean muscle mass in older men, especially in those who were losing weight. In these men, higher testosterone levels were also associated with less loss of lower body strength.
Loss of muscle mass and strength contribute to frailty and are associated with falls, mobility limitations and fractures. Men lose more muscle mass and strength than women as they age, suggesting that sex steroids, and testosterone in particular, may contribute to body composition and physical function changes. This study sought to better understand the relationship between testosterone levels and healthy aging in older men and found that higher testosterone levels may help older men preserve muscle mass and delay frailty as they age.

The study is accepted for publication in The Endocrine Society’s Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (JCEM)