Is Low Testosterone Putting You at Risk for Heart Disease? – Prosperity Health | Functional Medicine Doctor

The Link Between Cardiovascular Disease & Low Testosterone (‘Low T’) in Men

Most men know that low testosterone levels are associated with sexual performance issues. But most men don’t realize that testosterone deficiency (“Low T”) and cardiovascular disease in men are also intricately linked, posing significant health risks for those men who are affected.

In the United States, heart disease stands as the leading cause of death among males, killing 1 in 4 men – often tragically well before their time. The good news is that a proactive approach to preventing heart disease can significantly reduce a man’s risk of cardiovascular disease and heart attack!

One heart-health avenue worth exploring is testosterone replacement therapy with bioidentical hormones. While numerous factors contribute to cardiovascular health, emerging research has shown that testosterone deficiency, commonly referred to as “Low T,” may play a role in exacerbating these risks. So, for men grappling with Low T, testosterone therapy emerges as a promising avenue for safeguarding against cardiovascular issues, offering a safe, natural, painless, easy, and effective method of intervention.

In this article, functional medicine specialist Dr. Nishath Hakim, MD at Prosperity Health in the Troy, MI area explores the link between Low T and heart disease – and explains how testosterone replacement therapy may be able to help you lower your risk of cardiovascular issues, including heart attack.

Causes of Low Testosterone

Testosterone production naturally declines with age in men. This decrease is gradual, typically around 1 to 2% per year after age 40. While not as dramatic of a drop year-to-year as the hormone decline of menopause, this testosterone decline in men can add up over time, potentially leading to symptoms of Low T.

In addition to normal aging, testosterone deficiency can also arise from various factors, including obesity, chronic illness, medication use, and genetic predisposition. Lifestyle factors such as poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption can also contribute to Low T levels.

Low Testosterone’s Effects on the Male Cardiovascular System

Testosterone plays a crucial role in maintaining cardiovascular health in men. Beyond its primary functions in reproductive and sexual development, testosterone exerts profound effects on the cardiovascular system, influencing blood pressure regulation, lipid metabolism (how the body uses fats and fatty buildup in arteries), vascular function, and inflammation.

Research suggests that testosterone deficiency may be associated with more severe cases of coronary artery disease (CAD), a condition characterized by the narrowing or blockage of coronary arteries. Studies have indicated that Low T levels correlate with an increased risk of developing CAD and experiencing adverse cardiovascular events.

In clinical research, testosterone deficiency has been observed in many cases of congestive heart failure, a condition in which the heart’s ability to pump blood efficiently is compromised. These studies have shown that Low T levels are prevalent among men with congestive heart failure and may contribute to disease progression and poor prognosis.

Research Studies on Low Testosterone & Heart Disease

A recent research study on the intricate relationship between Low T and cardiovascular disease which was published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that men with Low T levels had a substantially higher incidence of coronary artery disease, as well as increased death from cardiovascular conditions compared to those with normal testosterone levels.

A Danish Registry Study published research in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) in 2023 that reviewed data from over 120,000 male patients with type 2 diabetes. That research found that low testosterone levels were associated with an increased risk of heart attack, highlighting the potential link between testosterone deficiency and heart health in this population.

And a 2023 review of multiple clinical trials and observational research studies published in the Sexual Medicine Review analyzed the evidence regarding the relationship between testosterone deficiency and heart disease. The authors of that study determined that there is compelling evidence that there is a detrimental effect of low testosterone on vascular health and increased risk of cardiovascular disease in men.

Research Studies on Testosterone Replacement for Heart Disease

Another article published in Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Cardiology – a prestigious, peer-reviewed medical journal – found that testosterone therapy was associated with a lower risk of adverse cardiovascular events in men who had low testosterone levels and pre-existing cardiovascular disease.

In 2023, the study Testosterone Replacement Therapy and Incident Cardiovascular Events in Men was published in the New England Journal of Medicine. This large-scale, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Cleveland Clinic-led study assessed more than 5,000 men with Low T and pre-existing or high-risk of cardiovascular disease. That research showed that testosterone replacement therapy did not increase the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events compared to placebo. This offers important reassurance of the cardiovascular safety of testosterone replacement therapy in this population.

Treating Low Testosterone with Bioidentical Hormone Therapy (BHRT)

While these are just a few examples of the recent clinical studies on testosterone and heart disease – and research in this area is ongoing – it is increasingly clear that low testosterone levels in men can present a risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease.

The great news for men wit Low T is that bioidentical hormone therapy (BHRT) at Prosperity Health in the Troy, MI area offers a safe, easy, and effective approach to treating testosterone deficiency and potentially reducing cardiovascular risks in men.

BHRT utilizes hormones that are structurally identical to those naturally produced by the body, allowing for optimal absorption and utilization – while reducing the possibility of side effects. By restoring testosterone levels to normal physiological ranges, BHRT at Prosperity Health in the Troy, MI area can improve cardiovascular function, reduce inflammation, enhance lipid profiles, and promote overall heart health.

Functional medicine doctor and hormone therapy expert Dr. Nishath Hakim, MD in the Troy, MI area will assess your individual cardiovascular risk factors, test your individual hormone levels, and evaluate the potential benefits of testosterone replacement therapy – based on your individual circumstances and test results.

BHRT Treatment for Low Testosterone | Troy, MI area

Dr. Nishath Hakim, MD at Prosperity Health in the Troy, MI area, specializes in personalized BHRT protocols tailored to each patient’s unique needs and medical history. Through comprehensive evaluations and ongoing monitoring, Dr. Hakim ensures safe and effective treatment outcomes, empowering men to proactively manage their cardiovascular health and well-being.