Khaberni - A recent scientific study has revealed that low levels of testosterone in men may be linked to an increased risk of developing certain types of cancer, particularly prostate cancer, shedding light on the importance of this hormone as a potential indicator of general health, not just its role in reproductive functions and muscle mass building.
According to the Russian site "Sputnik," researchers based their findings on long-term medical monitoring data of men, showing that patients with low levels of testosterone were more likely to develop prostate cancer during active surveillance compared to patients with normal hormone levels.
The study pointed out that low testosterone was linked to a nearly 60% increased likelihood of the disease progressing to more aggressive stages, contradicting the long-held belief that high testosterone levels are the main stimulant for the growth of prostate cancer in its early stages.
The researchers believe that the new findings could help doctors in the future to assess disease risks in patients and classify them according to the degrees of risk, contributing to more accurate and effective monitoring and treatment plans.
In contrast, the study team emphasized that the results do not prove a direct causal relationship between low testosterone and cancer onset, but rather reveal a statistical correlation that calls for more studies and research to confirm its causes and mechanisms.
The researchers also cautioned against resorting to hormone therapy to compensate for low testosterone without specialized medical supervision, affirming that the current scientific evidence is still insufficient to prove that increasing hormone levels can prevent cancer or limit its progression.
Testosterone is the main sex hormone in men, and its levels affect a number of vital functions, including muscle mass, bone density, and sperm production.
Over the past decades, there has been a medical belief that high testosterone could accelerate the growth of prostate cancer. However, recent studies have begun to suggest that low hormone levels may similarly indicate an increased risk of the disease or its progression, prompting researchers to re-evaluate the complex relationship between testosterone and prostate cancer.
