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closeLoss of Testosterone caused by Statins May Produce the Negative Effects
Posted by jamesmhoward on 24 Aug 2012 at 14:37 GMT
I am pleased Hoffman, et al., at least, mentioned that reduced testosterone occurs during treatment with statins. I suggest it is the loss of testosterone that produces the negative consequences attributed to statins by Hoffman, et al.
RE: Loss of Testosterone caused by Statins May Produce the Negative Effects
DrGolomb replied to jamesmhoward on 29 Aug 2012 at 23:14 GMT
We agree testosterone is likely to be one factor in statin muscle effects, though not the whole story. (We have examined the relation of testosterone to muscle symptom change in a clinical trial sample, but have not yet submitted those findings for publication.) Women are also subject to muscle symptoms from statins -- and, evidence suggests, express problems at higher rates than men. Yet, statins did not appear to affect testosterone in women (in our clinical trial sample). For evidence supporting involvement of other mechanisms in statin muscle effects, see our review[1].
1. Golomb BA, Evans MA (2008) Statin adverse effects: a review of the literature and evidence for a mitochondrial mechanism. Am J Cardiovasc Drugs 8: 373-418.