How Testosterone Affects Cancer and Metabolic Disease Risk in Men and Women
A group of British scientists found that high levels of testosterone, influenced by genetic factors, affect the health of men and women differently. In men, it reduces the risk of type II diabetes and metabolic disease, while in women, it increases the risk. However, regarding oncology, the research indicates a negative correlation in both sexes: in women, elevated levels of this hormone contribute to the development of breast cancer and uterine cancer, while in men, it is linked to prostate cancer.
Who Should Check Their Testosterone Levels
- ➤ Men over 40 years old — with excess weight, diabetes, decreased libido, chronic fatigue;
- ➤ Women with PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) — irregular cycles, acne, excessive hair growth;
- ➤ With a family history of prostate cancer in men or breast/uterine cancer in women;
- ➤ Patients with metabolic syndrome — obesity, high blood pressure, elevated sugar and cholesterol;
- ➤ Those planning hormone replacement therapy — before starting testosterone medications.
The Ichilov Clinic conducts a comprehensive hormonal examination in one day: blood tests for testosterone (total and free), estradiol, LH, FSH, prolactin + consultation with an endocrinologist for interpretation.
Testosterone is present in everyone, but men produce it in much larger quantities than women, hence its second name – male sex hormone. It has many functions: it is responsible for the development of secondary sexual characteristics in men, stimulates metabolism, tissue regeneration, strengthens muscles, and ensures bone strength. In the female body, testosterone is involved in the synthesis of estrogens, enabling pregnancy and carrying a healthy child.
In a new study conducted by scientists from the Department of Epidemiology at the University of Cambridge, published in the latest issue of Nature Medicine, it was found that women with genetically high levels of testosterone have a 37% increased risk of developing type II diabetes. In men, an excess of this hormone, on the contrary, has a protective effect: it reduces the likelihood of diabetes and other diseases caused by metabolic disorders by 14%.
The authors also discovered that elevated levels of the "male" hormone in women increase the risk of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) by 51%.
This condition is associated with impaired follicle maturation – ovulation does not occur, resulting in multiple cysts gradually forming in the ovaries. Its companions include infertility, weight gain, skin problems, excessive hair growth, insulin resistance, and depression. This finding surprised scientists, as it was previously thought that high testosterone levels were a consequence of PCOS, not its cause.
They also found that an excess of the "male" hormone in women is associated with an increased risk of certain forms of oncology, particularly uterine and breast cancer. In males, high testosterone increases the likelihood of prostate cancer. The team concluded that there are genetic reasons affecting testosterone concentrations in both sexes, but the effects of these levels differ between men and women.
This research work is currently the largest on the topic of genetic regulation of hormone levels. Scientists used genome scanning data from nearly half a million people taken from the UK Biobank and identified 2570 genetic changes associated with differences in testosterone levels.
The team demonstrated that the genetic determinants of this hormone's level differ by sex. In terms of metabolic diseases, this may have health benefits for men, while posing risks for women's health.
“Our findings that genetically elevated testosterone levels are associated with a higher risk of PCOS in women are of great significance for understanding the role of testosterone in the development of this common condition. It should be acknowledged that it is likely one of its causes, rather than a consequence,” says lead author Jonathan Perry.
⚠️ Risks of Abnormal Testosterone Levels
In Women (High Testosterone):
- ➤ Risk of type II diabetes increases by 37%;
- ➤ Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) — infertility, cycle irregularities;
- ➤ Breast cancer — increased risk with prolonged high levels;
- ➤ Endometrial cancer (uterine cancer) — associated with excess androgens;
- ➤ Metabolic syndrome — obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension.
In Men (Low Testosterone):
- ➤ Risk of type II diabetes increases by 14% with hormone deficiency;
- ➤ Metabolic syndrome — abdominal obesity, high cholesterol;
- ➤ Cardiovascular diseases — ischemic disease, heart attack;
- ➤ Osteoporosis and fractures — decreased bone density;
- ➤ Depression, fatigue — decreased quality of life.
In Men (High Testosterone):
- ➤ Prostate cancer — excess testosterone stimulates tumour growth;
- ➤ Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) — enlargement of the gland;
- ➤ Aggressiveness, mood swings;
- ➤ Acne, alopecia (hair loss).
Endocrinologists and oncologists at the Ichilov Clinic develop an individual strategy for hormonal correction — taking into account oncological risks and metabolic profiles. The consultation includes analysis interpretation, genetic risk assessment, and monitoring plan.
“Similarly in men: medications that lower testosterone levels are widely used in the treatment of prostate cancer, but it has not been definitively known whether low levels of this hormone help prevent the development of this type of oncology,” adds the doctor. “The results obtained show how different genome study techniques can aid in understanding the risks and benefits of hormone therapy.”
The authors noted that their work emphasizes the importance of sex-specific tests for testosterone levels and its impact on health. It allows understanding how to normalize this hormone's levels in the body to improve quality of life and prevent metabolic diseases that, if not properly treated, can lead to disability and premature death.
Researchers, however, emphasize that their findings should not serve as a direct recommendation for anyone to independently take medications that raise or lower testosterone levels without consulting a physician. “Caution should be exercised when taking this hormone's medications,” say the authors. “We still need to conduct similar studies on the relationship of the 'male' hormone with other diseases, particularly cardiovascular diseases.”
What Does Hormonal Background Examination Include at the Ichilov Clinic
For Men:
- ➤ Blood test for hormones: total and free testosterone, LH, FSH, prolactin, estradiol, SHBG;
- ➤ PSA (PSA) — prostate cancer screening for men over 45 years old;
- ➤ Ultrasound of the pelvic organs — assessment of prostate size, exclusion of hyperplasia;
- ➤ Biochemical blood test — glucose, insulin, cholesterol, triglycerides;
- ➤ Consultation with a urologist and endocrinologist — interpretation of results, correction plan.
For Women:
- ➤ Blood test for hormones: testosterone, DHEA-sulfate, LH, FSH, prolactin, estradiol, progesterone;
- ➤ Ultrasound of the pelvic organs — diagnosis of PCOS, assessment of ovaries and endometrium;
- ➤ Mammography or breast ultrasound (depending on age) — breast cancer screening;
- ➤ Glucose tolerance test — in case of suspected insulin resistance;
- ➤ Consultation with a gynecologist-endocrinologist — PCOS treatment plan, hormone correction.
Duration of examination: 2–3 days. All results with interpretation in Russian. If deviations are found, a treatment plan is developed jointly by an endocrinologist, gynecologist/urologist, and oncologist.
What is Metabolic Disease
Metabolic disease, also known as metabolic syndrome, is a collective term for pathological conditions that occur concurrently, increasing the risk of type II diabetes and stroke. Metabolic syndrome is characterized by excess body fat, especially around the waist, elevated blood pressure, high blood sugar levels, cholesterol, and triglycerides.