For middle-aged and elderly men, cardiovascular risk may increase once testosterone declines to a 440 ng/dL threshold, according to a recent Journal of Sexual Medicine report.  

The suggested threshold appears to be lower for men with sexual dysfunction, the authors say. 

Low testosterone is associated with cardiovascular risk factors, but the actual threshold had been unclear.

The study involved 876 men between the ages of 45 and 75. The men underwent physical examinations and were assessed for their 10-year risk for cardiovascular disease as well as their levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP).  Higher levels of this protein can indicate greater risk for heart disease. 

The researchers found that 10-year-risk scores increased when testosterone dropped to 440 ng/dL. Levels of hsCRP tended to increase when testosterone fell to 480 ng/dL. 

For men with sexual dysfunction, who are at greater risk for cardiovascular disease, the threshold range was 300 to 350 ng/dL. 

Still, more research is needed. It’s important to note that this was an association study. The findings should not be used to suggest that treating testosterone levels below 440 ng/dL reduces a man’s risk for heart disease.

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Please note that a new research summary has been posted to the ISSM website.

"Predictors of Sexual Distress in Women With Desire and Arousal Difficulties: Distinguishing Between Personal, Partner, and Interpersonal Distress" by Lies Hendrickx, PhD, et al. was published online in November by the Journal of Sexual Medicine. 

More details are available here.