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Statins and Testosterone

Meaning

The relationship between statins and testosterone describes the clinical observation and physiological interaction where the use of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, commonly known as statins, can potentially impact the body’s cholesterol metabolism and, consequently, the synthesis of steroid hormones like testosterone. Since cholesterol is the obligate precursor for all steroid hormones, statin-induced reduction in cholesterol synthesis can theoretically limit the substrate available for testosterone production in the testes and adrenal glands. This is a critical consideration in men on cholesterol-lowering therapy who are also experiencing symptoms of low testosterone.