Factsheets

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4th March 2008
Testosterone and depression in men

A study of about 4,000 Australian men aged 71-89 years found that those with the lowest testeroen levels were more prone to depression.

Full story: BBC News

See also: archpsyc

26th February 2008
Viagra was launched 10 years ago this month. Its availability has dramatically changed the way in which sexual problems are considered.

The little blue pill that could cure male impotence was a startling discovery when it was launched in a storm of publicity in 1998. But while it has transformed the relationships of millions over the past decade it has also contributed to the breakdown of many more.

Full story: The Guardian

11th December 2007
Low testosterone levels are associated with increased mortality in men.

The relation between endogenous testosterone concentrations and health in men is controversial. The authors examined the prospective relationship between endogenous testosterone concentrations and mortality due to all causes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer in 11,606 men aged 40 to 79 years. They found that endogenous testosterone concentrations are inversely related to mortality due to cardiovascular disease and all causes. Low testosterone may be a predictive marker for those at high risk of cardiovascular disease.


Margaret Rees
11 December 2007
http://circ.ahajournals.org

27th November 2007
Obesity may delay the diagnosis of prostate cancer

A study undertaken in 14,000 men found that obese men have more blood so the concentration of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), a marker for the disease, is lower. This may explain why obese men seem to have more aggressive cancers, as tumours may be missed.
Thus body weight must be taken into account when assessing PSA results.

Full story: BBC News