Serum testosterone linked to fracture risk

Reduced testosterone levels in elderly men are an independent risk factor for osteoporotic fracture, according to the Australian authors of a recent prospective study. Male aging is associated with a gradual decrease in circulating testosterone, which may be detrimental to bone, however, the relationship between testosterone and incident fracture risk remains unclear. The Dubbo Osteoporosis Epidemiology Study evaluated 609 men older than 60 years for clinical risk factors of osteoporosis, including bone mineral density (BMD), serum testosterone and oestradiol levels and lifestyle factors.Over a mean of 5.8 years 113 men had at least one low-trauma fracture. The risk of fracture was significantly increased in men with reduced testosterone levels [hazard ratio (HR): 1.33]. After adjustment for major risk factors of fractures (age, weight or bone mineral density, fracture history, smoking status, calcium intake, and sex hormone—binding globulin), lower testosterone was still associated with increased risk of fracture. Serum testosterone is independently associated with the risk of osteoporotic fracture in elderly community-dwelling men, the researchers concluded. “This effect was independent of established risk factors, such as age and BMD. In contrast, there was no significant association between serum E2 [oestradiol] levels and fracture in the presence of BMD and age," they added.Reference...