Serum testosterone levels correlate with haemoglobin in middle-aged and older men
Date
2009
Authors
Yeap, Bu B.
Beilin, J.
Knuiman, M.
Olynyk, J. K.
Bruce, D. G.
Milward, E. A.
Editors
Advisors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Type:
Journal article
Citation
Internal Medicine Journal, 2009; 39(8):532-538
Statement of Responsibility
B. B. Yeap, J. Beilin, Z. Shi, M. W. Knuiman, J. K. Olynyk, D. G. Bruce and E. A. Milward
Conference Name
Abstract
Background: Lower testosterone levels are associated with anaemia in older men and women. The relation between testosterone and haemoglobin (Hb) in younger and middle-aged men is less well defined. The aim of the study was to examine the association between testosterone and Hb levels in men spanning middle to older ages.
Methods: A cross-sectional analysis of 492 men aged 30.7–94.5 years from the Busselton Health Survey, Western Australia, was carried out. Haemoglobin (Hb), early-morning serum total testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) were measured. Free testosterone was calculated using mass action equations.
Results: Haemoglobin correlated to total and free testosterone concentrations (r= 0.13, P= 0.003 and r= 0.20, P < 0.001, respectively). Hb and SHBG were inversely correlated (r=−0.14, P= 0.001). Hb increased across lowest to highest quartiles of total testosterone (P= 0.02) and free testosterone (P < 0.001), but not SHBG. After adjusting for age, waist circumference, smoking status, alcohol consumption, renal function and ferritin, total testosterone was associated with Hb (β= 0.037, P= 0.003) as was free testosterone (β= 2.32, P < 0.001), whereas SHBG was not associated.
Conclusion: Testosterone concentration modulates Hb levels in community-dwelling men across a wide age range. Further studies are needed to clarify implications of this association between testosterone and Hb in men.
School/Discipline
School of Medicine
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© 2009 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2009 Royal Australasian College of Physicians