Cambridge Study Warns That High Circulating Testosterone Levels Raise Heart Disease Risk in Men
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Feb 03, 2026 1 hour, 34 minutes ago
Medical News: Researchers from the Medical Research Council Epidemiology Unit at the University of Cambridge and King’s College at the University of Cambridge have uncovered new evidence suggesting that higher levels of testosterone circulating in the blood may increase the risk of coronary artery disease in men. The findings raise fresh concerns about the growing popularity of testosterone supplements, particularly among younger men using them for performance, strength, or anti-aging benefits.
Testosterone supplements linked to higher heart disease risk in men through genetic evidence
This
Medical News report highlights how genetic evidence offers clearer answers than earlier observational studies.
Why Testosterone Is Widely Used
Testosterone is an essential male hormone involved in muscle strength, sexual function, bone health, and energy levels. Medically prescribed testosterone is an approved treatment for hypogonadism, a condition where the body produces too little of the hormone, often leading to fatigue, low libido, and reduced muscle mass. Clinical trials have shown that testosterone therapy can improve sexual health, lean muscle mass, and strength, and low testosterone levels are often linked to poor metabolic health. However, beyond medical use, testosterone supplements are now widely promoted online, with influencers claiming benefits such as increased confidence, vitality, and physical performance.
Using Genetics to Find Clear Answers
Past observational studies suggested that low testosterone was linked to higher heart disease risk, but these studies could not clearly prove cause and effect. To overcome this, the Cambridge-led team used a method called Mendelian randomization. This approach examines genetic variants that naturally raise testosterone levels, allowing researchers to see long-term effects without interference from lifestyle or health conditions.
The study analyzed genetic data from more than 425,000 participants in the UK Biobank and coronary artery disease data from over 1.16 million individuals in the CARDIoGRAMplusC4D consortium.
Key Findings Explained Simply
The researchers found that men with genetically higher testosterone levels had a 17 percent higher risk of developing coronary artery disease. Over a lifetime, this translates to an increase in risk from about 7.3 percent to roughly 8.5 percent. The data suggested that this higher risk was partly due to testosterone raising blood pressure, a known contributor to heart disease.
Importantly, the study found no clear link between testosterone levels and coronary artery disease risk in women.
Why Earlier Studies Were Confusing
The team explained that earlier studies may have been misleading because conditions such as obesity and type 2 diabetes lower testosterone levels while independently increasing heart disease risk. This creates the false impression that low testosterone
causes heart problems, when in reality, underlying health issues may be driving both outcomes.
Expert Warnings and Public Health Implications
Senior researchers emphasized that while testosterone therapy can be beneficial when medically necessary, unnecessary supplementation may expose men to avoidable cardiovascular risks. The findings support calls for clearer warnings, especially as testosterone use continues to rise without consistent national guidance in some countries.
Conclusion
Overall, the study provides strong genetic evidence that higher circulating testosterone can increase the risk of coronary artery disease in men, largely through effects on blood pressure. While medically supervised testosterone therapy remains valuable for those with genuine deficiency, the results suggest caution for non-medical use. Men considering supplementation should weigh perceived benefits against potential long-term heart risks and seek proper medical advice before starting treatment.
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed journal: The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.
https://academic.oup.com/jcem/advance-article/doi/10.1210/clinem/dgaf582/8300597
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