Testosterone and DHEA Levels in Osteoporosis in Males Above The Age Of 60 Years

ABSTRACT

Background: A cross sectional study in which 100 male patients of 60 years and above were evaluated for Osteoporosis. Methods: Out of enrolled 100 men above 60 years suspected of Osteoporosis, 46 % is diagnosed as Osteoporosis, 32% as Osteopenia and 22% were observed to be normal based on BMD T-Score value. Results: The average level of Total Testosterone and DHEA in entire suspected osteoporosis patients were 2.74 ± 1.04 ng/ml and 1.45 ± 1.08 μg/ml respectively. The level across Osteoporotic cases (n=46), the average Total Testosterone and DHEA were 2.20 ± 0.77 ng/ml and 1.55 ± 0.91 μg/ml respectively. Abnormally low serum testosterone ( <2.0 ng/ml as per society of andrology) were found in 19 (41%) cases out of 46 osteoporotic men compared with normaltestosterone level men. Testosterone deficiency was seen in 39 (84%) cases of osteoporosis. This study has shown that the men with low testosterone levels had decreased BMD T-scores across entire cases (p<0.001). The men with decreased DHEA level also had decreased BMD T-scores BMI was inversely associated with testosterone and DHEA levels. It was found that decreased plasma testosterone had a 14 fold higher risk for decreased BMD compared with their peer with normal testosterone level. Age and BMD has shown significant association with testosterone levels (p<0.001).In this study, the incidence of osteoporosis increases with advancing age. Conclusion: There was significant decline in Testosterone and DHEA with advancing age and more over decrease in BMD value indicates the pathogenesis of osteoporosis in the patients. But still further study with large sample size is needed to clearly identify the role of testosterone in osteoporosis.