Lower Testosterone a Link to Falls in Older Men

Low testosterone levels may be associated with a higher risk of falling in older men, according to newly published research in the Archives of Internal Medicine.

The level of testosterone in a man’s blood-including the amount that is bioavailable, or able to be used by the body-declines as he ages .

The Oregon study followed 2,587 men between the ages of 65 and 99, with an average age 73. During the course of the study 56% of the men fell at least once. Those with lower bioavailable testosterone levels were significantly more likely to fall and to fall multiple times, than those with higher levels. Among the one-fourth of participants with the lowest testosterone levels, the risk for falling was 40% higher than among the one-fourth with the highest testosterone levels.

The study found that low testosterone levels could also impair vision, thinking processes or coordination, increasing the risk for falls.