Impact of Andropause on Multiple Sclerosis.
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Narrative review synthesizing mechanistic, animal, and clinical literature.
PubMed 34803897 · doi:10.3389/fneur.2021.766308
What was done
This narrative review summarizes literature regarding the relationship between andropause (age-related testosterone decline) and multiple sclerosis (MS). It examines the role of androgens in modulating innate and adaptive immune responses, potential neuroprotective pathways, evidence from animal models and human epidemiological studies (including age of onset, physical disability, and cognitive function), and published as well as ongoing clinical trials investigating androgen interventions.
What was found
The abstract reports no quantitative data, sample sizes, or effect estimates. It qualitatively describes an observed association between lower testosterone levels and increased MS risk, notes that men exhibit a later age of MS onset than women (potentially corresponding to late-life testosterone decline), and highlights correlations between testosterone levels, physical disability, and cognitive performance.
Why it matters
Understanding the immunomodulatory and neuroprotective effects of testosterone helps contextualize sex differences in MS risk and progression, guiding clinical investigations into androgen-targeted therapies.
Limits
As a narrative review, it lacks a systematic search methodology, defined inclusion/exclusion criteria, and formal quality appraisal of the cited studies. The abstract provides no primary data or numerical findings.
Cited by
- supports Age-related testosterone decline in men is much more gradual than the hormonal changes occurring in women during menopause.