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Type 2 Metformin and Reduced Testosterone Levels

Discussion in 'Ask A Question' started by finsit, Jul 3, 2022.

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  1. finsit

    finsit Type 2 · Well-Known Member

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    I have come across few studies that show metformin can reduce testosterone levels significantly and leads to low sex-drive and ED. I am just wondering anyone taking metformin has observed this affect or tested their testosterone levels before and after metformin therapy? You can Google it and there are few search papers to prove this, but just wanted to see how it affects in real time. I am thinking of starting taking metformin so just weighing my options. I know it reduces B-12 levels as well in long-term.
     
    #1 finsit, Jul 3, 2022 at 7:12 AM
  2. Pipp

    Pipp Type 2 · Moderator
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    Can you provide links to the scientific articles, please, @finsit?
     
    #2 Pipp, Jul 3, 2022 at 12:34 PM
  3. finsit

    finsit Type 2 · Well-Known Member

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    #3 finsit, Jul 3, 2022 at 8:10 PM
  4. Pipp

    Pipp Type 2 · Moderator
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    #4 Pipp, Jul 3, 2022 at 8:35 PM
  5. finsit

    finsit Type 2 · Well-Known Member

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    Oh sorry, I didn't think that way. I added two studies in my reply, but there are more and because they are only few, they might be just repetition. So anyone who has interest in this topic, which i am sure many will have because i don't see this discussed anywhere on the forum and i was speaking to someone on another forum who is diabetic and has started metformin, he did mention that yes he felt his libido going down and he was actually wondering what's going on. He will do a testosterone test and post. So the reason i put this here more of seeing how men who are taking metformin have their experience rather than looking into studies.
     
    • Informative Informative x 1
    #5 finsit, Jul 3, 2022 at 8:54 PM
  6. Pipp

    Pipp Type 2 · Moderator
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    Great, thanks. Just helps to know the same research papers are being perused, so that we would have been discussing the same source. :)
     
    #6 Pipp, Jul 3, 2022 at 8:57 PM
  7. AloeSvea

    AloeSvea Type 2 · Well-Known Member

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    Just a heads up to women - that second study the poster listed also pertains to women, where higher free-range testosterone is an aspect of the IR disease - polycystic ovarian syndrome, where metformin is now prescribed for. (Not in my day, alas, but more alas - the words 'excess carbs' were never mentioned.) About to read the first study...
     
    • Informative Informative x 1
    #7 AloeSvea, Jul 3, 2022 at 9:03 PM
  8. AloeSvea

    AloeSvea Type 2 · Well-Known Member

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    OK. Same research - just a different write-up.

    It is interesting. Seems to be a plug for insulin treatment, btw.
     
    #8 AloeSvea, Jul 3, 2022 at 9:05 PM
  9. finsit

    finsit Type 2 · Well-Known Member

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    Yes its a blessing in disguise for women but a killer for men !
     
    #9 finsit, Jul 4, 2022 at 7:27 PM
  10. Stewie_60

    Stewie_60 · Member

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    Although I'm old anyway I recently came off Metformin for 6 months after many years then resumed. I think the answer is a yes. Not cataclysmic but discernable.
    As a diabetic in the UK you are entitled to a steady stream of Cialis (or Viagra) if you needed it anyway. Not that you'll be told, so insist with the GP if you think it will help.
    Even if you just tried for a month you would know if it made a difference?
     
    • Like Like x 1
    #10 Stewie_60, Jul 21, 2022 at 5:09 PM
  11. NaijaChick

    NaijaChick Type 2 · Well-Known Member

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    Hi Yes, you’re right and this is why it’s the first drug of choice for women with PCOS.
    Maybe worth speaking to your doctor about it.
     
    #11 NaijaChick, Jul 27, 2022 at 11:11 PM
  12. JohnEGreen

    JohnEGreen Other · Master

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    Wow never realised that low testosterone could be fatal in it's self though it can lead to higher cardio vascular risks in the long term. And men with low testosterone do seem to die earlier from all causes than those with normal levels.

    "
    Robert Davis, MD, professor of urology at the University of Rochester, N.Y. Davis says low testosterone is common among men with metabolic syndrome -- a constellation of risk factors including abdominal fat, high blood sugar, high blood pressure, low HDL cholesterol, and high blood-fat levels.

    "Certainly I'm not surprised at this finding. It's been shown that low testosterone correlates with metabolic syndrome, which is related to diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and vascular disease," Davis tells WebMD. "The need to check testosterone levels in people with metabolic syndrome is being recognized more and more among physicians.""

    https://www.webmd.com/men/news/20071127/low-testosterone-early-death
     
    #12 JohnEGreen, Jul 28, 2022 at 10:40 AM
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