Could Higher Levels of Testosterone Hold the Key to Slower Aging?

A study of older men by the University of Western Australia (UWA) published in Clinical Endocrinology uncovered a link between men with higher levels of the testosterone-derived sex hormone estradiol and slower aging, reports Medical Xpress . Estradiol is associated with longer telomeres, or proteins that shield chromosomes from damage. The researchers compiled data from 2,913 men between 70 and 89, measuring both testosterone and estradiol levels in their blood, as well as telomere length in their DNA from white blood cells. UWA Professor Bu Yeap says the protection of chromosomes from longer telomeres slowed the aging process. "The research suggests higher testosterone levels in older men, which is then converted to estradiol, might sustain youthfulness," he notes. "We know from the study that testosterone, estradiol, and telomeres are linked. However, further research is needed to explore how this relationship works. Testosterone is converted to estradiol, but it's still unclear what determines the level of production."