Physiologic Testosterone Levels in Normal Men Suppress High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Levels

Abstract

Experimental hypogonadism induced by administration of a GnRH antagonist results in a statistically significant increase in HDL cholesterol, including HDL2 and HDL3. These effects are most likely due to decreased androgen levels because they are reversed by administration of antagonist together with testosterone. Our results imply that androgen levels in the normal adult male range have a suppressive effect on HDL cholesterol concentration and may contribute to the increased risk for coronary artery disease in men.