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Osteoporosis International

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01-09-2008 | Original Article

Additive benefit of higher testosterone levels and vitamin D plus calcium supplementation in regard to fall risk reduction among older men and women

Authors: H. A. Bischoff-Ferrari, E. J. Orav, B. Dawson-Hughes

Published in: Osteoporosis International | Issue 9/2008

Abstract

Summary

Higher physiologic testosterone levels among community dwelling older men and women may protect against falls, and this benefit may be further increased among those taking additional vitamin D plus calcium.

Introduction

The aim of this study is to investigate sex hormone levels and fall risk in older men and women.

Methods

One hundred and ninety-nine men and 246 women age 65+ living at home were followed for 3 years after baseline assessment of sex hormones. Analyses controlled for several covariates, including baseline 25-hydroxyvitamin D, sex hormone binding globulin, and vitamin D plus calcium treatment (vitD+cal).

Results

Compared to the lowest quartile, men and women in the highest quartile of total testosterone had a decreased odds of falling (men: OR = 0.22; 95% CI [0.07,0.72]/ women: OR = 0.34; 95% CI [0.14,0.83]); if those individuals also took vitD+cal, the fall reduction was enhanced (men: OR = 0.16; 95% CI [0.03,0.90] / women: OR = 0.15; 95% CI [0.04,0.57]). Similarly, women in the top quartile of dihydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) had a lower risk of falling (OR = 0.39; 95% CI [0.16,0.93]). Other sex hormones and SHBG did not predict falling in men or women.

Conclusions

Higher testosterone levels in both genders and higher DHEA-S levels in women predicted a more than 60% lower risk of falling. With vitD+cal, the anti-fall benefit of higher physiologic testosterone levels is enhanced from 78% to 84% among men and from 66% to 85% among women.

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Title: Additive benefit of higher testosterone levels and vitamin D plus calcium supplementation in regard to fall risk reduction among older men and women
Authors: H. A. Bischoff-Ferrari
E. J. Orav
B. Dawson-Hughes
Publication date: 01-09-2008
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Osteoporosis International / Issue 9/2008
Print ISSN: 0937-941X
Electronic ISSN: 1433-2965
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00198-008-0573-7

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Additive benefit of higher testosterone levels and vitamin D plus calcium supplementation in regard to fall risk reduction among older men and women

Abstract

Summary

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Summary

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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