Non steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use and levels of oestrogens and androgens in men

Abstract

Objective: Studies suggest that regular use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may lower oestrogen levels in women. However, no large, population-based studies have assessed NSAID/hormone associations in men. Our objective was to examine the association between use of prescription and over-the-counter NSAIDs, and levels of oestrogens and androgens in men.

Design: The Boston Area Community Health Survey, an observational survey with initial data collection in 2002-2005.

Patients: A total of 1766 men who provided a blood sample and data on recent analgesic use.

Measurements: Adjusted geometric mean levels of androgens, oestrogens, SHBG, LH and FSH for each category of NSAID use and the per cent difference in hormone levels for users vs nonusers.

Results: There was no significant association between prescription/over-the-counter NSAID use and any hormone examined after adjustment for potential confounders. For example, geometric mean testosterone levels were 13·8, 13·6 and 14·2 nM in nonusers, prescription users and over-the-counter NSAID users, respectively; the corresponding levels for estradiol were 80·3, 70·4 and 79·9 pM. In stratified analyses, however, prescription NSAID use was associated with lower testosterone, estradiol and estrone levels in obese men and lower testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate levels in inactive men.

Conclusions: While overall these data do not provide strong support for an association between NSAID use and hormone levels in men, prescription NSAIDs may decrease levels of certain oestrogens and androgens in obese and inactive men.