Why does testosterone reduce HDL (also called good) cholesterol? I've read here that testosterone reduces HDL (also called good) cholesterol levels.
From what I understand, low levels of testosterone are associated with low HDL-cholesterol and high triglyceride levels. Men with low testosterone levels are also much more prone to heart attacks. This is linked to the fact that low testosterone levels in men promote insulin resistance, which leads to high blood sugar. Testosterone is believed to correlate positively with HDL-cholesterol levels, contrary to what the source you provided says. The reason why certain groups of people such as Blacks - who have higher testosterone and HDL-cholesterol levels than non-Blacks - suffer disproportionately high rates of heart failure (especially in North America) is due primarily to diet, but also to the fact that testosterone has been known to promote greater levels of insulin as I already mentioned. Too much insulin can constrict arteries and promote clot-causing red blood cells. The most ideal balance would be a sturdy level of testosterone and a healthy diet.
