Too Much Testosterone is Bad for the Brain

Ivanhoe Newswire

Related Encyclopedia • Ankylosing Spondylitis • Baldness • Bechterew's Disease (Ankylosing spondylitis) • Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia More... Related Healthscout Videos Don't Wait on Your Prostate The Rise of Cancer Doubling Prostate Cancer Survival HPV: The New Kissing Disease? More... Related Animations • Erectile Dysfunction More... Related Drug Information • Cialis • Flomax • Topamax • Viagra More... Related News Articles • 1 in 5 Pharmacies Hinders Teens' Access to 'Morning-After' Pill: Study • Understanding the Genetics of Colon Cancer • Hops may Prevent Prostate Cancer • H1N1 Deaths Comparable to Seasonal Flu More...

(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- High levels of testosterone cause brain cells to self-destruct, and that may be one more reason why steroid abuse is so dangerous.

A new study from researchers at the Yale School of Medicine in New Haven, Conn., reveals high levels of testosterone can lead to a catastrophic loss of brain cells.

Text Continues Below

---

Steroids are well known for causing rage and suicidal tendencies. The Yale study explains why this may be happening. Too much testosterone appears to trigger the self-destruct mechanism in brain cells, or neurons. Researchers write the death of neurons would have a long-term effect on brain function.

This article was reported by Ivanhoe.com, who offers Medical Alerts by e-mail every day of the week. To subscribe, go to: http://www.ivanhoe.com/newsalert/.

SOURCE: Journal of Biological Chemistry, 2006; 281:25492-25501