Low Testosterone and Kidney Stones: What Every Man Should Know:

Suspense crime, Digital Desk : While it is normal to associate low testosterone with a lack of energy, decreased libido, and irritability, it may also be a factor in the formation of kidney stones. Recent findings show that there is an increasing link between testosterone deficiency and stone formation in men. Discovering this relationship can help uncover more risks that are not as obvious while encouraging a deeper evaluation of overall health.

The ways in which low testosterone affects the risk of kidney stones:

1. Decline in Citrate: The Body’s Natural Stone Inhibitor:

Citrate serves to inhibit kidney stone formation by chelating with calcium and is present in urine. Dr. Sanjay Prakash J from Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology explains that testosterone deficiency is commonly associated with lower citrate levels which results in the loss of this protective mechanism.

2. Increase in Diuretic-Minerals:

Low testosterone in men is associated with increased levels of calcium oxalate as well as uric acid, both of which are prevalent in kidney stones. This coupled with low hydration levels creates a severe imbalance in minerals which spells trouble.

3. Effect of Metabolic Syndrome:

Presence of low testosterone levels is frequently linked with the presence of obesity and an insulin resistant type of diabetes. Apart from inducing the hormonal imbalance, these metabolic concerns severely escalate the chances of developing kidney stones.

4. Inflammation and Disruption of Hormones

Testosterone plays an important role in one’s health and its deficiency leads chronic imbalance in testosterone levels can result in systemic tissue inflammation, impacting the kidneys by altering their function along with the biochemical composition of urine excreted. It is known that inflammation contributes to the development of stones, especially uric acid ones.

5. Testosterone Treatment as a Solution

Some scholarly articles note that the administration of testosterone treatment (TRT) assists in rectifying urinary excretory imbalances and lowering the chances of forming stones. Nevertheless, careful regulation of TRT is essential as it is not the optimal solution for all patients.

6. Stones as a sign of Hormonal Issues

Recurrent stones, especially in males while experiencing other symptoms like chronic fatigue, unexpected weight gain, and low energy levels, are suggestive of declining levels of testosterone. Hormonal levels evaluation may be an atypical, yet critical phase of examining patients.