Do not abuse ibuprofen
Ibuprofen has been linked to hormonal imbalance in men
Natalia Pelezneva, Naked Science
A group of Danish and French scientists investigated the effect of ibuprofen on the balance of hormones in the body of men. Scientists have found that men who took even small doses of painkillers daily had increased levels of luteinizing hormone. This hormone is involved in the production of testosterone. Researchers believe that regular intake of ibuprofen can affect mood, libido and muscle mass. Perhaps the drug can negatively affect fertility.
The study involved 31 men aged 18 to 35 years. 14 men took 600 mg of ibuprofen daily. This dose is equal to three tablets of most substance-based painkillers. Usually adults are recommended to take no more than 3-4 tablets a day. 17 men took a placebo.
After 14 days, the group taking the drug began to increase the level of luteinizing hormone (luteotropin, LH). Normally, it stimulates Leydig cells located in the testicles between the seminal tubules. These cells produce testosterone, the main male sex hormone that affects sperm production, as well as the development of bone and muscle tissue. The change in the level of LH suppressed the production of testosterone, causing hormonal imbalance.
When the participants stopped taking the drug, normal hormone levels were restored. Despite this, scientists believe that the constant abuse of ibuprofen can negatively affect the work of the testicles. Among the possible consequences are a decrease in sexual desire, a decrease in the volume of muscle tissue and mood disorders. Perhaps painkillers can also affect the formation of spermatozoa – whether this is true, further studies with a large number of participants will show.
The authors emphasize that it is safe to take ibuprofen from time to time. The results of the work concern rather those who take the drug constantly for a long time, for example, professional athletes who have been injured.
The study is published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (Kristensen et al., Ibuprofen alters human testicular physiology to produce a state of compensated hypogonadism).
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