Background
This study examined the relationship between alcohol consumption and total testosterone deficiency based on facial flushing among Korean men.
Methods
A total of 314 men were included in this study and divided into non-drinkers (n=78) and drinkers (n=236). Drinkers were also divided into flushers (n=96) and non-flushers (n=140). Flushers and non-flushers were separated into two groups based on the amount of alcohol consumed: moderate drinkers (≤8 standard drinks per week) and heavy drinkers (>8 standard drinks per week). Total testosterone <3.5 ng/mL was defined as testosterone deficiency.
Results
The risk of testosterone deficiency was significantly higher in heavy drinkers who flushed than in nondrinkers (odds ratio, 4.37; 95% confidence interval, 1.20–15.88; P=0.025). However, no significant difference was observed in the risk of testosterone deficiency in non-flushers, regardless of the amount of alcohol consumed.
Conclusion
This study suggests that the risk of testosterone deficiency increases in heavy drinkers (>8 drinks per week) who flush compared to that in non-drinkers.

Citations

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  Nikita A. Mitkin, German E. Kirilkin, Tatiana N. Unguryanu, Sofia Malyutina, Sarah Cook, Alexander V. Kudryavtsev
  Scientific Reports.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Positive association between serum bilirubin within the physiological range and serum testosterone levels
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  BMC Endocrine Disorders.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef
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  Metabolites.2024; 14(11): 626.     CrossRef
• The role of anti-aging approaches in managing hypogonadism in sedentary older males
  Khaled A. Abdel-Sater
  Frontiers in Aging.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Association between Alcohol Consumption and Body Composition in Russian Adults and Patients Treated for Alcohol-Related Disorders: The Know Your Heart Cross-Sectional Study
  Nikita A. Mitkin, Tatiana N. Unguryanu, Sofia Malyutina, Alexander V. Kudryavtsev
  International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.2023; 20(4): 2905.     CrossRef
• Current Status of Korean Alcohol Drinking in Accordance with the Korean Alcohol Guidelines for Moderate Drinking Based on Facial Flushing
  Sami Lee, Jihan Kim, Jong Sung Kim
  Korean Journal of Family Medicine.2023; 44(3): 129.     CrossRef
• Alcohol and Testosterone Deficiency in People Who Experience Facial Flushes
  Jungun Lee
  Korean Journal of Family Medicine.2022; 43(6): 345.     CrossRef