Does Metformin Lower Testosterone?
Metformin is a well-respected and effective drug for managing blood sugar. It seems to help improve insulin sensitivity and reduce glucose production in the liver. But, several recent studies have linked the use of metformin with lower testosterone levels in men.
In one study 30 diabetic men were compared to 30 non-diabetic men. After 3 months on metformin testosterone levels dropped in every single man taking metformin. (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctmp.2024.200167) When an effect is universal like that (every single man) you know there is an issue. Usually in a group there are few outliers, where things didn’t go according to the theory being tested. But this study showed a result in every single man. That is impressive.
Another Study on Metformin and Type 2 Diabetes
In another study newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic men were found to have lower testosterone after 1 month on metformin, compared to men not taking metformin. https://diabetesjournals.org/care/article/44/4/1059/138596/Rapid-Changes-in-Serum-Testosterone-in-Men-With
Now, I don’t know any men that want less testosterone. OK, a few that have prostate cancer have doctors that want them to reduce their testosterone level. And men with T2D already may struggle with low testosterone anyways. So, having a treatment that makes it worse seems like a step in the wrong direction.
It could be that your doctor didn’t explain this side effect to you. Did He tell you that you could experience a drop in energy, libido, muscle mass, and overall well-being due to taking metformin? I don’t think this is common knowledge yet. The search I dd on “metformin and testosterone” just came up with academic articles, not blog articles written for the general public. So awareness of this issue, with a drug that has been held in pretty high favor for not having side effects, is still pretty low.
What to do about Metformin and Testosterone?
So, what should you do? Well, drugs are a temporary crutch in my way of understanding. If you need them for instant results, it makes sense. Lifestyle changes and dietary shifts take time to plan and implement, and the results are not always instant. (Though fasting blood sugar can be normalized within a week of making a diet change, so it actually is an exception to the rule of slow results.) But if it was me, I would make a plan to reverse my diabetes, because I can. And you can, too.
You can do it on your own, with good support around you. Or you can work with me and together we will walk you through the changes so that you get the best result in the least amount of time with the least amount of effort and frustration. Your choice. But at least you have options.
Just know that taking metformin for a long time really isn’t in your best interest, nor is remaining in a diabetic state. So make a plan and take action.
