From the Research
Association between Testosterone and Gastrointestinal (GI) Motility
- The relationship between testosterone and GI motility is complex and has been studied in various research papers 1, 2, 3, 4.
- A study published in 2022 found that diminished androgen levels, including testosterone, are linked to irritable bowel syndrome and cause bowel dysfunction in mice 2.
- Another study from 1995 investigated the effects of sex steroid hormones on gastric emptying and GI transit in rats, and found that testosterone had no influence on gastric emptying or GI transit 3.
- However, a 2022 study found that Firmicutes in the gut microbiota correlate with blood testosterone levels in elderly men, suggesting a potential link between testosterone and GI motility 4.
- It's worth noting that other factors, such as thyroid disorders, can also affect GI motility, and may interact with testosterone levels in complex ways 5.
Key Findings
- Testosterone levels have been inversely correlated with symptom severity in adults with irritable bowel syndrome 2.
- Androgen signaling to enteric neurons is required for normal colonic motility in adult mice 2.
- The gut microbiota, particularly Firmicutes, may play a role in regulating testosterone levels and GI motility 4.
- Thyroid disorders can also cause impairment of GI motility, and may interact with testosterone levels in complex ways 5.
Study Limitations
- The current evidence is based on a limited number of studies, and more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between testosterone and GI motility 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
- The studies have used different methods and populations, which may limit the generalizability of the findings 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.