Men with higher levels of testosterone might have weakened immune systems, at least in terms of the flu vaccine, according to researchers from the Stanford School of Medicine.
It’s possible that testosterone could interfere with the immune response of a certain set of genes.
The research team worked with 53 women and 34 men of various ages who were participating in an ongoing research project. Every year since 2008, the group has given blood samples before and after having an annual flu vaccine. Scientists then analyze the blood samples.
For this particular study, researchers looked at the participants’ antibody responses to the flu vaccine.
Antibodies are proteins that circulate in the blood. They work protect the body from infections caused by harmful substances, such as bacteria and viruses.
Flu vaccines are made up of inactive flu viruses. These viruses are dead, so they can’t give someone the flu. However, the body still considers them harmful and builds up antibodies after vaccination.
Previous research has shown that women tend to have stronger antibody responses to bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections than men. Also, women’s immune systems typically respond better to certain vaccines, including the flu vaccine.
In this study, the women generally had strong antibody responses to the flu vaccine. The men with lower testosterone levels had similar responses. However, the men with higher testosterone levels had weaker responses.
Why? The researchers suggested that high levels of testosterone can interact with a group of genes called Module 42. When this happens, the immune response can be weakened.
“This is the first study to show an explicit correlation between testosterone levels, gene expression and immune responsiveness in humans,” said senior author Mark Davis, PhD. in a statement. Dr. Davis is a professor of microbiology and immunology at Stanford.
“It could be food for thought to all the testosterone-supplement takers out there,” he added.
The study was published online in December in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Print this article or view it as a PDF file here: Testosterone and Immunity
Resources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
“Key Facts About Seasonal Flu Vaccine”
(Page last updated: November 7, 2013)
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm
MedlinePlus
“Antibody”
(Page last updated: February 3, 2014)
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002223.htm
“Influenza vaccine”
(Updated October 2, 2013)
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002025.htm
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
Furman, David, et al.
“Systems analysis of sex differences reveals an immunosuppressive role for testosterone in the response to influenza vaccination”
(Full-text. January 14, 2014)
http://www.pnas.org/content/111/2/869.full.pdf+html?sid=a8c5d88b-95cb-4718-a464-f1497b6837d6
Scope (Stanford Medicine)
Goldman, Bruce
“In men, a high testosterone count can mean a low immune response”
(December 23, 2013)
http://scopeblog.stanford.edu/2013/12/23/in-men-a-high-testosterone-count-can-mean-a-low-immune-response/
SFGate.com
Lee, Stephanie M.
“High testosterone levels linked to reduced immunity”
(December 24, 2013)
http://www.sfgate.com/default/article/High-testosterone-levels-linked-to-reduced-5091708.php
Stanford School of Medicine
Goldman, Bruce
“In men, high testosterone can mean weakened immune response, study finds”
(News release. December 23, 2013)
http://med.stanford.edu/ism/2013/december/testosterone.html
U.S. News and World Report
Bidwell, Allie
“Weaker Immune Systems Make Men More Vulnerable to the Flu”
(December 23, 2013)
http://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2013/12/23/weaker-immune-systems-make-men-more-vulnerable-to-the-flu
You may also be interested in...
Other Popular Articles
What Is Jelqing, and Does It Actually Work?
The term “jelqing” refers to a set of penis stretching exercises that some believe can make the penis bigger. Although the practice has gained attention and popularity in blogs and internet forums in recent years, there is no scientific evidence that it is an effective way to permanently increase the size of one’s penis. In fact, in some cases, jelqing may actually cause damage to the penis, so it is a good idea to get all the facts before setting off to try it.
What Is Sensate Focus and How Does It Work?
Sensate focus is a technique used to improve intimacy and communication between partners around sex, reduce sexual performance anxiety, and shift away from ingrained, goal-oriented sexual patterns that may not be serving a couple.
What Is the Average Penis Size?
If you have ever wondered how your penis compares to others in terms of size, you are not alone. Many men are curious to know how their penises stack up compared to the average. Unfortunately, general curiosity can sometimes give way to full-on obsession and anxiety about penis size. This can be an unhealthy and often unnecessary fixation, especially because most men who think their penises are too small have perfectly normal-sized penises.
What Is Edging and Why Do People Do It?
Edging is the practice of stopping sexual stimulation before reaching orgasm to prolong a sexual experience. The term stems from the concept of approaching the metaphorical “edge” of orgasm but stopping before going over the edge.
Can Sex Reduce Menstrual Cramps?
The SMSNA periodically receives and publishes ‘guest editorials.’ The current article was submitted by Mia Barnes, a freelance writer and researcher who specializes in women's health, wellness, and healthy living. She is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Body+Mind Magazine.
Having sex while you experience menstrual cramps is healthy and can provide significant benefits. While it might not be the first activity that comes to mind when your PMS or period cramping begins, many people enjoy sex to reduce menstrual cramps, experience increased pleasure and benefit from other advantages. Learn more about having sex while menstrual cramps are happening and how it can help your body.
The Sex-Positivity Movement: What it Means to Be Sex-Positive
You may have heard references to “being sex-positive” or “the sex-positivity movement” in popular culture. Various celebrities have brought attention to this movement by speaking out about their beliefs and personal experiences regarding sexuality, sexual health, body positivity, “slut-shaming,” and sexual assault.
