Too Much Testosterone is Bad for the Brain

Ivanhoe Newswire
Monday, October 2, 2006; 12:00 AM

(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- High levels of testosterone cause brain cells to self-destruct, and that may be one more reason why steroid abuse is so dangerous.

A new study from researchers at the Yale School of Medicine in New Haven, Conn., reveals high levels of testosterone can lead to a catastrophic loss of brain cells.

Steroids are well known for causing rage and suicidal tendencies. The Yale study explains why this may be happening. Too much testosterone appears to trigger the self-destruct mechanism in brain cells, or neurons. Researchers write the death of neurons would have a long-term effect on brain function.

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SOURCE: Journal of Biological Chemistry, 2006; 281:25492-25501