Ask the doctor: Is cholesterol-lowering therapy hurting my sex life?
Ask the doctor
Is cholesterol-lowering therapy hurting my sex life?
Q. Since I started taking Zocor a few years ago for my high cholesterol, my sex drive seems to have dwindled. My wife and I are wondering if there is a connection.
A. Cholesterol has several important functions in the body. It is an important component of the outer “skin” of cells and of the bile acids that digest food in the intestine. It also provides the starting point for making estrogen and testosterone. In theory, lowering cholesterol with a statin could lower testosterone levels, which in turn could dampen the sex drive. In practice, Zocor and other statins seem to have little or no effect on testosterone levels. One small study showed a slight decline in testosterone after long-term statin use, while others show no change. In addition to Zocor (simvastatin), the other statins are Crestor (rosuvastatin), Lescol (fluvastatin), Lipitor (atorvastatin), Mevacor (lovastatin), and Pravachol (pravastatin).
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.
- Research health conditions
- Check your symptoms
- Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
- Find the best treatments and procedures for you
- Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
