Korean J Fam Med.  2022 Nov;43(6):381-387. 10.4082/kjfm.21.0173.

Relationship between Alcohol Consumption and Testosterone Deficiency according to Facial Flushes among Middle-Aged and Older Korean Men

• Koh K
• Kim SS
• Kim JS
• Jung JG
• Yoon SJ
• Suh WY
• Kim HG
• Kim N

• KMID: 2536177
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4082/kjfm.21.0173

Abstract

Background
This study examined the relationship between alcohol consumption and total testosterone deficiency based on facial flushing among Korean men.
Methods
A total of 314 men were included in this study and divided into non-drinkers (n=78) and drinkers (n=236). Drinkers were also divided into flushers (n=96) and non-flushers (n=140). Flushers and non-flushers were separated into two groups based on the amount of alcohol consumed: moderate drinkers (≤8 standard drinks per week) and heavy drinkers (>8 standard drinks per week). Total testosterone <3.5 ng/mL was defined as testosterone deficiency.
Results
The risk of testosterone deficiency was significantly higher in heavy drinkers who flushed than in nondrinkers (odds ratio, 4.37; 95% confidence interval, 1.20–15.88; P=0.025). However, no significant difference was observed in the risk of testosterone deficiency in non-flushers, regardless of the amount of alcohol consumed.
Conclusion
This study suggests that the risk of testosterone deficiency increases in heavy drinkers (>8 drinks per week) who flush compared to that in non-drinkers.

Keyword

Ethanol; Drinking; Flushing; Testosterone