Does Long Term TRT Use Lower Lymphocyte Counts?

[SkyWarn]

As of the last year my lymphocyte count has been trending lower. 11.5 complete count with 12-20 being normal.
After doing some research online I am finding that studies suggest that long term TRT often leads to lower lymphocyte counts. My doctor confirmed this...... I have been on TRT 10 years
I am curious if others have experienced the same.

 

[Nelson Vergel]

It's not true. Otherwise, people with HIV and immune suppression would not be able to use TRT. I have been on TRT for 34 years and I have been HIV+ for 38 years. Here I am with more lymphocytes than I had before TRT.

No evidence for the immunocompetence handicap hypothesis in male humans

If you had high lymphocytes due to infections, TRT may actually decrease them to more normal levels as inflammation is decreased.

The Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Testosterone

 

[Nelson Vergel]

I am finding that studies suggest that long term TRT often leads to lower lymphocyte counts.

Can you post such studies?

 

[SkyWarn]

Can you post such studies?

The effect of testosterone replacement treatment on immunological features of patients with Klinefelter's syndrome
Testosterone Acts Directly on CD4+ T Lymphocytes to Increase IL-10 Production
Mayo Clinic Discovers One Mechanism For Why Men And Women Differ In Immune Response
Androgen-Induced Immunosuppression

Additionally, during a phone conversation with DEFY I inquired about this and was told that yes this is something that does happen from time to time with long term T use (although inconsequential)

 

[SkyWarn]

It's not true. Otherwise, people with HIV and immune suppression would not be able to use TRT. I have been on TRT for 34 years and I have been HIV+ for 38 years. Here I am with more lymphocytes than I had before TRT.

No evidence for the immunocompetence handicap hypothesis in male humans

If you had high lymphocytes due to infections, TRT may actually decrease them to more normal levels as inflammation is decreased.

The Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Testosterone

Interesting. My counts have slightly decreased over the past year. I am not sure why and neither are doctors. I also read that a zinc deficiency is a possible cause. I asked my doctor to test for this and he refused.

 

[SkyWarn]

What some of those studies seem to suggest is that women have higher counts and better immune responses due to less testosterone.

 

[Nelson Vergel]

What some of those studies seem to suggest is that women have higher counts and better immune responses due to less testosterone.

It is really due to higher estradiol. That benefit is lost after menopause

 

[Nelson Vergel]

The effect of testosterone replacement treatment on immunological features of patients with Klinefelter's syndrome

No statistically significant change in lymphocytes in that study

 

[madman]

@SkyWarn.....as Nelson stated....."If you had high lymphocytes due to infections, TRT may actually decrease them to more normal levels as inflammation is decreased"

The Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Testosterone




Do Androgens Modulate the Pathophysiological Pathways of Inflammation? Appraising the Contemporary Evidence