Cholesterol drugs and prostrate cancer Cholesterol-lowering drugs do not alter testosterone levels in men and therefore, may not prevent prostrate cancer.Statins are a class of cholesterol-lowering drugs, which include frequently prescribed drugs such simvastatin (available as Simvotin) and atorvastatin (available as Storvas, Liporest). Since cholesterol is a required intermediate in sex steroid synthesis, it has been believed that statins may prevent prostate cancer through effects on steroid hormone metabolism. To assess the role of statins in lowering testosterone levels and other male hormones, researchers at the New England Research Institutes, Watertown in Massachusetts analysed data from the Boston Area Community Health Survey. They measured levels of circulating androgens and their carrier protein, sex hormone–binding globulin (SHBG), varied by statin exposure in 1,812 men. Statin exposure was collected through participant self-report and/or interviewer-recorded information. On average, statin users were older, had larger body mass index and more chronic illnesses and used more medications. However, statin use had very little impact on free testosterone levels. Thus, it is unlikely that statins affect circulating androgens and prostate cancer risk through a hormonal mechanism.
