Researchers have discovered yet unknown side effects with the painkiller ibuprofen

Ibuprofen is more dangerous for men than for women?

Ibuprofen is one of the most popular and commonly used painkillers. It is available over the counter and is used against numerous complaints. Is the handling of the painkiller too careless? An international research team recently uncovered previously unknown side effects in long-term use. Apparently, the drug brings the male hormone production out of balance, thus increasing the risk of impotence and depression.

An international research team recently found in a study that ibuprofen can have a negative effect on the male hormone balance when taken for more than 14 days. According to the researchers, high-dose long-term use stimulates production of the reproductive hormone Lutropin. This, in turn, affects the production of the sex hormone testosterone, which can cause impotence and depression. The study results were recently published in the journal "PNAS - Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences".

New side effect of Ibuprofen discovered. Long-term use can interfere with the male hormonal balance, causing potency problems and depression. (Image: Sherry Young / fotolia.com)

Course of the study

In the study, the researchers administered a dose of 600 milligrams of ibuprofen twice daily for six weeks to 31 healthy men aged 18 to 35 years. During this time, the subjects were regularly examined by doctors and their hormone levels measured.

After two weeks, the harmful consequences set in

The researchers found after a biweekness in the subjects that ibuprofen inhibits the production of testosterone. The body responded by increasing production of luteinizing hormone (LH), which raises testosterone levels. After two weeks, the subjects' LH levels rose by 23 percent. After 44 days, the level was increased by 33 percent.

Exhausting hormone balancing for the body

Increased LH production is a burden on the body and is known in medicine as a hormonal disorder that often occurs in older men. This condition is called hypogonadism and is often associated with potency disorders, physical disorders and depression.

Short income harmless

The effect could only be determined with a high-dose long-term intake. With occasional use against acute pain the study results are not to be expected as a side effect. (Vb)