top cx logo
cx logo
Explorearrow down
search icon

Ibuprofen affects testosterone levels, says new study

Taking too much ibuprofen too frequently can affect testosterone levels and reproductive health in men, a new Franco-Danish study has found.

The results, published this week in the journal of the National Academy of Sciences of the USA, have led French health agency l'Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale (Inserm) to conclude that regularly taking ibuprofen in high doses can be damaging to men’s hormonal system, including the production of testosterone, as reported in numerous French newspapers today.

This would equate to taking 1,200mg per day (normal-sized pills usually range from around 200-400mg each), for six weeks.

The properly-controlled study by a Franco-Danish collective (which included one group of men taking ibuprofen and another taking a placebo) found that the hormonal activity of young, active men - who took this level of the drug - was disrupted in 10% of cases, with scientists able to conclude that the ibuprofen was the probable cause. It is not known yet if the effects are reversible.

This could affect male development, including physical problems, sexual functioning, libido levels, fertility, and general health among men.

Sportspeople - such as runners or footballers - who take ibuprofen regularly to help with general pain from training could be at elevated risk.

The study did not conclude whether similar effects would take place at the more-common lower doses taken nationwide - such as a couple of pills every few weeks for a headache, for example.

A previous study from 2017 found a similar result for women, especially during pregnancy, concluding that taking significant amounts of ibuprofen regularly could affect the development of a foetus’ reproductive system in the first trimester.

Ibuprofen is one of the most common medicines in France, and is available at low doses without prescription.

“There are subpopulations of men who take ibuprofen continuously, including men with no chronic illnesses, such as top athletes,” said Bernard Jégou, director of Inserm and coordinator of this new study.

"This risks increasing the risks already associated with this drug, but also to alter [the men’s] physical condition [including their] muscles and bones, and [could] jeopardise their reproductive and even psychological health.”

Stay informed:
Sign up to our free weekly e-newsletter
Subscribe to access all our online articles and receive our printed monthly newspaper The Connexion at your home. News analysis, features and practical help for English-speakers in France

Resident or second-home owner in France?
Benefit from our daily digest of headlines and how-to's to help you make the most of life in France
By joining the newsletter, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
See more popular articles
The Connexion Help Guides
featured helpguide
Healthcare in France*
Featured Help Guide
- Understand the French healthcare system, how you access it and how you are reimbursed - Useful if you are new to the French healthcare system or want a more in-depth understanding - Reader question and answer section Aimed at non-French nationals living here, the guide gives an overview of what you are (and are not) covered for. There is also information for second-home owners and regular visitors.
Get news, views and information from France