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Ruined sex life: Cholesterol is the building block for several hormones, including those made by the adrenal glands, as well as sex hormones. This means that taking cholesterol lowering drugs can lower testosterone levels in men and women, reducing libido, physical and mental drive, and energy. As well as a loss of sex drive, several studies have shown that cholesterol lowering drugs can affect sexual performance in men, leading to erectile dysfunction. This is the case for both statins and fibrates (another type of cholesterol lowering drug). Cells in the testes are capable of producing cholesterol, as it is required in high amounts to produce testosterone. Statin drugs do reach the testes, and they can inhibit cholesterol production there, as well as in the liver. Sexual dysfunction symptoms vanish when the medications are discontinued.
The drug simvastatin (Zocor, Lipex) is able to directly inhibit testosterone production independently of its cholesterol lowering action, via a different mechanism. In some men statin drugs have caused them to develop gynaecomastia; this is the growth of breast tissue in men. The Australian Adverse Drug Reaction Advisory Committee has eleven reports of gynaecomastia connected to simvastatin use. The UK Committee on Safety of Medicines lists “a few cases” of gynaecomastia linked with the use of cholesterol lowering drugs.
Be aware that the risk factors for coronary heart disease, such as obesity, diabetes and smoking are also risk factors for erectile dysfunction. If you do suffer with erectile dysfunction, it could be an early warning sign that you also have clogged arteries and are at risk of a heart attack or stroke.
Cataracts: Taking statin drugs can cause irreversible damage to the lens of the eye. Taking the antibiotic erythromycin in combination with a statin increases the chances of developing cataracts. A study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that a single course of an antibiotic, typically lasting ten days doubled the risk of cataracts when taken with a statin. Two or more courses of antibiotics tripled the risk.
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