Earlier observational studies suggested that long-term use of testosterone could increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Testosterone is also known to stimulate the growth of prostate cancer in men who have been diagnosed with this condition. Recent clinical trials, which provide more accurate information compared to observational studies, have provided some peace of mind regarding the risk of heart and prostate cancer. For men who are clearly deficient in testosterone, there is no apparent increased risk of having a heart attack or stroke or of developing a new prostate cancer from testosterone replacement therapy.
Lisa Fields. The current report found no increased risk of death for men receiving testosterone therapy for up to 15 years. In addition, in the analysis of the subgroups, there were no differences in risk depending on the type of testosterone therapy or the baseline levels of testosterone. Studies haven't found any increased risk of prostate cancer among men who take testosterone compared to men who don't, but Dr.
Welliver points out that the long-term effects of TRT on heart disease and prostate cancer require more research. Some types of testosterone therapy can also increase blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart attack or stroke. TRT doesn't cure low testosterone levels, so symptoms may come back if you stop taking it. The FDA warns that prescription testosterone is only approved for men who have low testosterone levels due to certain medical conditions.
Nissen emphasizes that all participants had a pre-existing or high risk of cardiovascular disease, as well as symptoms of hypogonadism, a medical term for not producing enough testosterone. Many doctors prescribe testosterone to patients in the form of a topical gel, transdermal patches, pills, or injections. Keep reading to learn more about testosterone injections, including their uses, safety, and potential side effects. Of the 509 men who met the inclusion criteria, 284 were on testosterone therapy and 225 did not use it. Physicians also play an important role in monitoring the safety of hormone therapies and any side effects that occur.
Among men who used testosterone gel, 7% experienced a serious cardiac event, such as a heart attack or stroke. If you've been diagnosed with abnormally low testosterone, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) offers many benefits. While this new information is somewhat reassuring, men and their doctors should still weigh these issues before committing to long-term testosterone therapy. Men can often feel a big difference when they stop therapy because their body's testosterone production has not yet recovered.
If testosterone levels rise too high, the person may have more serious symptoms, such as signs of liver toxicity. The diagnosis of low testosterone begins with a review of the medical history, a physical exam, and a blood test to measure testosterone levels. Men with low sexual desire, loss of energy, mood changes, and erectile dysfunction may have low levels of testosterone, also known as levels low testosterone.
