Television commercials warn men about the dangers of Low T. Reduced levels of testosterone are associated with symptoms such as fatigue, reduced sex drive and depression.
But critics point out that as men age, testosterone levels naturally decline and warn that supplementation might increase the risk of cardiovascular complications. A study last year of VA patients suggested that those taking testosterone had a higher risk of heart attacks and strokes.
New research contradicts that finding, however. Records of 25,420 men on Medicare were analyzed. More than 6,000 had been treated with testosterone at least once during the eight years. They were compared to 19,000 other men of similar age and health status who had not taken the hormone. The results showed no increased likelihood of heart attack. In fact, men at highest risk were actually somewhat less likely to suffer a myocardial infarction if they were in the group that received testosterone.
[Annals of Pharmacotherapy, online July 9, 2014]
The People’s Pharmacy perspective holds that hormones like testosterone should be used when they are needed, but only then. Too many of the TV ads seem to promise results that might be more effectively and sustainably achieved through changing habits. While it is certainly reassuring that the Medicare recipients were not at notably higher risk of heart attacks, testosterone can have side effects such as: acne, body hair overgrowth, nausea, exacerbation of prostate enlargement, headache, nervousness, blood clots, liver problems, or male pattern baldness.
