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Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) offers various health benefits, enhancing sexual function, libido, and overall quality of life. It supports muscle growth, improves bone density, and helps manage body fat, which can prevent conditions like osteoporosis.

Additionally, TRT provides metabolic advantages, aiding in insulin sensitivity, glycemic control, and reducing cardiovascular risks. It positively influences mood and cognitive function, potentially alleviating depression symptoms and boosting mental clarity. Research also indicates that TRT may support healthy cholesterol levels and reduce visceral fat, further promoting cardiovascular wellness.

Health Benefits

Improvement in Sexual Function and Libido

TRT significantly improves erectile function, libido, and other sexual activities in men with hypogonadism.

Quality of Life and Psychological Benefits

Long-term TRT leads to sustained improvements in quality of life, including psychological and somatic health, as well as sexual function.

Metabolic and Cardiovascular Benefits

TRT improves insulin resistance, glycaemic control, and reduces visceral adiposity and cholesterol levels in hypogonadal men with type 2 diabetes, thereby reducing cardiovascular risk.

Muscle Mass and Bone Density

TRT increases muscle mass, reduces body fat, and improves bone density, which can help prevent osteoporosis.

Mood and Cognitive Function

TRT has positive effects on mood and cognitive function, potentially reducing symptoms of depression and improving overall mental health.

Safety Concerns and Risks

When hypogonadism is correctly diagnosed and managed, TRT does not increase the risk of cardiovascular events, venous thromboembolism, or prostate cancer1 4 10. However, there are concerns about potential side effects, including liver toxicity, hyperviscosity, and worsening of untreated sleep apnea or severe heart failure.

FAQs

Can men with prostate cancer undergo testosterone therapy?

Testosterone therapy is a safe and viable option for selected men with prostate cancer suffering from testosterone deficiency, despite previously being contraindicated due to concerns about prostate cancer risk and aggressiveness. Read Full Study Here.

Is testosterone replacement therapy safe and effective after primary treatment for prostate cancer?

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can be safely administered and beneficial to hypogonadal patients with prostate cancer after radical retropubic prostatectomy, without causing recurrence. Read Full Study Here.

What is the effect of testosterone replacement therapy on prostate cancer according to a systematic review and meta-analysis?

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is short-term safe and does not promote prostate cancer development or progression, regardless of administration method. Read Full Study Here.

Do we have enough evidence to support testosterone replacement therapy in men with untreated or treated prostate cancer?

Testosterone replacement therapy may be harmful in men with advanced prostate cancer, those undergoing active surveillance, and those with successfully treated prostate cancer but high-risk disease. Read Full Study Here.

What does the literature review say about testosterone therapy after prostate cancer treatment?

Testosterone therapy is safe and potentially beneficial for hypogonadal patients with a history of definitively treated prostate cancer, potentially improving erectile function and quality-of-life concerns. Read Full Study Here.

What is the evidence for testosterone replacement therapy in men with prostate cancer?

Testosterone replacement therapy is safe for men with favorable prostate cancer pathology, based on current data and experience. Read Full Study Here.

Can testosterone replacement be used in men with treated and untreated prostate cancer?

Testosterone replacement therapy may be safe for men with treated and untreated prostate cancer, but more larger randomized placebo controlled studies are needed. Read Full Study Here.

What are the scientific and ethical considerations of testosterone therapy in men with prostate cancer?

Testosterone therapy may not pose an undue risk of prostate cancer recurrence or progression in men with prostate cancer, despite limited evidence and uncontrolled studies. Read Full Study Here.

Can patients with prostate cancer undergo testosterone replacement therapy after radical prostatectomy?

Testosterone therapy is effective and does not increase cancer recurrence rates, even in men with high-risk prostate cancer, but should be followed by a rigorous surveillance protocol. Read Full Study Here.

What is the risk of favorable and aggressive prostate cancer in patients undergoing testosterone replacement therapy?

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is associated with a higher risk of favorable-risk prostate cancer and a lower risk of aggressive prostate cancer, with the latter effect observed after more than 1 year of therapy. Read Full Study Here.

Further Information from Studies on TRT

TRT does NOT increase all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, stroke, or myocardial infarction.

Date of Study: April 8, 2024
READ THE FULL STUDY

Summary of study

Myth: TRT Increases Risk of Cardiovascular Disease
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) has been a topic of significant debate regarding its impact on cardiovascular health. However, a meta-analysis titled “Long-term cardiovascular safety of testosterone-replacement therapy in middle-aged and older men: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials” challenges this myth and showcases that TRT does NOT, in fact, increase the risk of cardiovascular health. This summary dissects the study’s findings and implications regarding the supposed association between TRT and cardiovascular risk.

Background
The use of TRT in aging men with low testosterone levels has gained traction over the years. However, concerns about its cardiovascular safety have persisted. The study addresses this uncertainty by systematically reviewing and analyzing data from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the long-term cardiovascular outcomes associated with TRT.

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Method
The researchers conducted a thorough search across various databases to identify relevant RCTs comparing TRT with non-active control in men aged 40 and older with hypogonadism or low to low-normal testosterone levels. They included trials with at least 12 months of follow-up. The meta-analysis used statistical software for the analysis and results.

Results
The meta-analysis comprised 17 RCTs involving 9,374 men. The study found no significant increase in all-cause mortality among those receiving TRT compared to the non-active control group. While the incidence of cardiac arrhythmias increased in the TRT group, there was no elevated risk of cardiovascular mortality, stroke, or myocardial infarction.

Conclusions:

  • TRT does not increase the risk of all-cause mortality in middle-aged and older men
  • TRT does not elevate the risk of cardiovascular mortality, stroke, or myocardial infarction
  • TRT may increase the incidence of cardiac arrhythmias

TRT offers numerous benefits, such as improved libido, muscle mass, and bone density. While it doesn’t increase the risk of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, stroke, or myocardial infarction, it can lead to an increased risk of cardiac arrhythmias. While TRT is generally safe, patients should only consider it after a thorough consultation with a healthcare provider who can assess their age, overall health, and cardiovascular risk profile.

Prostate Safety Events During Testosterone Replacement Therapy in Men With Hypogonadism

Date of Study: December 27, 2023
READ THE FULL STUDY

Summary of study

Fact: TRT Does NOT Increase the Risk of Prostate Cancer
One of the most pervasive (and dangerous) myths about Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) is that it can increase the risk of prostate cancer. However, the association between TRT and the risk of prostate cancer has remained largely unexplored and unproven. And as this recent study shows, TRT does not lead to an increase in prostate cancer.

Study goals and findings
This randomized clinical trial aimed to elucidate the effects of TRT on prostate health in men with hypogonadism. The study enrolled 5246 men aged 45-80 with low testosterone levels and existing cardiovascular disease (CVD) or a high risk of CVD. Participants were randomized to receive either a topical 1.62% testosterone gel or a placebo, with prostate health monitored through various endpoints, including the incidence of high-grade prostate cancers and other adverse prostate events.

Over a follow-up period totaling 14,304 person-years, the incidence rates of high-grade prostate cancer, any prostate cancer, acute urinary retention, and new pharmacologic treatments for lower urinary tract symptoms did not significantly differ between the TRT and placebo groups. Testosterone treatment led to an increase in PSA concentrations compared to the placebo, but this did not correlate with a higher incidence of prostate cancer or other adverse effects. Check out our TRT FAQs page to learn more testosterone replacement therapy.

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Key conclusions:

  • TRT does not increase high-grade prostate cancer risk: One of the most significant findings of this study is that TRT does not lead to a higher risk of developing high-grade prostate cancer. This type of cancer is more aggressive and can be more challenging to treat. Many men and their doctors have been cautious about TRT because of concerns it could increase prostate cancer risk. This study, however, offers reassurance that TRT, when administered under careful medical supervision, does not elevate this risk in men with low testosterone levels.
  • No significant difference in prostate health events: Another important conclusion from the research is that there was no significant difference in adverse events related to prostate health between men receiving TRT and those given a placebo. This includes the occurrence of any type of prostate cancer, acute urinary retention (a sudden inability to urinate), and the need for invasive procedures to treat urinary issues. This suggests that TRT is as safe as a placebo in terms of these prostate health outcomes.
  • TRT leads to a slight increase in PSA levels: While TRT did not increase prostate cancer risk or adverse events, it did lead to a minor increase in Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) levels compared to the placebo. PSA is a protein produced by the prostate gland, and higher levels can be an indicator of prostate cancer. However, this slight increase did not translate into more prostate health issues for those on TRT.

You can undergo TRT without worrying about prostate cancer
For men with hypogonadism or the symptoms of low testosterone, this study provides important reassurance. It suggests that, with proper medical guidance and monitoring, TRT can be a safe treatment option without significantly increasing the risk of serious prostate health issues. This means men can comfortably choose TRT to improve their quality of life.

Proving Safety: A Comprehensive Study on Hormone Implant Therapy's Low Complication Rates

Date of Study: May 27, 2021
READ THE FULL STUDY

Summary of study

This medical study, conducted over a 7-year period, examined the use of subcutaneous hormone pellet therapy for the treatment of hormone deficiencies in both men and women. The study included data from over a million subcutaneous implants procedures performed on more than 370,000 patients.

The study found that the rate of complications or problems with these implants was very low, less than 1%. This suggests that the treatment is safe and seems to work well.

The study also mentions that women who received these hormone implants had improvements in symptoms like hot flashes, depression, and libido. After one year, there were no reported negative side effects.

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Key findings from the study:

1. Continuation Rate: The study reported an overall continuation rate of 93% after two insertions of hormone pellets, with women having a slightly higher continuation rate than men. This suggests that patients found the therapy effective and tolerable.

2. Complication Rate: The overall complication rate for the procedure was less than 1%. The most common complication reported was pellet extrusion, with a higher occurrence in men compared to women.

3. Benefits for Women: The study highlighted the importance of testosterone therapy for women, even though it’s often associated with men. It found that testosterone played a vital role in women’s health and could alleviate symptoms associated with hormone deficiencies, including improved libido and relief from menopausal symptoms like hot flashes.

4. Safety and Efficacy: The research indicated that subcutaneous hormone pellet therapy was a safe and effective method for hormone replacement therapy, with lower complication rates compared to other forms of hormone administration.

5. Long-Term Use: The study suggested that the convenience of pellet therapy, with infrequent insertions, contributed to high patient retention and the potential for long-term hormone optimization.

In conclusion, the study provided evidence supporting the safety and effectiveness of subcutaneous hormone pellet therapy, particularly in the treatment of hormone deficiencies in both men and women. It emphasized the importance of testosterone therapy for women’s health and suggested that this method could offer disease prevention opportunities in addition to symptom relief.

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