Testosterone, the male sex hormone, is suspected of being the major contributing factor to the development of early cardiovascular disease in males. Testosterones clinics, ubiquitous in our society (even advertised on TV and radio) may be compounding the problem. A recent study (the TRAVERSE study) compared the occurrence of death from cardiovascular causes, non-fatal heart attack and non-fatal stroke in a group of 2,500 users of testosterone gel verses 2,500 men given placebo. The participants in the study were proven to have testosterone deficiency by laboratory testing.
The results showed that 1) there was improvement in sexual function and anemia over the 2-year trial period and 2) there was no increased risk of cardiovascular disease in testosterone users and amazingly no increase in prostate cancer. There was a doubling of risk for fractures, which was surprising.
It is important to keep in mind that these results are true only in proven testosterone deficiency. Unfortunately, use of testosterone supplements in our society is done without that requirement. The side effects of adding testosterone to the male with normal testosterone levels are unknown and potentially dangerous.
Dr. Charlie Barnett is a contributor at KnoxTNToday for a weekly column, DocTalk, providing his expertise on health and wellness management.
