Popular ‘low T’ treatment is safe for men with heart disease, but doctors warn it’s no youth serum

New research suggests that testosterone replacement therapy is safe for men with heart disease or at high risk for it, dispelling concerns about potential cardiac issues. However, doctors emphasize that this popular treatment is not a magical anti-aging solution.

Published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the study found no significant difference in the occurrence of heart attacks, strokes, or other major cardiac problems between those using testosterone gel and those using a placebo. The study involved over 5,000 men aged 45-80 at various trial sites across the United States.

While the findings demonstrate the safety of testosterone therapy for a specific group of men, experts caution against using it as a widespread anti-aging remedy. Dr. Nissen, one of the researchers, highlights that testosterone should not be given as an “anti-aging tonic” but rather as a treatment for hypogonadism, a condition characterized by low levels of the hormone in the blood.

The study addresses the knowledge gap regarding testosterone treatment’s impact on cardiovascular outcomes in men with true low testosterone levels. However, further research is needed to determine whether testosterone therapy can effectively reduce cardiovascular risk factors in men with low testosterone who often exhibit conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes.

Notably, the treatment of low testosterone has been a lucrative industry driven by advertisements for various products. The study, led by the Cleveland Clinic and supported by a group of drug companies, was conducted in response to a 2015 FDA mandate that required manufacturers of testosterone products to thoroughly investigate the risk of heart attack or stroke. Previous FDA reviews revealed that many men received low testosterone treatment without proper assessment of their hormone levels.

Dr. Nissen urges caution, emphasizing that testosterone therapy should not be misused by bodybuilders or athletes. There are significant concerns regarding the misuse of testosterone, and it is important to exercise prudence in its administration.

This report was made possible with support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group, and the content is the sole responsibility of the AP.

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More about testosterone replacement therapy

• [New England Journal of Medicine](link to the study)
• [Food and Drug Administration (FDA)](link to the FDA website)
• [Hypogonadism](link to a reputable source explaining hypogonadism)
• [Testosterone Replacement Therapy](link to a reputable source explaining testosterone replacement therapy)