Another Analysis Shows No Cardiovascular Risks With Testosterone Therapy

Testosterone therapy has been around for a long time – since 1939, to be exact.

Men (mainly) have been using this therapy to treat hormonal issues such as low testosterone or hypogonadism and illegally for sports and weightlifting.

Throughout the decades, there has been concern over cardiovascular (CV) risks associated with testosterone use, even when used safely and correctly to treat low testosterone under the supervision of a doctor. Studies have shown this is not the case, yet another analysis shows the same conclusion.

No Evidence of Short- to Medium-Term CV Risk

A systematic review and meta-analysis published in The Lancet Healthy Longevity journal showed no evidence of short- to medium-term CV risk associated with testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) during treatment for hypogonadism.

This review and meta-analysis are not just one study conducted on its own but a review and deep search in publication databases of all the studies related to testosterone therapy and cardiovascular issues.

Scientists from the University of Aberdeen (United Kingdom) underwent a thorough search for randomized controlled trials involving patients who had an initial testosterone level of 12 nmol/L or less or who were on testosterone therapy for at least 3 months.

The scientists found 35 studies that fit this criterion.

In these randomized and controlled trials, some patients were assigned testosterone injections (a total of 1,724 patients) or a placebo (1,656 patients).

Since the studies all had the patients on testosterone therapy for a range of time frames, the average was taken at 9.5 months.

Not surprisingly, the treatment increased testosterone levels, free testosterone, hemoglobin, and hematocrit. Unfortunately, 14 of the 35 studies did report mortality data with the causes of death, including aortic aneurysm and myocardial infarction, as well as undetermined. However, the mortality risks did not differ between testosterone and placebo patients.

No Evidence of Increased Morality or Cardiovascular Risk

Once all of the data was combined, no evidence was found showing any increased risk of mortality or cardiovascular or cerebrovascular risk. In addition, there was no evidence showing an association between testosterone use and diabetes, prostate cancer, or high blood pressure.

One limitation of this analysis was that there was hardly any long-term data. Therefore, we can only base this information on short-term and medium-term lengths of time.

The study investigators stated, “...the current results provide some reassurance about the short-term to medium-term safety of testosterone to treat male hypogonadism.” Obviously, more studies should be conducted on the safety of TRT.

Still, suppose a man or even a woman is experiencing low testosterone to the point where it’s affecting their quality of life. In that case, it’s OK to consider the risk-to-benefit ratio of trying hormone therapy.

Low testosterone can really cause problems in a man’s life, including causing depression and anxiety that can be life-threatening. Testosterone is one of those hormones that are essential for a man’s health.

It’s best to take it seriously and consider what life is like if there is no intervention.

Our clinic provides high-quality hormone treatment with proper safety protocols and consistent doctor-patient consultation to ensure protocols are being followed. It’s the only way to treat hypogonadism effectively.

Reference

Renal & Urology News

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