Is Testosterone Replacement Safe?

You may have heard about the benfits of testosterone therapy for men and women:

• Improved sex drive
• Improved sexual function
• Improved energy
• Better mood
• Greater drive
• Enhanced focus and concentration
• Reduced body fat
• Increased lean mass
• Improved bone density

Despite this long list of health improvements, the safety of testosterone has been questioned by two recent studies. These studies suggest that testosterone use increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. The media frenzy caused by these studies even lead the FDA to announce plans to review the cardiovascular safety of testosterone use.

A recent meta-analysis by Abraham Morgentaler, et al is an excellent review of the vast amount of studies on testosterone from 1940 until present. His careful review reveals scientific evidence that demonstrates testosterone indeed has a beneficial effect on cardiovascular risk and mortality.

Low testosterone is associated with an increased risk of death, atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, and worsens obesity and insulin resistance. On the other hand, testosterone therapy reduces risk of death, reduces cardiovascular disease, improves lean mass/muscle, reduces fat, and improves insulin resistance/decreases the risk of diabetes.

He goes on to show that the two studies published in JAMA and PLoS  had statistical and methodological problems. The JAMA study actually revealed a lower percentage of adverse in testosterone users. These results are great news for those that are suffering from testosterone deficiency.

In terms of safety issues, testosterone use can elevate estrogen levels and blood count levels, so these levels should be monitored. An elevated estrogen level and an elevated blood count can make blood more viscous and increase the risk of a blood clot. If you have a family history of clot or a personal history of a blood clot, you will need to be tested for the presence of hereditary clotting factors before you start testosterone therapy.