In patients with established cardiovascular disease or those with increased cardiovascular risk factors, including the risk of CVD, the benefits of TRT should be weighed against the risks of replacement. Over the past few years, the FDA has concluded that there is no evidence that there is a significant cardiovascular risk in any particular group of people treated with TRT. However, more studies are needed to elucidate the risks of TRT in patients with significant cardiovascular risk factors and in those with a history of cardiovascular events. Both the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the American Society of Endocrinology recommend avoiding TRT in men with poorly controlled heart failure (HF), recent myocardial infarction (MI), revascularization and stroke in the past six months.
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is a widely used treatment for men with symptomatic hypogonadism. The benefits of TRT, such as increased libido and energy level, beneficial effects on bone density, strength and muscles, and cardioprotective effects, are well documented. TRT is contraindicated in men with untreated prostate and breast cancer. Men treated with TRT should be monitored for side effects such as polycythemia, peripheral oedema and heart and liver dysfunction.
The new study aims to better understand the effects of testosterone on cardiovascular risks, explains the study's lead author, Dr. With exogenous testosterone supplementation, the pulsatile release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone is reduced and the release of follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone is reduced. This study did not evaluate over-the-counter dietary supplements that contain testosterone and that are not regulated like medications. However, prospective, randomized controlled trials are still needed to follow patients for at least one year or more, including patients with a valid diagnosis of hypogonadism, using two standardized testosterone samples taken first thing in the morning.
And more than half (more than 61% of the men in each group) stopped taking the medication before the study was completed. The purpose of this review is to highlight the risks and summarize the current literature on TRT safety. Bhasin said that because the symptoms are not life-threatening and are usually interpreted as normal signs of aging, testosterone levels are not controlled during regular blood draws. Nissen emphasizes that all participants had pre-existing cardiovascular disease or were at high risk of suffering from it, as well as symptoms of hypogonadism, a medical term for the lack of sufficient testosterone production.
Any change in dose or route of administration should be followed up after 2 to 3 months to check for symptomatic improvement and measurement of testosterone levels. Testosterone usually comes in the form of a transdermal patch, gel, foam, ointment, adhesive for the oral mucosa, injection, and implantable granules.
Testosterone replacement therapy
(TRT) is a reasonable treatment option that is often tested for men with low testosterone levels and symptoms of hypogonadism. In addition, prostatic specific antigen (PSA) levels and hematocrit levels should be monitored, together with testosterone levels, setting target levels (depending on the formulation used).However, clinical trials on testosterone point to moderate or even imperceptible relief from symptoms or benefits of testosterone replacement therapy. According to that study, a quarter of those men never had blood tests to determine if there was any real medical reason for the therapy. The study authors conclude that the findings support current guidelines that testosterone should be used with caution in men who have had a previous episode of blood clots. Ideally, patients who have started treatment with TRT should be followed up after 6 to 8 weeks to repeat serum testosterone levels and adjust the dose by consequence.
