Advertisements claim testosterone supplements can improve libido and energy levels for aging men. While it is true that testosterone levels drop as part of the normal aging process, the need for supplements is not clear. Experts are not even sure if the normal testosterone drop is good or bad. In addition, normal levels are difficult to determine because testosterone is different during stress, exercise, and time of day.
A recent study in the Journal of the American Medical Association , reports that oral testosterone supplementation does not improve muscle strength, overall physical ability, intellectual function, bone mineral density, or quality of life in healthy men aged 60-80 years.
The researchers studied the effects of testosterone therapy in a trial of 237 healthy men aged 60-80 years. The men were divided into two groups. One group received testosterone undecenoate 80 mg tablets, while the second group received a placebo (fake pill). Both groups took their pill twice daily for six months.
The men underwent many tests to determine the effect of the medication:
Testosterone therapy is definitely recommended for patients with congenital or acquired primary hypogonadism (the testicles fail to produce testosterone). This study was specifically looking for effects of testosterone therapy in healthy men with low but still active testosterone production.
There are many studies with contradictory results regarding quality of life and safety of testosterone supplementation in healthy men. Those that discourage testosterone use in healthy men are concerned over the effect on prostate and prostate cancer which has not been studied enough. While this study revealed no prostate problems from testosterone, the participants did have some worsening of risk factors for heart disease including worsened cholesterol profiles and increased blood pressure. This study reinforces the importance of checking with your doctor before taking any medication or supplement.
RESOURCES:
The Endocrine Society
http://www.endo-society.org/
US Pharmacist
http://www.uspharmacist.com
References:
Emmelot-Vonk MH, Verhaar HJ, Nakhai Pour HR, et al. Effect of testosterone supplementation on functional mobility, cognition, and other parameters in older men: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA . 2008;299:39-52.
Last reviewed February 2008 by Larissa J. Lucas, MD
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