Four studies point to the dangers of testosterone in older men. Indeed, taking a supplement based on this hormone would promote the heart risk and a 20% increase in plaques in the arteries. The four clinical trials were published in the medical journal Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), and confirm the concerns of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency.
The one-year study assessed the health of 788 participants whose testosterone levels were below normal.
Beneficial effects, but cardiovascular risks
The researchers observed that treatment with a testosterone gel resulted in improvements in bone density, bone health and blood iron content in participants with unexplained anemia. On the other hand, this hormone was not effective on problems with memory or cognition.
While these benefits can be noted, the researchers found that treatment with testosterone promoted heart risks. Indeed, they found greater cardiovascular disorders and a 20% increase in plaque in the arteries.
Responding to these findings, Dr Eric Orwoll, professor of medicine at the Oregon University of Health and Sciences in the United States, said that “at this stage clinicians and their patients should remain aware that the cardiovascular risks and the benefits of treatment for increasing testosterone have not been adequately measured “.
Dr Thomas Gill, of the Humana Foundation, professor of medicine who is the main author of this work recalls that “the strongest indications of the effectiveness of a therapy with testosterone concern sexual function“.
The Effects of Testosterone Gel on Health Outcomes https://t.co/jLxIwMCkgl
– JAMA (@JAMA_current) February 23, 2017
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