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Testosterone therapy: The answer for aging men?
From MayoClinic.com, April 14, 2006
The possibilities are enticing ? increase your muscle mass, sharpen your memory and mental focus, boost your libido, and improve your energy level. If you're an aging man, this may sound like the ultimate anti-aging formula. But such health benefits from testosterone therapy aren't quite so clear-cut.
"We just can't predict all the potential harmful effects of taking hormones even though on the surface they may seem beneficial."
Todd Nippoldt, M.D.
Mayo Clinic Rochester
Testosterone therapy has been used successfully for years to treat men with abnormally low testosterone levels ? a medical condition called male hypogonadism. More recently, healthy, aging men have taken the hormone to boost waning testosterone levels. But not enough is known about the effects of testosterone therapy for this purpose. No long-term studies have weighed the potential benefits against the possible risks, including infertility and prostate problems.
Despite the lack of scientific evidence, testosterone therapy is growing in popularity. Pharmacies filled 2.4 million testosterone prescriptions in 2004 ? more than twice the number filled in 2000, according to IMS Health, a company that tracks pharmaceutical sales. Though the number appears to be growing, there are no data that track who's filling these prescriptions ? men or women ? and for what purpose.
At the core of the controversy is whether gradually declining testosterone levels are a natural phenomenon or a health problem. And the practical question for men and their doctors is whether to treat it, particularly in the absence of scientific evidence. Before you buy into the tempting claims, find out what's known ? and not known ? about testosterone therapy so that you can make the best decision for you and your long-term health.
The natural decline of testosterone
Starting around age 40, a man's body produces less testosterone. Testosterone is the main male hormone that maintains muscle mass and strength, fat distribution, bone mass, sperm production, sex drive, and potency.
Many call this progressive decline of hormones "male menopause" or "andropause" and equate it to women's menopause. But this isn't a valid comparison, says Todd Nippoldt, M.D., an endocrinologist at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. "In women, ovulation ceases and female hormone production plummets over a relatively short time frame," says Dr. Nippoldt. "In men, there's a gradual decline in the production of male hormones."
For most men, testosterone levels naturally decline but still remain within the normal range throughout their lifetimes, causing no significant problems. But about two in 10 men age 60 and older have testosterone levels below the normal range (testosterone deficiency).
Testosterone deficiency can have several effects on the body, including:
If you experience these signs or symptoms, you may have testosterone deficiency. Other medical conditions ? such as liver disease, hypothyroidism and depression ? can cause these effects as can certain medications, including beta blockers, painkillers and certain drugs for depression or anxiety. In addition, some healthy men encounter these changes as a part of the aging process, possibly because of declining hormones other than testosterone.
Talk to your doctor if you're experiencing these signs and symptoms. He or she can help determine the likely cause and suggest the best treatment plan, if any.
Potential benefits and risks
In men with testosterone deficiency, testosterone therapy can restore sexual function and muscle strength, prevent bone loss and protect against heart disease (atherosclerosis). Also, some men taking testosterone therapy report an increase in energy, sex drive and well-being.
Some anti-aging enthusiasts claim that increasing the level of testosterone in older and healthy men provides these same benefits. Though potentially beneficial for some of these men, testosterone therapy isn't risk-free. High doses of testosterone may result in sleep apnea, infertility and excess blood production, which could increase the risk of stroke.
Increasing testosterone levels may also pose problems for the prostate, a small male gland that produces most of the fluids in semen. Testosterone naturally stimulates the growth of the prostate. Long-term testosterone treatment could cause prostate gland enlargement. Also, doctors are concerned that testosterone therapy might fuel the growth of prostate cancer that is already present. This is especially worrisome since prostate cancer is common in older men, and many men may have prostate cancer that is undiagnosed.
In addition, scientists have linked testosterone therapy to breast cancer in men. Breast cancer, like prostate cancer, is a hormone-dependent cancer. Because long-term testosterone treatment could cause breast enlargement in men (gynecomastia), doctors are concerned that testosterone therapy might also fuel the growth of breast cancer that is already present.
All men, especially those with a family history of prostate or breast cancer, should discuss the potential benefits and risks of testosterone therapy with their doctors before beginning treatment.
To carefully weigh the potential pros and cons for you, consider the following:
Potential benefits
Learning from experience
Men aren't the only ones evaluating the benefits and risks of hormone therapy. For years, women have wrestled with the decision whether to take hormone therapy for the treatment of menopausal symptoms. They've had to assess the pros and cons based on the available scientific evidence. Dr. Nippoldt says that men should learn from women's experience.
"Early studies suggested that taking hormone therapy might protect postmenopausal women from heart disease. But a large, long-term study found just the opposite results," he says. "We learned from these studies that we just can't predict all the potential harmful effects of taking hormones even though on the surface they may seem beneficial."
Who should take testosterone therapy?
Testosterone therapy is clearly beneficial for men whose testicles fail to produce sufficient levels of testosterone (male hypogonadism). For this group of men, it can restore sexual function and muscle strength and prevent bone loss.
Few studies have evaluated possible benefits and risks of testosterone therapy for healthy aging men. And those that have been done provide conflicting results. Many questions remain unanswered, particularly the extent and the duration of the beneficial effects, which men might benefit, and the possible long-term risks.
In November 2003, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) reviewed the current evidence surrounding testosterone therapy and reported that this treatment is appropriate only for men who produce little or no testosterone. The IOM concluded that the long-term effects of supplemental testosterone on otherwise healthy men aren't known. And until more studies have been done, the institute recommends that testosterone therapy not be used to prevent or relieve the physical or psychological effects of aging.
Types of testosterone therapy
Several types of testosterone therapy exist. Choosing a specific therapy depends on your preference of a particular delivery system, the side effects and the cost. Types include:
Injection. Intramuscular testosterone injections (Delatestryl, Depo-Testosterone) are safe and effective. Injections are given approximately every two weeks. You may experience fluctuations in symptom relief between doses. You or a family member can learn to administer this method of testosterone replacement therapy at home. If you're uncomfortable administering injections, a nurse or doctor can give the injection.
Patch. A patch containing testosterone (Androderm) is applied each night to your back, abdomen, upper arm or thigh. The site of the application is rotated to maintain seven-day intervals between applications to the same site to lessen skin reactions.
Gel. You rub testosterone gel (AndroGel, Testim) into your skin on your lower abdomen, upper arm or shoulder. As the gel dries, your body absorbs testosterone through your skin. Gel application of testosterone replacement therapy appears to cause fewer skin reactions than patches cause. Avoid showering or bathing for several hours after an application to ensure adequate absorption. A potential side effect of the gel is the possibility of transferring the medication to your partner. You can avoid this by avoiding skin-to-skin contact until the gel is completely dry or by covering the area after an application.
Gum and cheek (buccal cavity). Striant, a small putty-like substance, delivers testosterone through the natural depression above your top teeth where your gum meets your upper lip (buccal cavity). This product rapidly adheres to your gumline and, as exposed to saliva, softens into a gel-like form, allowing testosterone to be absorbed directly into your bloodstream. Side effects may include gum irritation or pain, bitter taste or headache. A recent study found this form of testosterone therapy may deliver a steadier dose of testosterone throughout the day.
Oral. Taking testosterone orally (Android, Testred, Virilon) is not recommended for long-term replacement. Testosterone taken by this method may cause an unfavorable cholesterol profile and increase your risk of blood clots and heart and liver problems.
The debate continues
There's no question a man faces emotional and physical challenges as he gets older. Changes at home, at work and within his body all can affect a man's general health. If you're concerned that you might have a hormone deficiency, talk to your doctor. A decline in testosterone that falls below normal values may be a reason to take supplemental testosterone. But it remains unclear whether restoring the testosterone levels to those of youth benefits older men.
From MayoClinic.com, April 14, 2006
The possibilities are enticing ? increase your muscle mass, sharpen your memory and mental focus, boost your libido, and improve your energy level. If you're an aging man, this may sound like the ultimate anti-aging formula. But such health benefits from testosterone therapy aren't quite so clear-cut.
"We just can't predict all the potential harmful effects of taking hormones even though on the surface they may seem beneficial."
Todd Nippoldt, M.D.
Mayo Clinic Rochester
Testosterone therapy has been used successfully for years to treat men with abnormally low testosterone levels ? a medical condition called male hypogonadism. More recently, healthy, aging men have taken the hormone to boost waning testosterone levels. But not enough is known about the effects of testosterone therapy for this purpose. No long-term studies have weighed the potential benefits against the possible risks, including infertility and prostate problems.
Despite the lack of scientific evidence, testosterone therapy is growing in popularity. Pharmacies filled 2.4 million testosterone prescriptions in 2004 ? more than twice the number filled in 2000, according to IMS Health, a company that tracks pharmaceutical sales. Though the number appears to be growing, there are no data that track who's filling these prescriptions ? men or women ? and for what purpose.
At the core of the controversy is whether gradually declining testosterone levels are a natural phenomenon or a health problem. And the practical question for men and their doctors is whether to treat it, particularly in the absence of scientific evidence. Before you buy into the tempting claims, find out what's known ? and not known ? about testosterone therapy so that you can make the best decision for you and your long-term health.
The natural decline of testosterone
Starting around age 40, a man's body produces less testosterone. Testosterone is the main male hormone that maintains muscle mass and strength, fat distribution, bone mass, sperm production, sex drive, and potency.
Many call this progressive decline of hormones "male menopause" or "andropause" and equate it to women's menopause. But this isn't a valid comparison, says Todd Nippoldt, M.D., an endocrinologist at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. "In women, ovulation ceases and female hormone production plummets over a relatively short time frame," says Dr. Nippoldt. "In men, there's a gradual decline in the production of male hormones."
For most men, testosterone levels naturally decline but still remain within the normal range throughout their lifetimes, causing no significant problems. But about two in 10 men age 60 and older have testosterone levels below the normal range (testosterone deficiency).
Testosterone deficiency can have several effects on the body, including:
- Decreased energy
- Reduced muscle mass and strength
- Decreased cognitive function
- Less sexual interest or potency
- Depressed mood
If you experience these signs or symptoms, you may have testosterone deficiency. Other medical conditions ? such as liver disease, hypothyroidism and depression ? can cause these effects as can certain medications, including beta blockers, painkillers and certain drugs for depression or anxiety. In addition, some healthy men encounter these changes as a part of the aging process, possibly because of declining hormones other than testosterone.
Talk to your doctor if you're experiencing these signs and symptoms. He or she can help determine the likely cause and suggest the best treatment plan, if any.
Potential benefits and risks
In men with testosterone deficiency, testosterone therapy can restore sexual function and muscle strength, prevent bone loss and protect against heart disease (atherosclerosis). Also, some men taking testosterone therapy report an increase in energy, sex drive and well-being.
Some anti-aging enthusiasts claim that increasing the level of testosterone in older and healthy men provides these same benefits. Though potentially beneficial for some of these men, testosterone therapy isn't risk-free. High doses of testosterone may result in sleep apnea, infertility and excess blood production, which could increase the risk of stroke.
Increasing testosterone levels may also pose problems for the prostate, a small male gland that produces most of the fluids in semen. Testosterone naturally stimulates the growth of the prostate. Long-term testosterone treatment could cause prostate gland enlargement. Also, doctors are concerned that testosterone therapy might fuel the growth of prostate cancer that is already present. This is especially worrisome since prostate cancer is common in older men, and many men may have prostate cancer that is undiagnosed.
In addition, scientists have linked testosterone therapy to breast cancer in men. Breast cancer, like prostate cancer, is a hormone-dependent cancer. Because long-term testosterone treatment could cause breast enlargement in men (gynecomastia), doctors are concerned that testosterone therapy might also fuel the growth of breast cancer that is already present.
All men, especially those with a family history of prostate or breast cancer, should discuss the potential benefits and risks of testosterone therapy with their doctors before beginning treatment.
To carefully weigh the potential pros and cons for you, consider the following:
Potential benefits
- Improve muscle mass and strength
- Increase bone mineral density
- Thicken body hair and skin
- Improve sexual desire
- Boost energy
- Decrease irritability and depression
- Improve cognitive function
- Cause skin reactions
- Cause fluid retention
- Cause baldness
- Cause or aggravate sleep apnea (brief, repeated cessation of breathing during sleep)
- Stimulate noncancerous (benign) growth of the prostate and cause or worsen urinary symptoms
- Stimulate growth of prostate cancer that's already present
- Enlarge breasts (gynecomastia)
- Stimulate growth of breast cancer that's already present
- Cause testicle shrinkage (testicular atrophy)
- Limit sperm production (infertility)
- Stimulate excess blood production (polycythemia)
- Cause acne
Learning from experience
Men aren't the only ones evaluating the benefits and risks of hormone therapy. For years, women have wrestled with the decision whether to take hormone therapy for the treatment of menopausal symptoms. They've had to assess the pros and cons based on the available scientific evidence. Dr. Nippoldt says that men should learn from women's experience.
"Early studies suggested that taking hormone therapy might protect postmenopausal women from heart disease. But a large, long-term study found just the opposite results," he says. "We learned from these studies that we just can't predict all the potential harmful effects of taking hormones even though on the surface they may seem beneficial."
Who should take testosterone therapy?
Testosterone therapy is clearly beneficial for men whose testicles fail to produce sufficient levels of testosterone (male hypogonadism). For this group of men, it can restore sexual function and muscle strength and prevent bone loss.
Few studies have evaluated possible benefits and risks of testosterone therapy for healthy aging men. And those that have been done provide conflicting results. Many questions remain unanswered, particularly the extent and the duration of the beneficial effects, which men might benefit, and the possible long-term risks.
In November 2003, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) reviewed the current evidence surrounding testosterone therapy and reported that this treatment is appropriate only for men who produce little or no testosterone. The IOM concluded that the long-term effects of supplemental testosterone on otherwise healthy men aren't known. And until more studies have been done, the institute recommends that testosterone therapy not be used to prevent or relieve the physical or psychological effects of aging.
Types of testosterone therapy
Several types of testosterone therapy exist. Choosing a specific therapy depends on your preference of a particular delivery system, the side effects and the cost. Types include:
Injection. Intramuscular testosterone injections (Delatestryl, Depo-Testosterone) are safe and effective. Injections are given approximately every two weeks. You may experience fluctuations in symptom relief between doses. You or a family member can learn to administer this method of testosterone replacement therapy at home. If you're uncomfortable administering injections, a nurse or doctor can give the injection.
Patch. A patch containing testosterone (Androderm) is applied each night to your back, abdomen, upper arm or thigh. The site of the application is rotated to maintain seven-day intervals between applications to the same site to lessen skin reactions.
Gel. You rub testosterone gel (AndroGel, Testim) into your skin on your lower abdomen, upper arm or shoulder. As the gel dries, your body absorbs testosterone through your skin. Gel application of testosterone replacement therapy appears to cause fewer skin reactions than patches cause. Avoid showering or bathing for several hours after an application to ensure adequate absorption. A potential side effect of the gel is the possibility of transferring the medication to your partner. You can avoid this by avoiding skin-to-skin contact until the gel is completely dry or by covering the area after an application.
Gum and cheek (buccal cavity). Striant, a small putty-like substance, delivers testosterone through the natural depression above your top teeth where your gum meets your upper lip (buccal cavity). This product rapidly adheres to your gumline and, as exposed to saliva, softens into a gel-like form, allowing testosterone to be absorbed directly into your bloodstream. Side effects may include gum irritation or pain, bitter taste or headache. A recent study found this form of testosterone therapy may deliver a steadier dose of testosterone throughout the day.
Oral. Taking testosterone orally (Android, Testred, Virilon) is not recommended for long-term replacement. Testosterone taken by this method may cause an unfavorable cholesterol profile and increase your risk of blood clots and heart and liver problems.
The debate continues
There's no question a man faces emotional and physical challenges as he gets older. Changes at home, at work and within his body all can affect a man's general health. If you're concerned that you might have a hormone deficiency, talk to your doctor. A decline in testosterone that falls below normal values may be a reason to take supplemental testosterone. But it remains unclear whether restoring the testosterone levels to those of youth benefits older men.
