By Brad Palubicki,
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A large body of research indicates that testosterone
deficiency (aka hypogonadism or Low T) is associated with higher all-cause mortality
among men and a significant reduction in the overall quality of their lives.
Still, despite all this evidence, studies
(1-2) show that only 10 to 12
percent of men suffering from testosterone deficiency receive treatment.
This discrepancy can be partially explained by a common
misconception that testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) increases the risk of
cardiovascular disease. The whole controversy was created by a few studies suggesting
a negative impact of the hormone on heart health. Although these studies have
been widely disproven, many people still have a lot of reservations about the
procedure.
Most modern studies agree on the fact that testosterone therapy
is safe and effective for men with hypogonadism. Moreover, research indicates
that for testosterone deficient men, TRT leads to significant improvements in sexual
function and bone density, while also helping gain lean muscle mass and
lose fat (3-5).
Overall, testosterone replacement therapy provides a number
of health benefits that are essential to improving the quality of life and
longevity for men with low T. If you know that your testosterone levels are
below normal, professionally
administered TRT is likely to be your best treatment option.
References:
1. Hall SA,
Araujo AB, Esche GR, Williams RE, Clark RV, Travison TG, et al. Treatment of
symptomatic androgen deficiency: results from the Boston Area Community Health
Survey. Arch Intern Med. 2008 May 26;168:1070-6.
2. Mulligan T,
Frick MF, Zuraw QC, Stemhagen A, McWhirter C. Prevalence of hypogonadism in
males aged at least 45 years: the HIM study. Int J Clin Pract. 2006
Jul;60:762-9.
3. Isidori AM,
Giannetta E, Greco EA, Gianfrilli D, Bonifacio V, Isidori A, et al. Effects of
testosterone on body composition, bone metabolism and serum lipid profile in
middle-aged men: a meta-analysis. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 2005 Sep;63:280-93.
4. Saad F, Aversa
A, Isidori AM, Zafalon L, Zitzmann M, Gooren L. Onset of effects of
testosterone treatment and time span until maximum effects are achieved. Eur J
Endocrinol. 2011 Nov;165:675-85.
5. Corona G,
Giagulli VA, Maseroli E, Vignozzi L, Aversa A, Zitzmann M, et al. THERAPY OF
ENDOCRINE DISEASE: Testosterone supplementation and body composition: results
from a meta-analysis study. Eur J Endocrinol. 2015 Nov 4.
