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Potential adverse effects of long-term testosterone therapy
1Institute of Reproductive Medicine of the University, Münster, Germany.
Bailliere'S Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
|May 20, 1999
Summary
Exogenous testosterone rarely causes side effects, but can suppress natural hormone production and reduce testicular volume. Key concerns include prostate health and cardiovascular effects, though direct cancer causation is unproven.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Androgen Biology
Background:
- Exogenous testosterone administration can suppress the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis.
- Potential adverse effects of testosterone therapy primarily concern the prostate and cardiovascular system.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the safety profile of testosterone and its esters.
- To evaluate the impact of exogenous androgens on reproductive function and other physiological systems.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on testosterone and its esters.
- Analysis of negative feedback mechanisms on hormone production.
- Assessment of effects on prostate, cardiovascular system, and behavior.
Main Results:
- Supraphysiological doses of testosterone rarely cause direct side effects.
- Exogenous testosterone suppresses lutenizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone, reducing sperm production and testicular volume.
- Androgens play a permissive role in prostate conditions, but do not cause cancer progression.
Conclusions:
- Testosterone therapy has a generally favorable safety profile regarding direct side effects.
- Monitoring of prostate and cardiovascular health is recommended during testosterone treatment.
- Further research is needed to clarify the clinical relevance of testosterone's effects on lipid metabolism and behavior.