Is Testosterone Replacement Therapy in Older Men Effective and Safe?
Andriy Yabluchanskiy1, Panayiotis D Tsitouras2
1Donald W. Reynolds Department of Geriatric Medicine, The University of Oklahoma, Health Sciences Center, 1122 NE 13th St., ORB1200, Oklahoma City, OK, 73117, USA.
Drugs & Aging
|October 10, 2019
Summary
Testosterone replacement therapy is increasingly used in older men, but its benefits and risks remain unclear. This review examines potential advantages and complications for men over 60.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Endocrinology
- Public Health
Background:
- The US population aged over 65 will exceed 100 million by 2050, with aging linked to frailty and adverse health outcomes.
- Sex hormone restoration, particularly testosterone, is of growing interest for improving health in older men.
- Androgen prescription rates and sales have surged, with many older men receiving testosterone without a hypogonadism diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the potential benefits of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in men over 60.
- To discuss the potential complications associated with TRT in this demographic.
- To clarify the unclear effects and consequences of TRT in older men.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing clinical trials and data.
- Analysis of trends in androgen prescription rates and sales.
- Examination of the association between testosterone levels and mortality risk.
Main Results:
- Testosterone prescription rates in men over 60 quadrupled between 2001 and 2011.
- Testosterone sales increased significantly, yet many recipients lacked laboratory confirmation of hypogonadism.
- Some studies suggest a link between testosterone insufficiency and increased mortality risk in older men.
Conclusions:
- The precise effects and consequences of TRT in older men are not well-established.
- Further research is needed to determine the safety and efficacy of TRT for this population.
- Understanding the benefits and risks is crucial given the increasing use of TRT in aging men.
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