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Combining Behavioral Endocrinology and Experimental Economics: Testosterone and Social Decision Making
Published on: March 2, 2011
Effectiveness of testosterone therapy in hypogonadal patients and its controversial adverse impact on the
Zelal Jaber Kharaba1, Manal Ali Buabeid2, Yaseen Abd Alfoteih3
1Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Al-Ain University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Abstract:
Testosterone is the major male hormone produced by testicles which are directly associated with man's appearance and secondary sexual developments. Androgen deficiency starts when the male hormonal level falls from its normal range though, in youngsters, the deficiency occurs due to disruption of the normal functioning of pituitary, hypothalamus glands, and testes. Thus, testosterone replacement therapy was already known for the treatment of androgen deficiency with lesser risks of producing cardiovascular problems. Since from previous years, the treatment threshold in the form of testosterone replacement therapy has effectively increased to that extent that it was prescribed for those conditions which it was considered as inappropriate. However, there are some research studies and clinical trials available that proposed the higher risk of inducing cardiovascular disease with the use of testosterone replacement therapy. Thus under the light of these results, the FDA has published the report of the increased risk of cardiovascular disease with the increased use of testosterone replacement therapy. Nevertheless, there is not a single trial available or designed that could evaluate the risk of cardiovascular events with the use of testosterone replacement therapy. As a result, the use of testosterone still questioned the cardiovascular safety of this replacement therapy. Thus, this literature outlines the distribution pattern of disease by investigating the data and link between serum testosterone level and the cardiovascular disease, also the prescription data of testosterone replacement therapy patients and their tendency of inducing cardiovascular disease, meta-analysis and the trials regarding testosterone replacement therapy and its connection with the risks of causing cardiovascular disease and lastly, the possible effects of testosterone replacement therapy on the cardiovascular system. This study aims to evaluate the available evidence regarding the use of testosterone replacement therapy when choosing it as a treatment plan for their patients.
Insights
Testosterone replacement therapy may increase cardiovascular disease risk, prompting further investigation into its safety. Current evidence is limited, necessitating careful consideration for patient treatment plans.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Testosterone is a key male hormone influencing secondary sexual development.
- Androgen deficiency can arise from testicular, pituitary, or hypothalamic dysfunction.
- Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is used for androgen deficiency but its cardiovascular safety is debated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the link between serum testosterone levels and cardiovascular disease (CVD).
- To analyze TRT prescription data and its association with cardiovascular events.
- To assess the overall evidence on TRT's cardiovascular safety.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of disease distribution patterns.
- Analysis of prescription data for TRT patients.
- Meta-analysis and review of clinical trials on TRT and CVD risk.
Main Results:
- Conflicting research exists regarding TRT and cardiovascular risks.
- The FDA has reported potential increased cardiovascular risks with TRT.
- There is a lack of dedicated trials evaluating cardiovascular events during TRT.
Conclusions:
- The cardiovascular safety of TRT remains uncertain.
- Further research is needed to clarify the risks associated with TRT.
- Evidence evaluation is crucial for informed TRT treatment decisions.
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