Home > News

FRIDAY, April 2 (HealthDayNews) -- Men considering testosterone therapy need to be aware of potential effects the treatment may have on physical and mental health.

By age 60, about one in five men have testosterone levels that are much lower than the norm, according to the April issue of the Harvard Heart Letter. Lower levels of testosterone may help protect men against prostate cancer or other testosterone-related diseases. But lower testosterone levels may also lead to lack of energy, weaker bones, a decline in muscle and a decreased rate of fat metabolism.

Millions of men with reduced testosterone levels use testosterone therapy to restore their vitality and slow down the aging process. But there are many unanswered questions about the effects of testosterone therapy, according to the Harvard Heart Letter.

While some studies suggest testosterone benefits men's hearts because it lowers blood pressure, decreases the risk of diabetes and increases levels of HDL (good) cholesterol, other studies suggest testosterone may lead to the early appearance of heart disease.

The editors of the Harvard Heart Letter advise that men regard testosterone therapy as an experimental treatment until there is more available information about its effects. Patients need to be aware about the potential benefits and harm from testosterone therapy.

Men who aren't on testosterone therapy should not start unless they're advised to do so by their doctor. Men who are taking testosterone should keep close track of their body's response and have routine medical check-ups.

More information

The Endocrine Society and The Hormone Foundation offer more information about testosterone.

(SOURCE: Harvard Heart Letter, news release, April 2004)

Copyright © 2004 ScoutNews, LLC. All rights reserved.