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Published in: Current Sexual Health Reports 4/2017

01-12-2017 | Medical Comorbidities (M Miner, S Parish and A Goldstein, Section Editors)

The Testosterone Trials: What the Results Mean for Healthcare Providers and for Science

Author: Abraham Morgentaler

Published in: Current Sexual Health Reports | Issue 4/2017

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

The purpose of this review was to assess the results of the Testosterone (T) Trials with regard to their clinical and scientific implications.

Recent Findings

The T Trials investigated 1 year of T gel versus placebo in 790 men 65 years and older with unequivocally low serum T concentrations (< 275 ng/dl). Safety monitoring was performed for an additional year. Primary results were improvement over placebo for sexual desire, sexual activity, erection quality, physical activity, and mood. Vitality improved with some instruments, but not all. Improvement was noted in bone density and anemia. Coronary CT provided mixed results—coronary calcium scores were unchanged whereas volume of non-calcified plaque increased more in the testosterone group. There were no worrisome safety concerns. Major adverse cardiovascular events over 2 years occurred in 9 testosterone-treated men and 16 placebo-treated men.

Summary

The T Trials provide high-level evidence of strong, broad benefits of T therapy, without substantive safety concerns.
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Metadata
Title
The Testosterone Trials: What the Results Mean for Healthcare Providers and for Science
Author
Abraham Morgentaler
Publication date
01-12-2017
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Current Sexual Health Reports / Issue 4/2017
Print ISSN: 1548-3584
Electronic ISSN: 1548-3592
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11930-017-0135-0

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