MYTHS AND CONTROVERSIES IN HYPOGONADISM TREATMENT OF AGING MALES

Authors

  • Maria-Christina UNGUREANU University of Medicine and Pharmacy”Grigore T. Popa”- Iasi
  • Irina-Iuliana COSTACHE University of Medicine and Pharmacy”Grigore T. Popa”- Iasi
  • Cristina PREDA University of Medicine and Pharmacy”Grigore T. Popa”- Iasi
  • Voichita MOGOS University of Medicine and Pharmacy”Grigore T. Popa”- Iasi
  • Carmen VULPOI University of Medicine and Pharmacy”Grigore T. Popa”- Iasi
  • Letitia LEUSTEAN University of Medicine and Pharmacy”Grigore T. Popa”- Iasi

Abstract

Low T is an independent risk factor for metabolic syndrome (MetS) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) development; patients with these clinical conditions should be screened for hypogonadism. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) ameliorates libido, improves bone mass, improves insulin resistance, reduces fat mass and increases lean body mass with no change in body weight. There are no evidences that testosterone therapy increases the risk of prostate cancer but it is certain that testosterone stimulates growth of metastatic prostate cancer. TRT has an antiarrhythmic and a vasodilator effect, independent of the nitric oxide effect. Patients with heart failure have low levels of testosterone, and TRT improves exercise capacity. Men with low testosterone have risk for premature death. Cardiovascular adverse effects of testosterone therapy are under discussion. We need large prospective placebo-controlled randomized trials to determine definitively the cardiovascular risks of TRT.

Author Biographies

  • Maria-Christina UNGUREANU, University of Medicine and Pharmacy”Grigore T. Popa”- Iasi

    Faculty of Medicine
    Department of Medical Specialties (II)

  • Irina-Iuliana COSTACHE, University of Medicine and Pharmacy”Grigore T. Popa”- Iasi

    Faculty of Medicine
    Department of Medical Specialties (I)

  • Cristina PREDA, University of Medicine and Pharmacy”Grigore T. Popa”- Iasi

    Faculty of Medicine
    Department of Medical Specialties (II)

  • Voichita MOGOS, University of Medicine and Pharmacy”Grigore T. Popa”- Iasi

    Faculty of Medicine
    Department of Medical Specialties (II)

  • Carmen VULPOI, University of Medicine and Pharmacy”Grigore T. Popa”- Iasi

    Faculty of Medicine
    Department of Medical Specialties (II)

  • Letitia LEUSTEAN, University of Medicine and Pharmacy”Grigore T. Popa”- Iasi

    Faculty of Medicine
    Department of Medical Specialties (II)

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Additional Files

Published

2015-06-30

Issue

Vol. 119 No. 2 (2015): The Medical-Surgical Journal

Section

INTERNAL MEDICINE - PEDIATRICS

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